Motor Equipment Operator

Position Information

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Non-Negotiable Starting Pay: $ Hourly / $53,249.25 Annually

Under general supervision of the division manager, operates motorized equipment and performs a variety of forestry and Right-of-Way (ROW) management tasks for the Forestry Division. Independent judgment is exercised in determining work methods after receiving written or oral instructions, but work is regularly checked by the supervisor for quality, quantity and safety of operation and care of equipment.

Essential Duties

• Operate backhoe, front-end loader, roller, large gang mowing unit, dump truck and other heavy equipment.
• Plow snow with dump truck; sand and cinder roads, streets and parking lots and assist in ice pond maintenance.
• Perform right-of-way mowing.
• Coordinate and assist with tree planting, watering, pruning and removal.
• Perform mowing and remove trees, limbs, brush, debris and litter from public areas, including rights-of-way, parks, and green spaces.
• Service and make routine repairs to equipment and recommend other maintenance or repair of equipment.
• Provide work instruction to small crews on assigned projects as requested.
• Assist in tree trimming, pruning, shaping or removing all types of woody plants using ropes to climb, chain saws and other forestry hand tools.
• Mix and apply fertilizer and other pest management methods to control growth or pests.
• Maintain growing or display houses by regulating temperatures, watering systems and ventilating systems.
• Develop small planting areas by measuring, staking, laying out and selecting materials.
• Complete records and reports as required.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

Training and Experience

High school diploma or GED equivalent; three (3) years experience in greenhouse or nursery operation, planting landscapes, tree maintenance or forestry and in the operation and routine maintenance of trucks, medium size tractors and end loaders or related work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Specific knowledge of the operation of trucks and medium size tractors and end loaders, both on and off the road; the principles and techniques of greenhouse and outdoor garden management; working knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary to the proper operation of equipment under all weather conditions; knowledge of laws governing application of chemicals; traffic laws and other regulations of governing automotive equipment operation.

Skill in customer service; effectively communicating with those contacted throughout the course of the workday; maintaining effective working relationships with other departments, agencies, employees, supervisors and members of the public; the use and care of trucks and other medium-sized industrial or construction type equipment; the safe and proper operation and maintenance of chain saws, forestry tools and other landscaping equipment and hand tools; climbing trees with ropes; grafting; and transplanting and propagating all types of flowers and plants.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; perform rough carpentry, painting and masonry work; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials and the general public; work varied shifts and standby; and report to emergency work situations, including snow removal and storm cleanup.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid Illinois Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL-B) with air brakes endorsement, or equivalent, upon application.
• Valid Illinois Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with air brakes endorsement and tanker endorsement, or equivalent, within 60 days of hire.
• Valid State of Illinois Pesticide Applicator License within one (1) year of hire. Applicator License category to be determined by the City.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, employee is regularly required to talk or hear; frequently required to walk, stand, sit, stoop, kneel and crouch, to use hands and fingers to handle, feel and make fine adjustments, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance. The employee will frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, sharp hand tools and exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals; and occasionally risk of electrical shock. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to work under varied weather conditions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Residency Requirement

AFSCME employees shall live within a 20-mile radius from the City's Emergency Center, located at 1630 8th Avenue in Moline, within 180 days of hire.

Residency map and address checker available here.

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Eligibility for insurance begins the first of the month following a 30-day waiting period for new employees. The City and the Employees share in the cost of the plans. Medical, dental, and vision plans available to employees, retirees, and other eligible dependents include:

• A self-funded, comprehensive dental plan
• A self-funded vision plan
• A self-funded medical plan (including prescription drug coverage)

Pension

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), non-union, and United Auto Workers (UAW) employees participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Retirement benefits are based on years of service and wages earned. Employees contribute 4.5% of earnings to the pension.

Paid Time Off

The amount of paid time off is dependent upon the employee's position and years of service. Paid time off includes vacation, sick leave, holidays, and personal days.

Deferred Compensation & Roth IRA Plan

The City offers a voluntary 457 and Roth IRA retirement savings plan through International City Management Association Retirement Corporation (ICMA-RC). Employees can contribute a portion of their salary to this plan to assist them in building retirement security.

Flexible Spending Plan

Through the flex plan, using pretax dollars, employees can pay their portion of their health insurance premiums and qualified medical, dental, vision, and day care expenses. Employees are eligible to participate in the plan the first of the month following a 30-day waiting period.

Employee Assistant Program (EAP)

The City of Moline offers employees and their immediate family members confidential, professional counseling services and specialty referrals. An assessment and six free counseling sessions are provided.

Life Insurance

A voluntary, decreasing term life insurance policy is available for employees participating in the IMRF pension. This policy provides coverage for employees, their spouses and any eligible dependents.

Salary : $53,249