HORTICULTURE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Under the close supervision of assigned supervisor, the employee performs basic equipment operation needed to accomplish the objectives and functions of the assigned City department. Employees in this position do not require a high degree of manipulative skill or previous work experience, in order to do an effective job. Employee operates light equipment and provides manual labor for the completion of projects. In most instances, employees in this position are under close supervision so there is little opportunity to make mistakes of any consequence. Employee receives specific detailed instructions from supervisor. Work is performed under established procedures with frequent inspections during progress with a final inspection of completed work. Assignments that are repetitive in nature, once learned, may be carried out under normal supervision. Employee performs routine maintenance inspections on assigned equipment, notifies supervisor of equipment failures, and may assist with repairs. Employee also performs other routine manual labor as assigned. This is an entry-level operator position. This job is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment background check and random drug screens. This job description is written generically in order to meet the requirements for several City departments. Duties listed are inclusive of multiple departments and may not apply solely to a specific department or division. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Equipment Operation. Utilizes power equipment and hand tools to accomplish assigned tasks. Performs minor repairs on equipment. Drives and operates light equipment for the Department, including tractors, mowers, and light dump trucks. Maintains assigned areas and rights-of-way (ROW) by mowing grass, edging, and trimming bushes and trees. Operates small engine power tools including lawn mowers, chain saws, concrete saw, leaf vacuum and blower, and weed eaters. Loads and unloads materials and equipment. Drives City vehicles to job sites. Equipment Maintenance. Performs routine and preventative maintenance on assigned vehicle. Performs pre-work safety inspections of assigned equipment. Performs preventative maintenance on assigned equipment. Ensures assigned vehicles and equipment are properly fueled. Monitors mileage and ensures vehicle receives scheduled maintenance. Reports the need for equipment repairs to supervisor. Performs work or may assist crew leader or other repairmen with minor mechanical repairs. Cleans and washes vehicles. Department Operations and Manual Labor. Performs manual labor tasks following departmental policies and procedures to ensure proper maintenance and efficient operations of the department. Performs road and ROW repair and maintenance activities. Uses a chainsaw to cut trees and bushes from ROW. Collects debris and trash. Clears roads of fallen trees, limbs, and other items following storms or emergencies. Operates equipment to clean out drains, traps, and ditches. Constructs molds and forms to work with concrete. Forms and repairs curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. Operates small engine power tools including lawn mowers and weed eaters. Uses concrete saws and other drills and skill saws. Ensures proper signage is visible during assigned operations. Uses hand tools such as saws, hammers, and shovels. Shovels asphalt, rocks, dirt, and other materials during road repairs and landscape work. Performs flagman duties, as needed, while on road maintenance or horticulture jobs. Picks up and piles brush, refuse and other materials. NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTION Assists with City special events such as placing barricades and barriers. Responds to calls during hurricanes, inclement weather, or other emergency situations. Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Possess a high school diploma or GED. Minimum of one (1) year of work experience operating light equipment in landscape maintenance or construction work; or any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the above listed knowledge, skills, and abilities commensurate with the requirements of this job. Possess a current and valid driver’s license; ability to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within the six (6) months of employment; must be insurable. Ability to work overtime, weekends, or emergencies as needed. Ability to travel throughout City to perform job functions. Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and an initial drug screen. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of City and department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Knowledge of City streets, locations, and road and bridge systems. Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to public roads, road work, and operation of equipment on roads and right of ways. Knowledge of safe operation and maintenance of various types of light equipment. Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance. Knowledge of general safety rules including accident causation and prevention. Communication skills to effectively communicate internally and externally, both orally and in writing. Verbal skills to effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, the general public, over the telephone and two-way radio. Reading skills to understand and interpret daily schedule, traffic signs, and other road signs. Writing skills to clearly and neatly complete routine forms records, and notes using correct English, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Math skills to perform basic calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide). Listening skills to understand and follow verbal instructions. Physical skills, strength, and coordination to perform required tasks. Hand/eye coordination skills to operate various machinery, power, and hand tools (i.e., chainsaw) and make fine adjustments. Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions. Ability to work well with co-workers. Ability to work under close supervision. Ability to interact with the public in a calm and courteous manner. Ability to work in all weather conditions. Ability to climb on top of and crawl under various vehicles as required. Ability to lift and move objects greater than 50 lbs. Ability to operate a two-way radio/communication device. Ability to use various power and hand tools. Ability to remain alert when operating vehicles and equipment. Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Ability to read maps. Ability to drive. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as frequent climbing of tall ladders, lifting heavy objects over 50 lbs., crouching, or crawling in restricted areas, and defending oneself or others from physical attack. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress which require a range of safety and other precautions, e.g., working at great heights under extreme weather conditions, or similar situations where conditions cannot be controlled. #J-18808-Ljbffr