Equipment Operator II (Highways)

This is skilled work involving operating medium and heavy-sized construction vehicles and construction equipment and performing semi-skilled and laborer work. NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK Employees in this class are expected to be fully proficient in the operation and preventive maintenance of a variety of construction vehicles and equipment as well as laborer duties in such areas as highway maintenance, waste management services, and utilities. Contacts are generally limited to the crew to which the position is assigned and with the public in receiving instructions, providing information, and ensuring laws and regulations are followed. This class is distinguished from Equipment Operator I by the complexity of construction vehicles and equipment operated, the semi-skilled work required in making repairs to highways, storm drains, curbs, and sidewalks, excavating and grading, towing trailers, and etc.
The work requires more independent judgment in carrying out assignments, less supervision, and the work performed is expected to be completed in accordance with operating practices and procedures.
The more complex construction vehicles and equipment that employees in this class operate would include the skid loader, backhoe, self-propelled paver box, motor grader, Gradall, sweeper, and roll-off truck.
In addition, employees perform a variety of labor and semi-skilled tasks in support of a maintenance crew to which they are assigned.
Because of the nature of this work the employee is expected to be available to work hours outside of the normal workweek and respond to work emergencies when required. Work assignments are received from a supervisor or team leader and instructions provided are general guidelines to follow to complete the assignment.
The employee can be a working leader of a maintenance crew in coordinating the workflow and ensuring that work projects are completed properly and within prescribed time limits.
There is considerable physical effort required in lifting and moving heavy materials and equipment and standing or walking for considerable periods of time, and repeated bending, crawling, or stretching.
The working conditions expose the workers to dirty, noisy, dusty areas where very disagreeable odors are present.
T he hazards of the job require wearing hard hats, safety shoes and glasses, when working with dangerous machinery, tools or equipment in confined spaces.
Work is frequently performed in adverse weather conditions for long periods of time.
There are positions in this class where employees have considerable contact with the public which requires courtesy and patience while providing information on county practices and policies.
Work performance is reviewed and evaluated by a supervisor.

( Note : The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary levels for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.)

• Operates a single axle dump truck, tractor mower, boom mower, front end loader, steel wheel roller, skid steer loader, belt loader, backhoe, self-propelled paver box, motor grader, Gradall, sweeper truck, tows trailers and equipment, chain saws, wood chippers, stump grinders, air compressors, jackhammers and other construction equipment in performing a variety of road maintenance tasks.
• Drives and operates construction vehicles and equipment at work location and also performs semi-skilled and laborer tasks as required.
• May be assigned as a working leader in coordinating the workflow and performance of a maintenance crew at a job site, including inmates and contractual labor.
• Drives a dump truck and operates other support equipment during snow removal operations.
• Performs preliminary engineering work in setting grade stakes, drainage ditch invert elevations, asphalt curb alignment and defining pavement lanes and edge lines.
• Constructs forms and mixes concrete and finishes for repairs to storm drains, curbs and sidewalks.
• Operates a backhoe in the excavating and backfilling of holes and trenches with manual and automatic digging tools.
• Operates for training purposes and during temporary staffing shortfalls vehicles and equipment normally operated by Public Works Technicians III.
• May instruct less skilled employees in the legal, effective and safe operation of vehicles and equipment.
• Plants, prunes, and trims and removes shrubs and trees.
• Works in confined spaces to clean storm drains, drainage ditches, inlets.
• Loads and unloads materials, equipment and tools by hand or using forklift or front end loader.
• Performs preventive maintenance on vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Controls traffic flow on roads as a flag person or using traffic control devices.
• Shovels and rakes hot mix asphalt and then tampers and evens asphalt.
• Cleans and repairs storm drains and drainage ditches that are clogged with debris by using a shovel and rake; cleans debris and makes repairs to inlets and pipe culverts.
• Operates a steel roller and paver in laying asphalting and fills in road depressions with slag, gravel and stone.
• Removes roadside litter and debris.
• Responds to work emergencies and call outs after normal work hours.
• Operates a variety of solid waste hauling, disposal, and support vehicles and equipment to include roll off truck, water truck, bulk item truck, rear loading truck, backhoe, rubber tire loader, forklift, and any other medium sized vehicles, lawn mowers, and stationary compactor units.
• Monitors small crews of community service workers, inmates or temporary laborers to perform general cleaning and maintenance tasks at the convenience centers or landfill.
• Inspects, services and maintains equipment and assist mechanics in performing equipment repairs.
• Operates, during temporary staffing shortfalls and for training purposes, equipment normally operated by a Equipment Operator III or higher classification.
• May instruct less skilled employees in the regulations and safe operation of vehicles/equipment.
• Files and maintains various reports and inspection sheets such as daily driver operation log, scale house and recycling weight tickets and manifests to indicate source of material.
• Greets and assists customers entering the landfill and convenience center to dispose of materials and recyclables.
• Operates convenience center stationary compactor units to safely and efficiently manage residential solid waste and recyclable materials.
• Provides guidance and assistance to customers in the proper disposal and recycling of solid waste and recyclable materials.
• Picks up dumpster cans with a roll off truck and delivers waste to appropriate disposal location.
• Drives a bulk item truck to haul refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, water heaters, etc to recyclable site location.
• Drives a water truck to reduce dusty conditions and to water mulch stockpiles.
• Operates a backhoe and rubber tire loader to compact materials in a dumpster and to load and unload materials.
• Operates a forklift to load and unload materials from vehicles and in a warehouse.
• Serves as convenience center crew supervisor in his/her absence.
• Performs maintenance in accordance with written procedures and vehicular and equipment specifications.
• Cleans facilities, equipment, buildings, and grounds.
• Drives a dump truck or other comparable vehicle during snow removal operations and provides support services as needed.
• Shovels snow, mows grass, and plants flowers and shrubbery.
• Performs work in confined spaces and trenches, and follows all Federal, State, and local laws on safety precautions and requirements.
• Performs work in all types of weather conditions and anytime during the day or week.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Considerable knowledge of the operating characteristics and preventive maintenance requirements of medium to heavy construction vehicles, equipment, and power tools.
• Considerable knowledge of construction practices in maintaining roads, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, storm drains, and setting grade stakes.
• Considerable knowledge of the work hazards and applicable safety precautions required to be applied in operating automotive equipment and power tools and/or working in confined spaces or trenches.
• Considerable knowledge of how to effectively and safely rig vehicles, loads, and products for towing.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to operating equipment or transporting loads.
• Considerable knowledge of the primary and secondary road system in Anne Arundel County.
• Ability to read and follow street map directions.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to stand or walk over rough terrain for long periods.
• Ability to work in close areas requiring considerable bending, crouching, stretching, or crawling.
• Ability to climb ladders or scaffolding.
• Ability to lift heavy objects and bulky items.
• Ability to work in dirty, noisy, dusty conditions where very disagreeable odors may be present.
• Ability to safely operate hand and power tools.
• Ability to work hours beyond the standard workweek and schedule as required.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with other employees.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public.

Education: Sufficient education to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Experience: Two (2) or more years experience in the operation of medium-duty motor equipment
Other Requirements : A valid commercial Class B motor vehicle operator's license.
NOTE: The most highly qualified candidates will be invited by the department to an equipment operation skills test as part of the selection process.
NOTE: This is a safety-sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to controlled dangerous substance (CDS) and alcohol testing.
NOTE: Longevity pay is available based on years of service.

Preference will be given to applicants with the following:

1) Proficiency in the operation of medium-duty equipment as follows: backhoe, gradall, grader, and dump truck.

2) Possession of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brake endorsement.