Equipment Operator I

Performs construction and maintenance work in one or more specialized programs, incorporating standard construction and maintenance techniques to produce a finished product to required standards. Work includes traffic control set up in construction zones and drainage right of way generated by customer service requests. Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is the first in a series of three (3) equipment operator-related job classifications within the Skilled Trades job family. This classification is distinguished by the operation of light and heavy motorized equipment and by experience in Road Maintenance application including road, right of way repairs, traffic control and response to citizen complaints. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Drives and operates light and heavy equipment, including but not limited to track and pneumatic tire excavation equipment, loaders, backhoes and dozers, motor graders, haul trucks, dump trucks, tank trucks, asphalt paving and striping machines, steel drum and pneumatic tire compaction machines and other equipment. Transfers equipment and materials to and from job sites or other destinations as required.
• Performs general construction and maintenance duties, such as excavation for drainage ways, removing and replacing concrete sidewalks, curbs and pads in compliance with ADA standards, and cutting brush. Utilizes general hand and power tools as required.
• Installs warning signs and barricades to assist the public by routing and controlling traffic around and within construction and maintenance work site.
• Operates equipment during emergency situations, such as removing debris from roadways, response to floods, severe weather, accidents, and ice on roadways, including the placement of sand on County roads and bridges with sander attachment.
• Performs routine preventative repairs and maintenance, refueling on equipment, checking tires, fluid levels, grease areas, and hydraulic systems. Cleans and cares for tools and equipment.
• Maintains records of mileage, servicing, minor maintenance, equipment hours, unit numbers and destinations of equipment assigned. Estimates and recommends to supervisor; materials needed on assigned project; records time and materials used. Identifies and recommends equipment needs for each assigned projects, request needed tools, equipment, supplies and materials. Prepares reports and documents work production as required.
• Follows blueprints to ensure compliance with established standards on roads, culverts and drainage for maintenance and construction. Incorporates standard construction and maintenance techniques, to produce a finished product to required specifications.
• Performs various additional general labor tasks associated with assigned construction and maintenance projects, such as patching roads, cutting brush, and building fences, as required.
• Participates in on-the-job and skill based training in order to meet team and department goals and objectives.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or G.E.D. AND two (2) years of related increasingly responsible light and heavy equipment operating experience;
OR,
Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: Valid Texas Commercial Drivers License (Class A or B CDL) with a Tank Vehicle (N) Endorsement
Preferred: Class A Texas Commercial Drivers License.
Work Zone Flagger Training certificate and/or Work Zone Traffic Control Instruction certificate or related type certificate.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Operation and maintenance characteristics of light and heavy equipment used for construction and maintenance activities and routine preventative maintenance on motorized equipment.
• Operation and maintenance characteristics of basic hand and power tools.
• Applicable provisions of operating hazards and safety rules and regulations, and precautions.
• Accepted maintenance, construction standards and processes for Roadway & Right of Way maintenance activities.
• Proper implementation and maintenance of Traffic Control plans as outlined in the Texas Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
• Industry standards associated with recording activity and report preparation.

Skill in:

• Diagnosing equipment problems and making field repairs and adjustments.
• Reading and interpreting schematics and blueprints.
• Applying proper and applicable safety practices, procedures and regulations.
• Working with others, including working as a team member.
• Calculating and estimating time schedules, labor required, and quantities of materials needed on roadway and right of way projects.
• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Safely operate motor vehicles, including light and heavy construction and maintenance equipment.
• Understand and precisely follow both verbal and written instructions and communicate in a concise and effective manner.
• Reason and make sound judgments and decisions.
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with; departmental clientele, other County employees and officials, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.

Work Environment & Other Information Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 60 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate light and heavy motorized equipment and general hand power tools. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, repetitive motion, pulling, driving, twisting, balancing, client/customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions. Subject to contact with mechanical hazards, chemical hazards, fume/odor hazards, toxic waste hazards, electrical hazards, explosive hazards, biological hazards, noise, vibration, fumes, foul odor, dirt, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation, and moving large set of construction parts, tools or machinery. Requires use of personal protective devices; such as masks, goggles, and gloves. Position requires fieldwork with exposure to traffic hazard, public work development sites and other construction site hazards including climbing / walking over rough and uneven terrain. Works outdoors in all types of weather including excessive heat and cold temperatures.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Works some holidays, some nights, some weekends.

Location: 4501 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin, TX 78732

6011 Blue Bluff Rd Austin, TX 78724

Department: TNR (Trans & Natrl Resrc)

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.