Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

This is skilled operation of heavy construction equipment in the maintenance of county roads, bridges, levees and parks. An employee in this class operates a variety of complex and specialized equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, graders, post drivers, traffic line painting machines, and other equipment of similar complexity. When operating duties are not required, employees also operate trucks and less complex equipment, and perform manual laboring duties. Employees are normally responsible for performing preventive maintenance operations on the equipment they operate and for reporting other needed maintenance to mechanics. Employees may be assigned to direct laborers or other operators in the performance of individual assignments. Work assignments are made by a foreman and are normally carried out without detailed instructions, in accordance with established procedures and standards, using efficient operating techniques.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates grader to berm roads and construct grades.
• Operates backhoe, bulldozer, and Gradall® to excavate foundations for concrete work, dig drainage ditches, or form embankments.
• Operates trucks, mowers, loaders, rollers and other types of construction and maintenance equipment as required.
• Performs manual work on assigned projects when not operating equipment.
• Checks equipment for proper operating condition.
• Assists in the operation of heavy construction equipment as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the proper operating procedures and safety practices associated with trucks and construction equipment.
• Ability to recognize defective operation of equipment and perform routine maintenance operations. Knowledge of state laws pertaining to the operation of motor vehicles on highways.
• Skill in the operation of assigned equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Travels to work sites and performs around hazardous situations such as moving heavy equipment, in and around equipment, at heights, on steep grades, and on ladders and uneven surfaces.
• Employee performs required pre­operation safety checks of assigned equipment fluids, tires, lights, hoses and gauges. Makes visual observations, manual adjustments, reports findings in written or oral formats, when necessary. Employee mounts equipment, operates a variety of hand and foot controls, utilizes seat belts, demonstrates visual depth and peripheral acuity, and installs or removes tire chains on dual wheels.
• In the performance of manual laboring duties, employee must lift and carry supplies up to 50 pounds for at least 20 yards, uses shovel to dig or spread material, uses rakes, hammers picks, chain saws, jack hammers, compactors, air compressors, bolts, unbolts or erects signs, operates stop and go paddles, places lanes markers, cones, lights, etc., to protect work zones, and picks up litter. These duties all commonly involve repetitive actions and motions such as grasping, reaching, twisting, pushing, and pulling.
• Work must be performed under a range of weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, or ice, exposure to poisonous plants, animals, or insects and a variety of potential injuries such as bruises, cuts, scrapes, sprains, and strains.
• Must be capable of wearing appropriate protective gear such as hard hats, protective shoes, aprons, gloves, and eye wear.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Pennsylvania Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with the air brake restriction removed, and the requirement to obtain a valid Pennsylvania Class "A" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with the air brake restriction removed within 6 months from the date of hire an/or placement in job.
• Complies with all requirements of the Federal Drug and Alcohol Testing program.
• Must have a minimum of two years' experience as a truck driver and/or equipment operator.

LUZERNE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.