The Equipment Operator I is responsible for operating various light and heavy equipment in the Streets Divisions of the Public Works Department. Incumbents also perform a variety of semi-skilled maintenance work requiring technical knowledge of assigned work activity. The following are examples of equipment operated: street sweeper, vacuum (vactor) truck, front-end loader, compactor, grader, loader, dump truck, backhoe, tapping machine, as well as a variety of hand and power tools. Employees in this class will usually perform most of the duties required of Equipment Operators II but are not expected to function at the same skill and usually exercise less independent direction and judgment on matters related to work procedures and methods. Equipment Operators work under the general supervision of a Public Works Supervisor, or the functional supervision of an Equipment Operator II. Ordinarily, they receive only sufficient supervision to ensure that they are qualified to operate the assigned equipment in the required manner, and that they accomplish their assigned tasks at an acceptable level of proficiency. Employees will be evaluated by the care exercised in the operation and maintenance of equipment.