Water Operations Equipment Operator I

Job TitlePerforms skilled work in the operation of a variety of medium to heavy equipment requiring skill and competence in maintenance of the City infrastructure.Essential FunctionsOperates backhoes and excavators to cut and remove asphalt street sections, sidewalks, or curb and gutter for patching or reconstruction, digs trenches to install, repair or replace pipes, manholes, valves, services, hydrants and for cleaning catch basins.Operates motor grader equipment to clear rights-of-ways; performs fine grading on roads and ditches; ensures grades for roads; grades areas for curb and gutter and sidewalks; loads dirt, gravel, sand and stone on trucks; removes heavy brush and debris.Operates tandem axle dump truck to haul dirt, gravel, sand, rocks, etc. and to move equipment on trailers.Operates tractor with long sidearm attachment during the growing season to cut grass in right of ways along steep banks and around hydrants, poles and signs; mows City fields with tractor and bush hog.Operates equipment in street and pedestrian traffic, around overhead or underground utilities and in other tight places requiring care and skill.Participates in construction and maintenance of catch basins, storm drains, sidewalks, pipes, hydrants, manholes, valves, meters, lift stations, and repairing potholes with cold patch; installs driveway pipe and driveway aprons.Participates in digging trenches and storm drain maintenance.Operates landscaping equipment to perform a variety of grounds maintenance work; excavates and fills grave sites; maintains landscaped areas.Operates equipment during extreme weather conditions such as snow and ice to remove snow and ice, to spread salt and to remove tree limbs and other yard debris; assists in putting plows and spreaders on trucks.Checks vehicles and equipment daily to ensure safe operation; reports unsafe conditions and equipment problems to the supervisor.Performs minor repairs and maintenance and washes equipment.May prepare simple records of work activities.Performs related duties as required.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Minimum QualificationsConsiderable knowledge of the operation, maintenance, capabilities and limitations of medium and heavy equipment used in the area of assignment.Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and proper safety precautions involved in the operation of heavy equipment, including safe excavation practices, trench safety rules and procedures working around underground utilities.Thorough knowledge of the traffic laws and regulations governing equipment operation.Skill in manipulating the controls of complex construction equipment and operating in tight locations.Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.Ability to detect signs of mechanical failure of equipment.Ability to perform minor preventive maintenance and make minor repairs to assigned equipment.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, co-workers, and the general public.Ability to respond courteously to citizens.Ability to prepare simple records of work activities.Desirable Education and ExperienceGraduation from high school and considerable experience in the operation of the equipment related to public works, public utilities or road construction experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Special RequirementPossession of, or ability to obtain a Class North Carolina Class A commercial driver's license.Physical RequirementsMust be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions. Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; and/or 50 pounds of force frequently; and/or 20 pounds constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to operate heavy equipment and distinguish details in operation of machines as well as for safety issues; to perform manual and semi-skilled duties, and to determine thoroughness of work completed. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.