Equipment Operator

AMHERST Equipment Operator - Tree & Grounds Division Performs a variety

of skilled tasks and operates a variety of equipment associated with

tree care and landscaping. This position is considered essential and

must report to work in inclement weather and other situations where

usual Town operations are disrupted. MAJOR DUTIES: Performs a variety of

skilled tasks and operates a variety of equipment associated with tree

care and landscaping, including tree pruning, tree removal, stump

grinding, tree planting, felling and flat-cutting trees, and pruning

from the ground; Responds to tree related emergency calls. Operates

Department of Public Works trucks and equipment as necessary to meet the

goals of the Department, including the street sweeper, roadside mower,

vac-truck, and snow removal equipment; Operates chippers, aerial lifts,

loaders, excavators, mowers stump grinders, and hand pole saws, power

saws, chainsaws, mechanized broom, snowplows, jackhammers, and other

power equipment. Operates the aerial lift for tree maintenance, to hang

banners, and to assist other departments with their aerial maintenance

needs. Performs work in three cemeteries in Town, including opening and

closing graves, trimming, mowing, loaming, seeding, and pruning. Assists

with Town common maintenance and with work on pools, on athletic fields,

and in parks. Clears snow from roads, parking lots, and sidewalks.

Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned

equipment and reports defects or needed repairs to supervisor; Cleans

equipment; Performs minor repairs and equipment maintenance, including

changing oil, hydraulic, and torque fluids. Performs all duties in

conformance with appropriate safety and security standards. Acts as

essential personnel, reporting to work in inclement weather and in other

situations where usual Town operations are disrupted. Performs other

duties as assigned or required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School

degree or GED equivalent PLUS four (4) years of experience involving the

use of light equipment, two (2) of which must have been related to tree

care or the landscape industry; OR equivalent combination of education

and experience demonstrating the ability to successfully perform the

duties of the position. Valid Massachusetts class B CDL with

endorsements for air brakes and tanker or ability to receive within one

(1) year of hire Massachusetts 2A Hoisting Engineer License or ability

to receive within one (1) year of hire Massachusetts 4G Mowers License

or ability to receive within one (1) year of hire Considerable knowledge

of light-equipment operating principles Working knowledge of the hazards

and safety precautions common to equipment operations Working knowledge

of the methods, materials and tools used in tree care maintenance and

landscape construction work; Skill in operation of listed tools and

equipment. Ability to perform heavy manual tasks under varying weather

conditions; Ability to drive and operate a variety of equipment under

varying conditions Ability to work from construction specifications or

blueprints Ability to identify native tree species and soils Ability to

understand and follow verbal or written instructions; Ability to

communicate effectively verbally and in writing Ability to establish

effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, and

the public. For more details and full job description please see

website.