Public Works Worker

DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT (ROAD, BRIDGE, AND/OR SOLID WASTE)

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Public Works Director, Road Foreman, and Crew Foreman

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

PREPARED DATE: 03/2019

WORK UNIT OVERVIEW: The Public Works Department manages and preserves the County road infrastructure and provides a safe and efficient transportation system that supports economic and community vitality. Public Works also manages the Solid Waste Landfill and assists other Richland County departments and facilities as needed.

SUMMARY OF WORK: The Public Works Worker performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled functions associated with the operation of heavy equipment and power tools used to safely and effectively maintain and construct the transportation network (including roads and bridges), the solid waste landfill, and other County-owned property and facilities. Duties include performing construction and maintenance functions either manually or with a variety of hand tools, monitoring the safety of project sites and work activities, inspecting and maintaining or repairing facilities as needed, and providing routine and emergency winter maintenance services according to applicable policies and procedures.

Throughout the course of employment, priorities and needs of the Public Works Department change and evolve; therefore, the employee may be moved laterally between crews at any time at the discretion of the Road Foreman or the Public Works Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These duties are the essential functions and are not all-inclusive of all duties that the incumbent performs. The successful applicant will be responsible for additional duties as directed by the Crew Foreman, Road Foreman, and/or Public Works Director.

• Receive and review work assignments and coordinate with other workers and supervisors to determine the time, equipment, and personnel necessary to complete transportation facilities maintenance, repair, and construction projects, or other duties as assigned by supervisors.
• Perform routine maintenance activities of County facilities to ensure that the department provides services safely, in accordance with laws and policies.
• Maintain, repair, and construct transportation facilities according to project specifications, engineering standards, and County requirements. Examine road surfaces, sub-grade, drainage, right-of-way, and other components; and determine appropriate methods, tools and equipment necessary to complete projects.
  
  

Operate a variety of large trucks and specialized heavy equipment on construction and maintenance projects as well as sanding and plowing equipment during hazardous road conditions. May operate or drive: single and tandem axle trucks, motor grader, rubber-tired backhoe, rubber-tired loader, compactor, sweeper, water truck, dozer, tractor with mower, excavator, scraper, skid-steer loader, forklift, and pulling a gravel trailer, water tanker, or flatbed trailer.

A Class A, Type-1 CDL with tanker and air brake endorsement is required.

• Calibrate, operate, and monitor the use of heavy equipment and tools to ensure safety and effectiveness. Check and maintain proper fluid levels and air pressures of equipment.
• Provide manual labor support in transporting equipment and materials; clearing roadsides and drainage features; preparing, applying and finishing various surface materials; digging holes and ditches; trimming and cutting trees and shrubs; traffic control; and related activities.
• Monitor project sites and work activities to ensure compliance with safety protocols related to the public, project crews, heavy equipment and tools, traffic control, materials, and other considerations. Resolve minor safety issues or deficiencies and refer major problems to supervisor.
• Conduct inspections of county roads and bridges and other facilities to ensure safety and when necessary respond to emergency situations including emergency snow removal, de-ici g, water on roadways, fallen trees, etc. When directed, this also includes periodic inspections of grounds, shops, facilities, and equipment and investigating and resolving complaints or procedural problems. Continuously monitor the condition of roads and bridges to ensure the safety of the public.
• Provide routine and emergency maintenance services to remove snow, ice, and debris from roadways. Ensures safe and effective use of plows, chemical de-icer, grit material, and power tools during maintenance activities. This job requires overtime work during emergencies which may include work during holidays and weekends, as directed by the Public Work Director. Examples of emergencies include winter storms, heavy rain events or runoffs, and wildfires.
• Follow county safety requirements, traffic control procedures and standard operating procedures when performing construction or maintenance work and monitor outside contractors to ensure they also when engaged in joint or separate operations. Coordinate Road and Bridge work activities with other public works departments, County departments, and local agencies. Report violations to supervisor.
• Monitor vehicles, equipment and tools to ensure proper performance, maximize the length of operating service and perform or coordinate the performance of preventative maintenance and repair. Ensure effective and efficient use of vehicles, materials, contractors, facilities, and time.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Non-essential Functions

• Compile and submit activity reports, equipment logs, inspection reports, and other records to provide accurate, complete, and timely information. All employees are responsible for completing daily forms for job cost documentation. At a minimum, this shall include project identification, time spent per activity, equipment used, any fluids or material used, and any pertinent comments. Maintenance Orders shall be prepared to document hazards or conditions that need repair or maintenance.
  
  

Perform other duties as assigned including managing special projects, attending meetings and conferences, providing backup or support for other staff, participating in training, etc.

• All employees are responsible for effective communication with coworkers and the public. All employees should work to eliminate all dissention in the workplace.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS: The demands and conditions described here are representative of those the employee must meet to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Physical Demands: Essential functions involve significant physical demands related to repeated lifting of up to 100 pounds; carrying tools, materials, and equipment over rough terrain; working on his/her back or overhead; climbing, reaching, and bending; operating gas, diesel, and electrically powered equipment.
• Working Conditions: Work is on active construction sites involving pervasive hazards associated with heavy equipment and tool operation; speeding traffic; loud and constant noise; and regular exposure to chemicals, dust, fumes, and combustible materials. The job is required to work outdoors on varied and often unstable terrain in all weather conditions. Predominant working conditions require special precautions and the use of protective gear (e.g., hard hats, masks, gloves, safety glasses, etc.).
  
  

SUPERVISION ROLE: This is a non-supervisory position.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

This job requires knowledge and skills in heavy equipment and tool operation, road/bridge maintenance and construction standards and procedures, material specifications, and basic mechanical diagnosis and repair. The job also requires the ability to monitor and maintain safety protocols, work effectively under adverse site conditions, work overtime as required, demonstrate physical stamina, communicate effectively (both orally and in writing), and coordinate tasks and procedures with others.

Specialized skills such as welding, radio communications and insta