EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I

Equipment Operator

The purpose of this position is to drive or operate heavy trucks, tractors, and other medium-sized equipment where driving and maneuvering the vehicle constitutes much of the work required to complete tasks for various public infrastructure maintenance, construction, and repair projects. This is the entry level for the Equipment Operator series. Incumbents operate equipment as a primary function; however, equipment in this classification does not involve the operation of additional mechanisms other than those that are moderately simple and routine.

Operates various equipment and vehicles to complete tasks related to the maintenance, repair, and construction of County roadways, rights-of-way, sidewalks, storm drainage systems, and other infrastructure projects; drives vehicle over public roads, work sites, rights-of-way, parks, public works facilities, and other County property; maneuvers in and around traffic, parked cars, equipment, utilities, and other obstacles; obeys all traffic laws and safety guidelines; and monitors immediate environment and work area to ensure the safety of operator, other workers, the equipment, and the public.

Drives single, tandem, and tri-axle dump trucks or brush trucks in order to transport and haul materials between original and final destinations for use in maintenance and construction projects; positions vehicle to allow for the most efficient and effective loading or dumping of materials; secures all doors, gates, and fasteners to prevent spillage or loss of load; operates dumping mechanism to dump materials at appropriate locations; and operates truck and dumping mechanism simultaneously to spread materials along prescribed path to required specifications.

Operates tractors and tractor-mounted mowing equipment to mow and maintain rights-of-way, parks, and other County property, including operation of side-arm, bush hogs, and rear-mounted mowers; scouts path for and removes rocks, debris, and other obstacles that may cause damage to the equipment, property, or the public; and determines proper settings and adjusts mowing and raking equipment for desired height and trajectory.

Utilizes asphalt roller and asphalt patching truck to make repairs to existing streets and paved surfaces by filling potholes, cracks, and other deformities; drives truck to work location and positions vehicle to allow for optimum delivery of asphalt; utilizes dumping mechanisms to apply specified amount of hot asphalt to desired area; operates spraying mechanism to aim and distribute a fine stream of asphalt along cracks in the pavement; utilizes rakes, shovels, and other tools to manually spread and seal asphalt; operates asphalt roller or compactor to flatten and compress dirt, gravel, asphalt, and other materials; and marks newly repaired pavement as appropriate.

Drives special purpose trucks with mounted tanks to transport and distribute water, insecticide, oil, or other liquids for use in maintenance, upkeep, and construction projects; determines proper settings and adjusts spraying mechanisms to distribute desired amounts of liquids for both informal and controlled applications; operates flusher and water truck to rinse debris from streets and apply water to construction sites to reduce dust levels; operates spraying mechanism on mosquito truck to distribute insecticide; and operates asphalt distributor to apply oil along prescribed path for street construction prior to pavement of streets.

Inspects and prepares equipment for safe and proper operation prior to beginning work for the day; performs light maintenance on equipment, which includes changing oil, refueling, and refilling lubricants; cleans vehicles, beds, and mounted equipment upon completion of assignments; and secures vehicle after use.

Performs manual labor in support of construction, maintenance, and repair projects; lifts, moves, loads, and unloads materials, equipment, tools, and supplies; digs ditches, trenches, and holes manually or by utilizing power equipment; shovels, rakes, spreads, compacts, and levels dirt, rock, asphalt, cement, and other materials; retrieves supplies, materials, tools, equipment, and other items and runs various errands as needed; collects, transports, loads, and unloads materials, supplies, tools, and equipment to and from the worksite; and removes litter, debris, and deceased animals from roadways and other County property.

Follows established safety procedures; utilizes 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, other County employees, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Responds to emergency and disaster situations and assists with special events as needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: Requires a High School diploma or equivalent, and six (6) months of related experience operating equipment in the construction, repair, and/or maintenance of public infrastructure or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Driver's License, including appropriate endorsement(s).

Special Requirements: None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of local government operations, maintenance and construction related programs, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
• Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Ability to get along with others and work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evening meetings.
• Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to work with and process payments for accounts within the budget and department.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes.
• Ability to operate a copying machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is heavy work which requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and may require standing for extended periods of time. Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, or rude/irate customers.

Henry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described in this job description. Henry County encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Henry County will comply with all applicable federal regulations and Henry County's insurance requirements governing workplace anti-drug and alcohol programs. Henry County employees shall be subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.