Equipment Operator

• POSITION:** EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
• DEPARTMENT:** Public Works
  
  

Full Salary Range

$37,009

• $55,514 DOQ.
  
  

**General Statement of Duties**

Performs responsible semi-skilled and skilled work in the operation of a large motorized equipment and construction and maintenance of streets, drainage systems, and water and sewer lines and appurtenances.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class operates a backhoe, loader, and tractor with side arm mowing attachment or other medium to heavy equipment independently or with a street or utility construction and maintenance crew. Work involves operating equipment in tight locations around underground and overhead utility lines, near trees parked cars, on slopes and in traffic. Work includes performing maintenance and servicing of equipment used. Work also includes assisting with a variety of unskilled or semi-skilled tasks when assigned to a crew. Work may require the employee to serve on-call and respond to significant call-back work. The employee is subject to hazards associated with public works and utilities including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, odors, dusts, mists, and oils. Work around raw sewage is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood-borne pathogens. Work is performed under regular supervision and is observed occasionally while in progress or upon completion.

**Duties and Responsibilities**

Essential Duties And Tasks

• Operates a backhoe on a crew to dig down to broken lines, meter boxes or in other areas where underground and overhead utilities require special skill and care.
• Operates a backhoe to dig out old asphalt or concrete and set new manholes.
• Operates backhoe to clean ditches and replace storm pipes.
• Operates front end and other loaders to load dirt, gravel, and salt; operates dump trucks, sewer trucks, trenchers and other medium and heavy equipment.
• Operates a large tractor with side arm or bush hog attachment to mow slopes, easements or other areas; works independently to cover assigned route; operates tractor with bush hog attachment to clear vacant lots and town property areas.
• Operates a motor grader to clean out ditches and remove snow.
• Makes water and sewer taps, sets industrial and residential meter boxes and meters, locates lines, leaks and breaks, repairs and replaces hydrants and valves.
• Pulls a chipper behind a dump truck; operates chipper.
• Builds catch basins with bricks; patches asphalt; repairs concrete; forms, pouts and constructs curb and gutters; participates in small scale construction of new lines.
• Loads furniture, appliances, brush or other objects from curb into trucks for disposal.
• May serve as team leader or in absence of crew leader; keeps simple records of work activities, equipment and supplies used.
• Washes and cleans assigned equipment; performs routine servicing such as checking fluid level, tire pressure, changes oil and filters.
  
  

Additional Job Duties

Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledges, Skills, And Abilities

Knowledge of traffic laws governing equipment operation.

Knowledge of the practice of operating and servicing heavy to medium size equipment.

Knowledge of the occupational hazards related safety precautions for large equipment in heavy traffic and construction sites.

Knowledge of the public works or utilities function to which normally assigned.

Skill and care in the operation of large specialized equipment.

Ability to lead other crew members in the absence of the supervisor; to train coworkers; to plan and organize materials, equipment and supplies for work tasks.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.

Ability to mak minor repairs, servicing and adjustments to equipment.

Ability to deal courteously with the public.