Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Under the direction of the Crew Leader, Utility Mechanic II, and/or Supervisor III, performs skilled work in the operation of heavy automotive equipment and/or complex highway construction and maintenance equipment. The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for performing work efficiently, effectively and without damage to equipment and/or property. Employee is also responsible for rotating among the various pieces of equipment as the workload changes or may be permanently assigned to a specific piece of equipment.

Essential Job Functions:

• Operates backhoe, excavator, skid steer, vacuum equipment, directional boring machine, and other heavy pieces of equipment.
• Drives heavy trucks with trailers.
• Performs excavation and grading work on roads and other work as assigned.
• The majority of position duties are required to be performed on-site.
• Performs preventive maintenance checks and services on temporary or permanently assigned equipment.
• When not actively operating equipment, assists Maintenance Worker III, Utility Mechanic II, Supervisor II, and maintenance personnel with utility preventative maintenance and construction projects.
• May be required to work a standby rotation or during a declared/undeclared emergency.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the operation of heavy pieces of equipment used in heavy construction, earth moving, demolitions and the like.
• Knowledge of Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) and safety rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of trench and excavation safety.
• Knowledge of the techniques and practices applied to the operation of heavy pieces of equipment to avoid accidents under varied work environments.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform the job tasks in an efficient manner under unfavorable conditions.

Education and Experience:

Qualifications: High school diploma or GED with three (3) years of experience in operation of heavy equipment used in the trade; two (2) years of experience in the vocation; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Special Qualifications: Must possess a valid state of Florida Class "A" CDL driver's license with Tanker Endorsement at time of employment. Required to be certified in Intermediate Maintenance of Traffic (MOT), Work Zone Safety, and Trenching/Shoring.

Physical Demands:

The work is generally heavy and may require exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and in excess of 50 pounds frequently to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces.
• Climbing: Ability to frequently ascend / descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, and ramps using feet and legs and/or hands and arms.
• Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Dexterity: Primarily with fingers, as in picking, pinching, or typing.
• Grasping: Applying pressure with the whole hand.
• Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand
• Hearing: Ability to hear and understand at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Lifting: Ability to lift and move objects.
• Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions.
• Pulling / Pushing: Ability to occasionally move objects up to 100 pounds.
• Reaching: Ability to frequently extend hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Standing: Ability to stand for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Talking: Speaking / Talking: Ability to communicate clearly, accurately and concisely through speech.
• Visual Acuity: Ability to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading, operating motor vehicles; including color, depth perception, and field vision.
• Walking: Ability to move on foot for long distances to accomplish tasks and move from one work site to another.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily out-of-doors with exposure to the elements including but not limited to heat, cold, and wet conditions. Additionally the environment is a dynamic environment that requires the ability to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

Florida Department of Children and Families