Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator I - Streets

The Equipment Operator I - Streets is the entry level in the Equipment Operator classification series performing routine equipment operations work. Incumbents in this class work under close supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Employees routinely assist other staff in performing work of greater complexity in preparation for advancement to the intermediate level of Equipment Operator II.

Classes in this series provide skilled craft work in the safe and efficient operation of light equipment, hand and power tools, maintenance, and repair for a variety of assignments in all fields of public works equipment operator projects in compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and City ordinances. This class is distinguished from the Equipment Operator II class, which performs highly complex equipment operations work with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

Equipment Operations & Field Maintenance

• Machinery Operation: Operates trucks and construction or power equipment such as mechanized broom sweepers, side arm mowers, backhoes, man-lifts, dump trucks, road graders, front-end loaders, jet vacuum trucks, jackhammers, mowers, brush chippers, and other small equipment and tools to maintain a variety of street, utility, and other systems for assigned areas of work.
• Logistics Support: Transports and unloads various equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Preventative Service: Operates, washes, services, and makes minor adjustments and repairs to assigned equipment.
• Defect Reporting: Reports the need for equipment maintenance or repair directly to assigned supervisors.

Safety, Compliance & Training

• Operational Monitoring: Monitors daily operations to ensure health and safety requirements are actively met.
• Regulatory Alignment: Strict adherence to appropriate departmental, National, and City safety standards.
• Skills Development: Participates in safety-related training, including confined space, trench working conditions, and the safe handling of hazardous materials.
• Seasonal Operations: Actively participates in required seasonal public works activities, including winter snow removal operations.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Technical Frameworks: Knowledge of the principles and techniques of equipment operation requirements, alongside applicable National codes and City ordinances for assigned areas of work.
• Logistical Transport: Knowledge of transportation procedures pertaining to the safe operation and transport of heavy public works equipment.
• Safety Protocols: Knowledge of the handling of hazardous materials and other critical safety standards.
• Digital Tools: Knowledge of applicable computer technology and software programs used in daily assignments.
• Code Compliance: Skill in the use of assigned equipment for areas of work to ensure strict compliance with applicable rules, regulations, standards, and codes.
• Tool Handling: Ability to perform basic operation of machines and tools and their standard usage within maintenance functions.
• Legal Interpretation: Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations governing municipal equipment operator requirements.
• Professional Relations: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, colleagues, developers, contractors, and the general public.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Experience: One (1) year of professional experience in the operation of light power and medium duty motor equipment for an assigned area of work.
• Licensure: Possession of a valid Class A, Class B, or equivalent Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with mandatory endorsements.

Special Qualifications

• CDL Mandate: Maintenance of a CDL may be required immediately upon appointment for specific assigned operational areas (such as dump trucks, street sweepers, and comparable large equipment).

Employment Conditions

Physical/Mental Demands:

• Situational Judgement: Incumbents are required to exercise a reasonable degree of judgment within established procedures to adjust safely to various real-world situations, such as traffic, shifting road conditions, utility lines, and adverse weather conditions.

Work Environment:

• Mixed Environment: Work is performed in an office environment with frequent field trips to locations throughout the city for various reasons associated with assignments.
• Non-Conventional Hours: Meeting or project requirements may require working flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.