Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator

Be off in time to pick up your kids from school every day

Be free to enjoy your weekends

Work with supportive supervisors & a collaborative team

Only have your CDL B? We'll give you time & resources to help you get your A if you want to get it.

Terrific traditional and non traditional benefits including...

Paid vacation and sick time

11 paid holiday days

2 Kaiser and 2 Cigna healthcare plans to choose from

EAP for free personal and financial counseling

Generous employer retirement contributions

A robust health & wellness program

And so much more!

Operates light or heavy equipment and performs semi-skilled to skilled work in the maintenance and construction of streets, and trash/recycling operations. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from level I or, when filled from the outside, require directly related experience. All positions in this class are expected to exhibit outstanding customer service skills and interact in a positive manner with the public.

Equipment Operator I: Under general supervision, this class in the Equipment Operator series is expected to operate a range of heavy motor equipment and skilled work in the construction and maintenance of streets, or trash/recycling collection operations. Incumbents are not required to have directly related work experience. Work is observed and reviewed both during performance and upon completion. Instruction or changes in procedures or exceptions to rules are explained in detail as required.

Equipment Operator II: This is the journey-level class in the Equipment Operator series responsible for the operation of all heavy motor equipment and skilled work in the construction and maintenance of streets or trash/recycling collection operations. Incumbents assigned to this class are expected to perform the full range of work assigned to this class, be fully proficient in the safe operation of all heavy equipment within the assigned division, and work with considerable independence and initiative. Must be able to complete assignments on time and within projected costs with limited supervision.

Equipment Operator III: Under minimal supervision, this class in the Equipment Operator series serves as a crew leader in the performance of skilled work in the maintenance and construction of streets, trash/recycle collection, and other special assignments.

Essential Functions

Environmental Services Performs trash, recycle, and waste diversion service in normal as well as extreme conditions such as inclement weather, heavy traffic, and other challenging service conditions. Safely operates a variety of heavy trucks and equipment such as side loaders, front loaders, and grappler trucks. Collects various trash and recycle throughout the City. Supports daily assigned residential, city building, and/or commercial routes. Reads and interprets paper & electronic route mapping. Records, tracks, and submits route, truck, and customer issues. Washes, fuels, lubricates, and may perform light repairs on all assigned equipment. Trains others in heavy truck and equipment operation, customer service, and route management. Supports City trash/recycle container maintenance and delivery. Supports and may act as lead worker at weekend services and events such as electronic recycling and tree branch recycling. Maintains assigned facility parking and service areas such as garage, outdoor parking, container yard, and warehouse. Supports recycle and/or waste diversion presentations and festival activities. Compiles, records, and interprets various reporting data. Regularly performs mathematical calculations. May order, build, deliver, repair, and clean automated refuse and recycle collection containers; operates a forklift to unload transport truck deliveries of automated containers. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: Equipment Operator I: High school diploma or GED; familiarity in the operation of heavy motorized equipment in construction and maintenance preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Equipment Operator II: In addition to previous requirements, must be proficient in divisional heavy motorized equipment in construction and maintenance or trash/recycle collection. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Equipment Operator III: In addition to previous requirements, one year experience operating all Operational specific equipment in construction and maintenance, and one year experience as crew leader. Must be able to work the equipment at an acceptable production rate. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Licensing/Certification Requirements: Equipment Operator I/II/III- Environmental Services: Valid Colorado Class B Commercial Driver's License with a safe driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Equipment Operator I: Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the department. Knowledge of laws and safety as it relates to vehicle operations, general construction tools and equipment. Skill in operating all assigned equipment, machinery, tools or equipment in a safe and appropriate manner. Skill in the safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle. Ability to follow instructions given verbally or in writing. Ability to consistently follow safety instructions. Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, other agencies, and the general public. Ability to read and interpret City streets signs and maps.

Equipment Operator II: In addition to previous requirements: Knowledge of the techniques and materials used in the maintenance and repair of objects and facilities, including but not limited to, the following: streets, gutters, sidewalks, storm drains, and residential trash/recycle collection industry. Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, and rules involved in truck and heavy equipment operations. Knowledge of general city of Thornton purchasing procedures, including proper use of a purchasing card. Skill in safe work methods and applying safety regulations pertaining to work. Skill in detecting equipment malfunctions and taking proper corrective action. Skill in the proper methods of directing traffic flow at job sites. Skill in the proper placements of cones, barricades and warning devices. Ability to use standard office equipment, personal computer and job-related computer applications including electronic mail. Ability to safely complete assigned trash and/or recycle routes in a timely manner. Ability to read and interpret basic blueprints and maps. Ability to complete basic paperwork.

Equipment Operator III: In addition to previous requirements: Knowledge of the organization, purpose, current issues, projects, and employee responsibilities of the department. Knowledge of the basic procedures for maintenance and minor adjustments or repair of light and heavy equipment. Knowledge of how each project fits into the overall division priorities. Skill in making basic mathematical calculations. Skill in reading utility locate maps. Skill in detecting equipment malfunctions and taking proper corrective action. Ability to safely utilize gas detectors for confined space entry. Ability to safely complete assigned trash/recycle route in a timely manner and assist others as needed. Ability to skillfully use varying pieces of equipment as assigned. Ability to maintain accurate records. Ability to draw work zone traffic control plans for varying jobsites. Ability to estimate earthwork volumes (cut/fill quantities) and asphalt quantities patch quantities. Ability to estimate cut/fill material quantities. Ability to lead crew with minimal oversight. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work assignments. Ability to effectively lead a crew to accomplish projects on-time and in-budget. Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences. Ability to complete advanced paperwork and reports. Ability set up work zone traffic control plans.

Physical and Mental Requirements: Position requires listening, speaking, sitting, standing, walking on uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movements. The position requires both near and far vision for inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. Lifting, carrying and pushing tools, equipment and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more is also required. Materials and chemicals may expose the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants. Job may require work in confined spaces. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, and work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions. The employee regularly works in outside weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions, vibration and street traffic. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud.

Testing Procedures

Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources. Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration. As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.

The City of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer.