HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE OPERATOR I

Highway Maintenance Operator IWithin the Department of Transportation (DOT), to perform physical labor and the skilled operation of a variety of self-propelled mobile and other equipment used in the maintenance and repair of highway pavements, shoulders, roadsides, and drainage, signage, and in the control of snow and ice; may be assigned a variety of maintenance tasks in support of bridge, traffic, roadside, pavement markings and facility maintenance programs; may also perform preventive maintenance on assigned equipment; and performs related work as required.Supervision received: Receives work assignments of specific tasks from a superior, who provides further instruction on the work methods, assigned equipment, materials, and schedules; work is subject to supervision and inspection in progress and at its completion for adherence to instructions and standards.Supervision exercised: On occasion may direct the work of laborers, inmate help, or others assigned to assist.Illustrative examples of work performed:Within the Department of Transportation (DOT), to perform physical labor and the skilled operation of self-propelled mobile and other equipment used in the maintenance and repair of highway pavements, shoulders, roadsides, and drainage, signage, and in the control of snow and ice; may be assigned a variety of maintenance tasks in support of bridge, traffic, roadside, pavement markings and facility maintenance programs; and may also perform preventive maintenance on assigned equipment; and related work as required.To operate equipment such as, but not limited to, heavy trucks, tractors, basin cleaners, mowers, and an array of support equipment such as compressors, chippers, pumps, pneumatic tools, and hand tools such as chain saws, hand drills, trimmers, mowers, and shovels.As a licensed commercial motor vehicle operator performing safety sensitive functions, to be responsible for providing a safe work environment at all times for co-workers and the traveling public by following established work rules and the rules on drug use and alcohol misuse; safety sensitive functions means at all times, from the time an operator begins to work or is required to be in readiness to work until the time he or she is relieved from work and all responsibilities for performing work; all times includes waiting to be dispatched, inspecting, servicing or conditioning, at the driving controls in operation, other than driving time, loading or unloading, supervising or assisting, remaining in readiness to operate, and repairing, obtaining assistance or remaining in attendance upon a disabled commercial motor vehicle.To operate trucks equipped with plow blades and aggregate spreaders to remove snow and ice and spread abrasive and de-icing chemicals on surfaces.To operate mowers or tractors with attached rotary, gang, sickle or other type cutters to control vegetation in ditches, medians and other areas of state-owned right-of-way.To load and unload materials, such as parts, supplies, abrasives, de-icing chemicals, etc. As required, to assist in herbicide spraying operations in right-of-way areas. As required, to assist in traffic control and flagging oncoming traffic to warn of work zone and road work in progress.May provide on-the-job training and instruction to other workers.To operate power sweeper for cleaning sidewalks, highways, bridges and parking areas.May operate pneumatic and hydraulic powered tools, such as jack hammers, tampers, and drills, in the performance of maintenance work.To use brooms, shovel, and tamper to clean, fill and compact material in the road surface.To remove and dispose of dead animals from the right of way.To operate and performs emergency running repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment using personal knowledge and operating safety instructions pertaining to assigned equipment; to wash, grease, change oil and filter, changes tires, and fuel trucks, tractors, and other equipment as needed and as materials and tools allow to perform tasks relative to assigned piece of equipment and within the capabilities of such equipment.To install and maintain highway signs and markers at predetermined locations.To perform physical laboring tasks as required; to shovel, rake, sweep, dig, as directed by a supervisor to provide support to the maintenance program.To mount and dismount special equipment, such as plow gear and sanders, using equipment instructions and hand tools to prepare equipment for operation.May perform preventive facility maintenance work such as painting, cleaning, and general repair duties using personal knowledge and appropriate tools of the trade.To perform operational adjustments, minor repairs, and preventive maintenance on power equipment as directed by supervisory personnel using standard operating procedures, personal knowledge and/or equipment instruction to maintain equipment in a high state of readiness.To perform the functions of this classification in a variety of environmental and weather conditions.To do related work as required.Required qualifications for appointment: Knowledge, skills and capacities: A thorough knowledge of the state laws pertaining to the operation of motor vehicles on the highway; skill in the operation and servicing of motor equipment including heavy diesel and gasoline motor equipment; the ability to operate dump trucks, snow plows, basin cleaners, large power mowers and a variety of other motor vehicles used in construction and maintenance of state highways; the ability to make emergency running repairs and mechanical adjustments to equipment; the ability to operate a variety of power hand tools; the ability to readily understand and carry out oral and written directions; the ability to work outdoors during inclement weather and be on call during emergency situations; the ability to lift and load material; the ability to operate and use the tools required in highway maintenance work including pneumatic hammers; the ability to drive vehicles in a safe and conscientious manner; skill in the operation of specialized equipment which requires hand, foot, and eye coordination; some duties may require the use of protective equipment such as respirators, safety goggles, etc.; and related capacities and abilities.Education and experience: Education: Graduation from a senior high school; and Experience: Employment in the operation of highway maintenance, construction, or other heavy equipment in excess of 26,000 lbs. GVW with airbrakes and manual transmissions. Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.Special requirements: At the time of appointment and continually thereafter: 1. At the time of appointment or within three (3) months of appointment and continually thereafter: Must obtain and maintain a valid Rhode Island Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class B with airbrake and tanker endorsements, and must maintain as a condition of employment. 2. Compliance with the USDOT Federal Regulations of the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 and the State of Rhode Island's Drug & Alcohol Testing Program Policy & Procedures is a mandatory requirement and a condition of continued employment. 3. Must be physically qualified to perform assigned duties as evidenced by a physician's certificate.