Heavy Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator

Employees in this class perform skilled work operating various types of equipment in the repair and maintenance of county roads, streets and drainage systems, parks, facilities, and other areas for an assigned department. This is the highest level classification in this series. Employees in this class operate large vehicles and complex heavy equipment. This class is further differentiated from the Equipment Operator II classification by the addition of supervisor duties in the supervisor's absence. Employees are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of equipment and for making necessary safety and maintenance checks.

Essential Functions

Operates assigned equipment in the maintenance and repair of one or more of the following: County roads, streets, drainage systems, the Recycling Center, parks, facilities, etc., including gasoline and diesel-powered automotive and heavy equipment, light to medium-duty trucks, tractors, motor graders, excavators, grade-alls, packers, rollers and various machines, tools, and powered equipment.

May mow county right-of-way of high grass.

Hauls materials to and from the site; secures site; grades and final grades.

Repairs streets by assisting with paving and patching.

Pours and finishes concrete driveways, sidewalks, spillways, and catch basin lids.

Cleans gutters, sidewalks, catch basins, drop inlets, and facilities.

Performs daily inspections on vehicles and equipment used on the job; documents and records missing equipment and/or needed repairs.

Sets up work zone controls, flags, and directs traffic at repair sites.

Checks and maintains equipment, trucks, trailers, and power tools.

Collects and disposes of debris, trash, etc., on the job site.

Redefines ditch lines and re-claims roads.

Supervises crew in the absence of the supervisor.

Employees in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by proper authority.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic guidelines for trenching and traffic control and safety measures for the crew, public, and equipment.

Knowledge of State of Georgia motor vehicle laws.

Knowledge of the geographical layout of the County.

Knowledge of county and department policies and procedures.

Skill in proper operation and basic repair of machinery and trucks used in the assigned section.

Skill in the proper use of materials, manual and power tools, methods, and techniques used in construction, maintenance, and repair activities.

Ability to recognize hazardous materials and situations and respond according to training and county policies and procedures.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Must have oral and written communication skills, including the ability to make fine distinctions in sound.

Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, the general public, and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, crouch, balance, kneel, or stoop for extended periods of time.

Ability to use equipment that requires a high level of dexterity.

Ability to lift more than 60 pounds, unassisted.

Ability to see, including color, depth, and texture perception.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an outdoor environment where the employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, irritating chemicals, and possible sustained periods in hot, cold, or inclement weather. The work may require the use of protective devices such as gloves and safety jackets.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High School diploma or equivalent.
2. Three (3) years of experience in heavy equipment operations.
3. OR have a combination of education, training, and work experience that is equivalent to #1 and #2 above that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
4. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Georgia Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
5. Must have flagging certification.

Preference

1. Vocational training in equipment operations.