Heavy Equipment Operator

Entry-Level Heavy Equipment OperatorThis is an entry-level position in its classification. Operates heavy equipment and off-road complex specialty machines such as yard tractors, farm tractors, bulldozers, compactors, excavators or wheel loaders, waste compactors & dozers at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering, loading and/or compacting waste or soil in an efficient, safe and effective manner. Work is performed under regular supervision and is carried out in accordance with standardized equipment operation practice and general work instruction. Direction is given through oral and written communications.Key Responsibilities and Performance StandardsSafely and efficiently performs heavy equipment/specialized machine operation in order to maintain and construct a landfill by using equipment to push trash; maintaining the appropriate grade and compaction levels; hauling dirt; loading truck with excavator; driving truck to work site; combining trash and dirt in order to grade.Cleans and inspects all types of heavy equipment/machine in an effort to increase life expectancy and improve reliability. Continuously monitor the condition of the equipment to ensure it is operationally ready at all times to minimize down time; clean tracks or wheels on equipment, as needed.Inspects equipment/machine for proper operating condition and loose or worn parts, maintain basic fluid levels on assigned equipment. Perform and document minor service on equipment, referring more complicated mechanical issues to Maintenance Shop for repair. Reports defects or damage to equipment to the appropriate authorityDrives large tractor-trailer rigs and low-boys to transport solid waste between transfer stations and the landfill or to move construction equipment to and from job sites; positions vehicle to allow for the most efficient and effective loading or unloading of equipment and materials; and secures all doors, gates, and fasteners to prevent spillage or loss of loadUtilizes safety equipment and wears protective gear: monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; monitors traffic conditions surrounding trucks and equipment to identify obstructions, pedestrians, or unsafe traffic conditions; flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs and cones around project and work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public; and reports any incidents, accidents, problems, or unusual situations.Communicates with supervisor, coworkers, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems: communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; provides information and assistance; takes and relays messages or directs calls to appropriate personnel; and returns as necessary.Provides coverage during special events and activities as needed: responds to emergency and disaster situations as needed; provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:Types of equipment, percentages of equipment use, and areas of assignment may vary.Perform pre- and post- operation inspection of the equipment in accordance with department policy. Safely and efficiently operate equipment that may include: forklifts, excavators, bulldozers, front loaders, articulating trucks, compactors, graders, scrapers, skid steers, and other equipment using proper safety standards.Continuously monitor the condition of the equipment to ensure it is operationally ready at all times to minimize down time; clean tracks or wheels on equipment, as needed.Perform and document minor service on equipment, referring more complicated issues to management for maintenance shop to repair.Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operation, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.Education: High school diploma or GEDExperience: No experience required. Familiarity and understanding of operating equipment in the construction, repair, and/or maintenance of public infrastructure or a related field. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Preferred:Equipment safety precautions and procedures;Landscaping methods and procedures;Traffic safety and control procedures;Grading techniques;Erosion control measures and principles;Road maintenance and repair procedures;Emergency repair techniques.Utilizing hand tools;Performing preventative maintenance;Using two-way radio and other communication equipment;Operating heavy equipment;Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.Licensing:Possess a valid state operator/driver's license for the type vehicle operated with good driving history.Operator of heavy equipment such as dozer, excavator, landfill compactor, and off-road trucks does not require valid Driver's License. AUGUSTA , Ga.