Heavy Equipment Operator I

JOB TITLE: HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I

STREETS AND DRAINS DIVISION

ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under regular supervision, operates heavy equipment in support of daily operations of the Streets and Drains Division. Operates backhoes, skidsteers, rollers, motor graders, excavators, trench compactors, asphalt pavers, street saws, concrete milling machines, sewer jetters and vacuums, bucket trucks, dump trucks, loaders, and tractors. Transports materials and heavy equipment to and from job sites. Performs basic maintenance on all department owned equipment. Sets up traffic control for projects. On call after hours. Performs related work as required. Reports to the Foreman, Streets and Drains.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs daily start-up and shut-down procedures.

Inspects, cleans and maintains assigned vehicles, equipment and tools; reports any defects to the Foreman.

Completes and submits daily records and reports as required. Reports reported complaints.

Assists in providing instruction to co-workers.

Assists in maintaining a safe and neat work environment.

Performs all duties in accordance with all City policies and procedures, standards of quality and safety, and all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Refers to policy and procedure manuals, safety manual, equipment manuals, maps, etc.

Attends staff and safety meetings.

Uses hand tools, safety gear, vehicle maintenance supplies.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists other divisions and departments with vehicle operations as assigned.

Runs the mulching operation for landscape areas, around City buildings, City parks, etc.

Maintains grass along the shoulders of road for Palmetto Bike Trail; maintains grass for soccer fields.

Assists with irrigation and landscape installations. Assists with aeration for turf.

Assists with Air Spade excavation as needed.

Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent, plus two to three years of heavy equipment operations or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must possess a valid state CDL driver’s license.

Required certifications: Class A CDL, confined space entry, trenching and shoring, Work Zone, OSHA 10 hr Construction certificate, first aid and CPR.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Tasks involve the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (up to 60 pounds).

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communications: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisor.

Language Ability: Requires ability to read a variety of policy and procedure manuals, equipment manuals, work orders, maps, etc. Requires the ability to prepare simple reports, records, forms, etc., with proper format. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagrammatic form; to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in or from standardized situations. Requires the ability to learn and understand principles and techniques; to make routine independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow verbal and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with co-workers and the public.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, and to determine time. Requires the ability to make required calculations for numerous liquids, angles, etc.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using specialized machinery; to operate heavy trucks.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, tools, etc. Must have significant levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination and Visual Acuity: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a moderate degree.

Physical Communications: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job: Has knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Property Maintenance Division of the Public Services Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Heavy Equipment Operator I. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information. Is able to safely and skillfully operate heavy trucks, tractors, tractors with flails, boom axes, backhoes, chippers, mowers, etc. to pick up and perform job requirements. Has knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions; is able to work effectively despite occasional exposure to extreme weather and temperatures, wetness/humidity, machinery hazards, traffic hazards, dust, fumes, above-average noise, odors, smoke, vibrations, animals/wildlife, disease/pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals, etc. Has the ability to offer assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Is able to follow oral and written instructions. Is able to prepare simple records with accuracy and in a timely manner. Has knowledge of the terminology used within the department. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Knows how to maintain a good image for the City.

Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Quantity of Work: Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance: Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally.

Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to establish and maintain good will. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.

Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards. Ensures such standards are not violated.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.