Heavy Equipment Operator - Utilities Division

Job Title

Skilled work of a difficult and responsible nature in operating automotive and heavy-duty construction and maintenance equipment; performs all other related work as required.

Work of this class also includes the responsibility to act as a lead directing unskilled and semi-skilled workers. Works to anticipate, meet and exceed customer service expectations in a positive and professional manner.

Supervision Employees in this classification perform duties under the general supervision of the Municipal Services Supervisor or their designee. Most work is standardized, in instances where it is not, employee looks to supervisor for guidance. Supervisor usually evaluates work while in progress or upon completion. Safety precautions must be observed at all times.

Job Environment Work is generally performed indoors and outdoors, with frequent exposure to hazards associated with heavy equipment construction sites; some work is performed indoors pertaining to the repair and maintenance of vehicles and DPW equipment. Overtime coverage is required as necessary scheduled or emergency. Operates motorized equipment and vehicles. Errors could result in delays or loss of service, personal injury, monetary loss, injuries to other employees, damages to building and/or equipment and legal, liability issues for the city. The employee has contact with the public. Daily contact with supervisor for the purpose of receiving orders and exchanging information and views about departmental matters. Other contacts are with other city staff or affiliated state agency necessary to assist in accomplishing work responsibilities. Contact is by telephone, in person, electronic mail, or by radio dispatch.

Essential Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Performs a variety of routine and repetitive tasks, with work checked during progress and upon completion for satisfactory performance. Operates heavy construction and maintenance equipment (backhoes, loaders, grader and excavator) on a regular basis. Drives trucks in all kinds of public works construction, maintenance and repair operations. Loads, unloads and transport material, tools, supplies, equipment and workmen. Assists with winter operations. May service and follow prescribed preventive maintenance procedures on assigned equipment units. Operates other equipment of comparable weight and complexity, such as small sidewalk rollers or tractor plows, gang mowers, compressors, brush cutters, two-wheel drive tractors including front-end loader/backhoe attachment and mechanical street sweeper. Performs manual work in digging and in backfilling excavations. Handles heavy materials on construction, maintenance and repair projects. Patches streets and walks with hot top, cement, etc. Mows and rakes grass; trims shrubbery. Sweeps and removes materials in street or sidewalk cleaning programs. Operates large over the road trucks used for the purpose of maintenance and repairs of sanitary sewer and storm water collections systems. Shall; perform labor incidental to the work of operating assigned equipment and shall customarily perform any and all labor services to fit any and all needs of the public works department. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with employees and the public. Performs similar or related work, as required, or as situation dictates. Attendance is an essential function of this position.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience High School diploma or equivalent; experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of the mechanics and operation of equipment; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Requirements Possession of a valid CDL-A driver's license with Tanker Endorsement O Restriction Knowledge, Ability and Skill Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of functions, operating techniques and maintenance of heavy construction and maintenance equipment. Knowledge of street surfacing materials, including asphalt and aggregates, and street paving processes. Ability: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to detect needed repairs and make necessary operation adjustments. Good mechanical ability. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Skill: Skill in the operation of all types of heavy equipment.

Special Requirements

Physical Requirements Moderate to heavy physical effort required in performing work. Occasionally required to move (push, pull, lift or carry) objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Ability to lift heavy objects and to occasionally perform some strenuous work under varying weather conditions. Ability to walk, stand, stoop and crouch for long periods of time. Ability to talk, listen and hear. The position has normal vision requirements including the ability to adjust focus at close and distant vision.