Equipment Operator III

Heavy Equipment Operator III

Performs advanced (senior-level) road construction and maintenance work; Work involves the specialized operation of complex medium and heavy road construction equipment used for repair, maintenance, and construction programs; work may involve some instruction or supervision. Works under general supervision with some latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

In addition to the tasks performed by a Heavy Equipment Operator I and II, the Heavy Equipment Operator III also performs the following tasks: Performs safety inspections to ensure equipment is in proper working order. May act as a crew leader in the field. Provides assistance during emergency situations involving flooding and/or severe weather. Provides knowledge of or the ability to learn the use of surveyor's level to maintain elevation grades on project sites. Sets up work zone to ensure adequate safety of workers; ensures proper warning signs are erected at construction and maintenance project sites. Employee is expected to grade roads, spread caliche and to assist in the construction and opening of new roads. May clean/ clear or build bar ditches according to surrounding ground elevations and availability of drainage. Operates a variety of types of gasoline and diesel equipment and light and heavy equipment involved in construction and maintenance projects, such as graders, backhoes, front-end loaders, forklifts, dump trucks, or related equipment. Prepares daily reports and logs related to quantities of materials used, types of equipment, work hours, and project status. Performs routine and preventive vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair to ensure proper operating conditions. Performs general maintenance/manual labor as required. Loads trucks; hauls dirt, gravel, caliche, water, garbage, and/or the materials and equipment to designated areas and unloads truck. Performs traffic control set up on job sites to ensure safe working environments. Reports and/or repair malfunctions on light and heavy equipment. May work on the reconstruction or rehabilitation of streets, surface maintenance, traffic control, or drainage zones. Maintains vehicle in ready working condition, including fuel, proper lubrication, and cleaning. May be required to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specification for road or other construction. Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with other crewmembers. May train and/or supervise the work of others. Performs other duties as assigned.

Graduation from a high school or equivalent (GED) required. Two (2) years of experience working with light, medium and heavy construction equipment such as backhoe, paver, motor grader. Must have the knowledge and ability to make minor repairs and adjustments to assigned equipment. Preferred - Texas Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Must have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator's license. Must be able to be insured by the County's insurance carrier. Positions of a safety sensitive nature are subject to drug and alcohol testing in accordance with federal regulations.

Knowledge of construction maintenance, repair, and operation of light and heavy equipment, including vehicles. Ability to maintain records of materials, supplies, time, and work performed; and to work effectively with the public. Knowledge of the safe operation of the equipment used and of the provisions of the Texas motor vehicle code relating to the operation of equipment/vehicles. Skill in operating heavy equipment effectively and safely. Ability to perform strenuous work in outdoors. Ability to understand and follow oral instructions. Bilingual (Spanish and English) with the ability to converse fluently in both languages. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Knowledge to perform basic math. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written and/or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos. Employee may be assigned other duties in addition to those listed. Duties may change according to the changing needs of the County.

The County of Hidalgo offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees, retirees, and their families.