Equipment Operator III - Utilities Infrastructure

Position DescriptionThis posting will be used to fill full-time, Safety Sensitive positions in the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Utility Operations in the Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Division. This is advanced level work operating heavy-sized vehicles and construction equipment and performing semi-skilled and laborer work. NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK Employees in this class are expected to have advanced skills in the operation and preventive maintenance of a variety of construction vehicles and equipment as well as perform skilled laborer duties. Contacts are generally limited to the crew to which the position is assigned as well as with the public in providing information, assistance, and ensuring laws and regulations are followed. The work requires considerable judgment in carrying out assignments and minimum supervision, and the work completed should not require modifications. The more complex vehicles and construction equipment that employees in this class operate would include a dump truck, excavator/track backhoe, rubber tire loader and backhoe that is used in excavating soil to repair water and waste water lines and pipes. In addition, employees perform a variety of skilled tasks in support of a maintenance crew to which they are assigned. Because of the nature of this work the employee is expected to be available to work hours outside of the normal workweek and respond to work emergencies when required. Work assignments are received from a supervisor or team leader, and general guidelines are provided in how the work needs to done. The employee is often assigned as working leader of a maintenance or repair crew in coordinating the work flow and ensuring that work projects are completed properly and within prescribed time limits. There is considerable physical effort required in lifting and moving heavy materials and equipment and standing or walking for considerable periods of time, and repeated bending, crawling, or stretching. The working conditions expose the worker to dirty, noisy, dusty areas where very disagreeable odors may be present. The hazards of the job require wearing hard hats, safety shoes and glasses, when working with dangerous machinery, and tools or equipment in confined spaces. Work is frequently performed in adverse weather conditions for long periods of time. There are positions in this class where employees have considerable contact with the public that requires courtesy and patience while providing information on county practices and policies. Work performance is reviewed and evaluated by a supervisor.Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.) Drives and operates construction vehicles and equipment to work location and performs skilled tasks as required. Performs duties as a working leader in coordinating the work flow and performance of a maintenance crew at a job site. Operates equipment such as a backhoe rubber tire loader, dump truck and excavator/track backhoe. Operates for training purposes and during temporary staffing shortfalls vehicles and equipment normally operated by a Senior Equipment Operator. Explains to less skilled employees in the regulations and safe operation of construction vehicles and equipment. Works in confined spaces to clean storm drains, drainage ditches, inlets. Performs preventive maintenance on vehicles, tools, and equipment. Performs as required all laborer type tasks that are performed by lower classified employees. Responds to work emergencies and call outs after normal work hours. Performs maintenance in accordance with written procedures and vehicular and equipment specifications. May be assigned to operate, during temporary staffing shortfalls and for training purposes, equipment normally operated by a Senior Equipment Operator. Explains to less skilled employees the regulations, and safe operation of vehicles/equipment. Operates vehicles and equipment and performs duties of lower classified employees as required. Operates a backhoe to excavate around buried utilities such as electric, gas, fiber optics, CATV, private irrigation system to access water and sewer line maintenance and repairs to include line replacements and renewals. Assists crew members in making repairs and replacements to water and sewer lines by handing them parts and tools and making repairs. Excavates and backfills soil, compacts soil and prepares final grade for temporary patching or topsoil. Reads blue prints and use computer software to locate specific locations of water and waste water lines. Drives a dump truck and flat bed trailer loaded with backhoe and equipment to various job sites. Attends safety training for operating construction vehicles and equipment, working in confined spaces, trenching and shoring, traffic control and first-aid, and CPR. Performs work in confined spaces and trenches, and follows all Federal, State and local laws on safety precautions and requirements. Performs lead work duties over a maintenance and repair crew engaged in water/sewer repair, testing and inspection. Performs preventive maintenance on vehicles, tools, and equipment and makes minor repairs. Performs work in all types of weather conditions and anytime during the day or week. Maintains appropriate vehicular and equipment records and logs.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Thorough knowledge of the operating characteristics and preventive maintenance requirements of heavy construction vehicles, equipment and power tools. Thorough knowledge of the work hazards and applicable safety precautions required to be applied in operating construction equipment and power tools. Thorough knowledge of how to effectively and safely rig vehicles, loads and products for towing. Thorough knowledge of applicable traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to operating equipment. Thorough knowledge of the primary and secondary roads system in Anne Arundel County. Thorough knowledge of State and County health regulations that pertain to the transporting and disposal of sewage and sewage sludge. Thorough knowledge in excavating around buried utilities. Ability to lead a maintenance crew in performing work assignments. Ability to read and follow engineer blue prints. Ability to read and follow street map directions. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to stand or walk over rough terrain for long periods of time. Ability to work in close areas requiring considerable bending, crouching, stretching or crawling. Ability to climb ladders or scaffolding. Ability to lift heavy objects and bulky items. Ability to work in dirty, noisy, dusty conditions where very disagreeable odors may be present. Ability to work with dangerous hand and power tools. Ability to work hours beyond the standard workweek and schedule as required. Ability to establish effective working relationships with other employees. Ability to communicate effectively with the public and employees.Minimum QualificationsSufficient education to understand and follow oral and written instructions; four (4) or more years experience in the operation of heavy-duty automotive and related equipment; and a valid commercial Class B motor vehicle operator's license. NOTE: Candidates that do not possess a Class A CDL will be required to obtain this within six (6) months of hire. NOTE: The most highly qualified candidates will be invited by the department to an equipment operation skills test as part of the selection process. NOTE: This is a Safety Sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing. NOTE: Longevity pay is available based on years of service.Supplemental QualificationsPreference will be given to candidates with the following: 1.) Possession of a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL). 2.) Experience in underground utility work (water and wastewater systems). 3.) Experience in the operation of a backhoe and dumptruck with trailer. GovernmentJobs.com