Equipment Operator

Job TitleThe purpose of this classification is to operate light equipment and perform manual work functions associated with the construction, maintenance and repair of city grounds, roads, or drainage systems.Essential FunctionsOperates and maintains light equipment and machinery used in construction, maintenance and repair of city grounds, roads, or drainage systems, specifically: squad truck, mosquito truck, pick-up truck, bush hog, tractors, weedeaters, leaf blower, chain saw, grinder, packer, concrete float, vibrator, jackhammer, mixer, and air compressor. Inspects equipment prior to use and ensures necessary equipment repairs are made; performs maintenance tasks necessary to keep machinery, equipment, and tools in good working condition including greasing and cleaning, maintaining fluid levels, and changing tires. Inspects job site for possible hazards prior to operating equipment. Performs manual work functions associated with construction, maintenance and repair of city roads, drainage systems, or grounds, specifically: building/maintaining roads and sidewalks, digging holes or trenches, installing pipe, and shoveling asphalt, road mix, rock, or dirt. Cleans catch basins/ditches/right-of-ways, unstops storm drains, and picks up trash. Sprays chemicals, mows right-of-ways and grass at city facilities, rakes leaves, removes trees and limbs, and plants shrubs, trees, flowers, and grass. Places and retrieves signage or barricades, loads and unloads truck, and flags traffic. Repairs fences, roads, and sidewalks; patches holes and packs asphalt. Picks up and delivers supplies and equipment to/from work sites. Performs cleaning/housekeeping tasks. Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner. Performs other related duties as required.Minimum QualificationsHigh school diploma or GED preferred; six months of experience in light equipment operation and maintenance or a related field. Must obtain and maintain an Alabama Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class B within twelve (12) months of employment. This job classification is considered to be safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screens.Minimum Requirements to Perform Essential Job FunctionsPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to operate a variety of light equipment, machinery and tools which may include a squad truck, mosquito truck, pick-up trucks, various mowers including bush hog, tractors, weedeaters, leaf blower, chain saw, grinders, shovels, sling blades, rakes, packers, air compressors, and related power and hand tools. Physical demand requirements for some positions within this classification may at times be at levels of those for heavy work. DATA COMPREHENSION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include work orders, maps, and operational manuals. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating with the general public. LANGUAGE ABILITY: May require ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to write basic job related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. May require ability to speak with others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice. INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand basic mechanical and operational principles and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions. NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, and determine time and weight. FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job related equipment which may include standard measuring devices. MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using light equipment and to operate a motor vehicle. MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, light equipment, motor vehicles, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. COLOR DIFFERENTIATION: May require the ability to discern color. INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency. PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.BenefitsThe City of Tuscaloosa offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time permanent employees that includes retirement, vacation and illness leave, paid holidays, medical and dental insurance, flexible spending account, life insurance, and other supplemental insurances and deferred retirement saving plans. For a more detailed overview of our benefits package, please visit the Employee Benefits Summary within our website or contact the Human Resource Department.