Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title

The purpose of this classification is to operate heavy equipment and perform manual work functions associated with the construction, maintenance, and repair of city grounds, roads, water systems, sewer systems, and buildings.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position. Operates and maintains equipment of heavy weight and considerable difficulty, specifically: front end loader, crane truck, gradall, bulldozer, motor patrol, low boy truck and trailer, backhoe, road grader, trencher, track loader, and track hoes to assist in construction, maintenance, and repair work. 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, specifically: 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, water systems, sewer systems, building structures, or grounds according to assignment. Cleans catch basins, roads, and right-of-ways, repairs drain pipes, installs chain link fences, and lays pipes. Loads/unloads and hauls equipment, concrete blocks, bricks, rocks, cement, and related heavy materials. Installs, repairs, and/or replaces water lines, sewer lines, meters, valves, drainage boxes, and fire hydrants; digs trenches, cuts pipe, and performs pipe fittings. Cuts/grades ditches and roads, patches streets, and pulls stumps/trees; sets concrete forms, pours concrete, and lays bricks. Hauls explosives, demolishes houses, buildings, and related structures and removed associated debris. Cleans up hazardous material spills. Prepares and/or receives various forms, reports or other documents; forwards as appropriate. Transports heavy equipment. Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; responds to requests for service. Responds to requests for information from officials, employees, the public or other individuals. Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner. Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required; two years of experience in heavy equipment operation and maintenance or a related field. Must obtain and maintain an Alabama Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A within twelve 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 Functions

The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to operate a variety of equipment, machinery and tools which may include backhoe, road grader, trencher, track loader, front end loader, gradall, bulldozer, motor patrol, track hoes,,two-way radio, tapping machine, shovel, pick, post hole digger, air compressor, and mechanics 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 relatively complex 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 heavy equipment and to operate a motor vehicle. MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, heavy equipment, motor vehicles, control knobs, switches, mechanics tools, 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.