Heavy Equipment Operator

Work Unit Overview: Full time Position. All county departments must maintain an open and customer service oriented environment, cooperate with other County departments and governmental entities, and keep accurate and timely records and information.The Road Department within the County is responsible for maintaining roads and bridges and complying with the statutory requirements set forth for County road superintendents. Services include overseeing the design and reconstruction of existing roads and bridges; performing maintenance projects such as pothole repairs, chip seals, striping, signage, safety modifications, and drainage and storm water improvements. During the winter the department performs snow removal, de-icing, and sanding.Job Summary: Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. An incumbent in this position is assigned to the road department and provides operation of heavy vehicles in public works and public improvement projects; fulfills all requirements and functions of the County Road Department. Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These duties are the essential functions and are not all-inclusive of all duties that the incumbent performs. Receive and review work assignments and coordinate with other equipment operators and the supervisor to determine the time, equipment, and personnel necessary to complete road maintenance, repair, and construction projects.Maintain, repair, and construct roads according to project specifications, engineering standards, and County requirements. Exam road surfaces, sub-grade, drainage, right-of-way, and other components; and determine appropriate methods, tools, and equipment to complete projects.Operate specialized heavy equipment including graders, backhoes, loaders, dump trucks, and/or others. Calibrates, operates, and monitors the use of heavy equipment and tools to ensure safety and effectiveness.Provide manual labor support in transporting equipment and materials; clearing roadsides and drainage features; preparing, applying, and finishing asphalt surfaces; digging holes and ditches; trimming and cutting trees and shrubs; traffic control; and related activities.Monitor project sites and work activities to ensure compliance with safety protocols related to the public, project crews, heavy equipment and tools, traffic control, materials, and other considerations. Resolve minor safety issues or deficiencies and refer major problems to supervisor.Conduct road inspections within a designated area/route to identify ongoing maintenance needs, perform minor repairs, clear debris or obstructions, install/modify signs or markers, etc.Provide routine and emergency winter maintenance services to remove snow, ice, and debris from roadways. Ensures safe and effective use of plows, chemical de-icer, grit material, and power tools during maintenance activities. The job is required to be on-call during storm cycles.Inspect tools and equipment to ensure the safe and effective operation of mechanical and electronic components. Check fluids, lights, tires, and other parts/materials; complete routine maintenance and repairs; and refer major problems to mechanics.Dutifully performs all of the responsibilities or tasks assigned by the immediate supervisor. Operates trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various materials, equipment and supplies. Personally operates small equipment and tools in the daily maintenance functions.Regularly cleans and lubricates equipment as appropriate. Performs routine inspections and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment. Refers defects or needed repairs to foreman or mechanic.Operate a tractor-trailer truck with a capacity of at least 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) for official county public works and sanitation operations according to established safety procedures and applicable rules and laws. This includes loading vehicles and delivering materials to job sites, removing debris, and operating related mechanical equipment such as backhoes, forklifts, etc.Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order. Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, follow signals from loading crew and check that vehicle and loading equipment are properly positioned.Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations. Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chains, binders, or covers. Drive trucks to weigh stations before and after loading and along routes to document weights and to comply with state regulations.Inventory and inspect goods to be moved to determine quantities and conditions.Obey traffic laws and follow established traffic and transportation procedures.Inspect and maintain vehicle supplies and equipment, such as gas, oil, water, tires, lights, or brakes, to ensure that vehicles are in proper working condition.Report any mechanical problems encountered with vehicles. Report delays, accidents, or other traffic and transportation situations to bases or other vehicles, using telephones or mobile two-way radios.Operates all equipment in a safe and prudent manner. Maintains awareness of other vehicles, people and other safety hazards near work sites. Controls traffic at work sites. Wears appropriate safety goggles, hard hat or clothing to maintain safety on the job site. Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards. Backs-up other Equipment Operators, as needed. Performs semi-skilled carpentry work as required. Paints, cuts brush, fixes cattleguards, pulls ditches and falls trees safely.Greets the public in a friendly manner. Answers the publics questions and/or routes to appropriate personnel. Maintains professionalism by exercising tact and courtesy at all times.Non-Essential Functions: Compile and submit activity reports, equipment logs, inspection reports, and other records to provide accurate, complete, and timely information.Perform other duties as assigned including managing special projects, attending meetings and conferences, providing backup for other staff, participating in training, etc.Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Essential functions involve significant physical demands related to repeated lifting of up to 50 pounds; carrying tools, materials, and equipment over rough terrain; climbing, reaching and bending; and operating gas, diesel, and electrically powered equipment. Work is on active construction sites involving pervasive hazards associated with heavy equipment and tool operations; speeding traffic; loud and constant noise; and regular exposure to chemicals, dust, fumes, and combustible materials. The job is required to work outdoors on varied and often unstable terrain in all weather conditions. Predominant working conditions require special precautions and the use of protective gear (e.g., hard hats, respirator masks, gloves, etc.).Supervision Exercised: This is a non-supervisory job.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:This job requires knowledge and skills in specialized heavy equipment and tool operations, road/bridge maintenance and construction standards and procedures, material specifications, and basic mechanical diagnosis and repair. The job also requires the ability to monitor and maintain safety protocols, work effectively under adverse site conditions, and coordinate tasks and procedures with others.Education and Experience:Requires education and experience equivalent to three (3) years experience in heavy equipment operations, road/bridge construction, or a related trade/technical field. Equivalencies include completion of a heavy equipment operator certification or apprenticeship, and two (2) years road/bridge construction experience.Requires a Class A CDL, Type 1 drivers license with air brake endorsement (or the ability to attain one within 90 days of hire). Requires completion of the following training/accreditations within six months of hire:Flagger CertificationFirst Aid/CPRWork Zone Safety Training