Public Works - Equipment Operator

Supervised By: Public Works Director or WWTP Superintendent

Supervises: No supervisory responsibility

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Director of Public Works or WWTP Superintendent, or oversight of the Public Works Working Supervisor, performs manual and skilled tasks related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of the Village of Middleville’s public works infrastructure. Operates and maintains trucks, tractors, front-end loaders, and other mechanical and power-driven equipment.

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1.                 Receives daily work assignments, estimated timetable for completion, and materials and equipment allocations from the Director of Public Works or designee, or WWTP Superintendent.

2.                 Operates a variety of hand and power-driven tools in the performance of tasks such as treating and testing water and setting controls, repairing water mains, water service lines, sanitary sewer mains, fire hydrants, and other assets. Repairs and cleans sewer lines, maintains parks, trims trees, patches and replaces sidewalks and pavement, installs and repairs traffic signs and markings, and performs snow removal.

3.                 Performs some maintenance tasks requiring a higher skill level, including rebuilding catch basins and manholes.

4.                 Operates trucks, tractors, front-end loaders, graders, backhoes, excavators, sweepers, vac trucks, centrifuge, and other motorized equipment.

5.                 Maintains landscape. Prepares and plants vegetation beds, flowers, shrubs, and other vegetation and winterizes plant and bedding materials. Maintains grass-cutting schedule.

6.                 Collects and disposes of rubbish, brush, and leaves.

7.                 Maintains and performs repairs on Village buildings and related ground facilities.

8.                 Maintains and performs some repairs on vehicles, mechanical equipment, and power tools.

9.                 Loads and moves materials and equipment.

10.             Operates two-way radio communications equipment.

11.             Responsible for tracking hours of equipment service, time spent on each particular work activity as assigned by supervisory staff, amount of work progress, and other reporting as deemed necessary. 

12.             Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

·                    High school diploma and three years of progressively greater experience in equipment operation and/or as a maintenance worker in a construction or public works setting.

·                    The Village, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.

·                    Michigan Commercial Driver’s License B with air brakes endorsement within 90 days of hire.

·                    Wastewater D certification if assigned to WWTP.

·                    Familiarity with construction materials, equipment, and supplies used in public works activities.

·                    Knowledge of basic mechanical repair tools and procedures, and skill in applying them in maintaining and making minor repairs to a variety of vehicles, mechanical equipment, and power tools.

·                    Knowledge of safety practices, tools, procedures, and materials utilized in common public works maintenance and repair operations, and skill in applying them in regular and emergency assignments in a safe and efficient manner.

·                    Knowledge of basic tools and procedures of basic carpentry, painting, plumbing, and cement finishing, and skill in applying them in maintaining and making minor repairs to Village buildings and related facilities.

·                    Knowledge of methods, practices, and procedures used in wastewater treatment plant operations, including mechanical and hydraulics, chemistry, and bacteriology requirements related to sewage treatment.

·                    Knowledge of the equipment, materials, chemicals, and other supplies used in water treatment and distribution.

·                    Ability to learn computer programs or technical devices used by the department at an operational level.

·                    Ability to assemble data and prepare clear and accurate reports.

·                    Ability to critically assess situations, solve problems and work effectively within deadlines and changes in work priorities.

·                    Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness when dealing with employees, Village officials, project contractors, and the public. 

·                    Ability to respond to emergency situations on a 24-hour basis.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, climb, use hands and fingers, talk, hear and view and occasionally create written documents. The employee uses hand strength to grasp tools and may climb ladders or uneven terrain. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, such as to operate and repair vibrating machinery, use wrenches, hand tools, etc., and operate motorized equipment and vehicles. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of heavy weight.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outdoor weather conditions. The employee works near moving mechanical equipment and may be exposed to fumes, dust, airborne particles, hazardous materials, vibrations, and moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is sometimes moderate but can frequently be loud.