Under supervision, operates a variety of trucks and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of streets, water and sewer lines, landfill and other utility facilities, etc. This is the third level of a three level series. It is distinguished by the first and second levels of Equipment Operator, in that incumbents are expected to operate any unit of equipment with proficiency.

Primary Responsibilities

Scope of Responsibility:

The Equipment Operator III often works with greater independence and may serve as the lead worker on a small crew of equipment operators (two to three) to ensure equipment is operated properly and that the work is completed timely, safely and according to supervisor's instructions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operates a variety of material moving and heavy equipment such as motor graders, dozers, back hoes, single and tandem axle trucks, tractors with mowing equipment, front-end loaders, skid steers, air compressors, etc., used in hauling or the maintenance and repair of streets, sewers and landfill areas.
  • Inspects equipment in advance of operation and following operation to check tire pressure, fuel and fluid levels, operation of lights, operation of brakes, operation of controls, and other routine checklist items. etc.; reports deficiencies or remedies them using standard procedures; based on the nature and severity of observed deficiencies may recommend that the equipment be shut down until the problem is corrected; shuts down equipment when necessary to avoid further damage or when continued operation presents a safety risk;
  • Develops familiarity with proper equipment functions, including normal sounds, and notices equipment performance deficiencies so that they can be corrected in a timely manner;
  • Operates multiple controls requiring practice and hand-eye coordination to efficiently accomplish the desired task;
  • Develops an awareness of the space surrounding the equipment and watches for persons or objects that may be injured or damaged by movements of the equipment; watches for overhead utilities;
  • Uses the help of others to securing the work area and guide movements when vision is limited or obstructed; seeks assistance from others as needed; uses spotters, flaggers or helpers to maintain a safe working environment; may serve as a spotter for other operators.
• Performs activities associated with the particular work assignment.
  • May excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement;
  • Follows engineered drawings and observes survey stakes when excavating areas in order to make proper cuts and fills and to stay within identified work zones;
• Logs daily activities including, time spent on each job, gas used, maintenance, repairs, etc.
• Under direction of Maintenance Technicians participates in equipment maintenance activities.
  • Performs routine maintenance to vehicles such as cleaning, greasing parts, etc.; cleans the operator area; washes as necessary to remove road salt or other corrosive material and to maintain a positive public image;
  • Assists Technicians with repairs when work requires additional hands to lift, move or position parts.
• Using independent judgment provides leadership to an assigned work crew; serves as a team leader, assigning particular work to their co-workers using informed and independent judgment when making these assignments and ensuring the employees know and follow department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices.
• Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
  • Communicates with others in the work unit to provide information relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work related needs;
  • Conveys basic information to the public when approached with questions.
• Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
  • Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
  • Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
  • When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Additional Qualifications:

Public Works Operator III's are required to have:

• Skills in the operation of heavy equipment used in the construction, repair and maintenance of Public Works Assets;
• Demonstrated ability to operate equipment safely, skillfully and efficiently; knowledge of road laws as they apply to the safe operation of construction and maintenance equipment;
• Good working knowledge of the operation and maintenance requirements of equipment;
• Ability to maintain work records, read maps, and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor under adverse and varying climatic conditions;
• Ability to supervise and direct the work of personnel in lower classifications;
• Good working knowledge of equipment, methods, materials, procedures and tools used in the construction, maintenance and repair of streets, water and sewer lines, and related facilities;
• Requires tanker license endorsement.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
The job requires a high school diploma and four years of experience operating equipment such as farm tractors, heavy trucks, or construction equipment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. The job requires a valid class B commercial driver's license with air brake endorsement.
Knowledge, skills and ability include:

• Knowledge of the proper and safe operation, routine preventive servicing and maintenance of trucks and other material moving equipment;
• Knowledge of local and state laws and regulations regarding the operation of equipment, particularly those pertaining to their operation on public streets;
• Knowledge of the safe handling, storage and disposal of fluids, lubricants, fuel, and other chemicals to which the worker may be exposed;
• Skill in the proper and safe operation, servicing and maintenance of any material moving or heavy equipment;
• Skill in written English sufficient to read traffic signs, written instructions, and prepare logs and enter data into a computer;
• Skill in performing basic math computation;
• Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Physical Demands

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
Most work is performed in a field environment involving working inside and outside of vehicles. Seasonal conditions can include excessive heat or cold. Conditions can include working in wet, muddy, slippery or dusty and windy conditions. At these times there may be intermittent exposure to very disagreeable working conditions. Some assignments involve exposure to odors, such as from solid waste or untreated sewage. There is often exposure to traffic and moving equipment. There is considerable attention to detail when handling equipment in tight quarters or around people.
There is consistent exposure to road traffic, with a substantially high level of risk. Often entrance into confined spaces required. Emergency repairs can sometimes occur during extremes of cold weather. Exposure to irate, angry individuals during day-to-day operations is likely and a high level of professionalism is required. Regular responses to weather emergencies can result in extended days and irregular schedules.
Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, digital dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.
Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.

The City of Fargo offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System.