Heavy Equipment Operator

Major Function

To perform semi-skilled labor in the operation of medium and heavy public works equipment requiring some skill and manipulative ability.

Essential Job Functions

• Operates a distributor applying oils, asphalts, or tars to highway surface.
• Operates roller in patching county roads.
• Picks up, spots, and places materials where indicated by supervisor.
• Loads distributor from supply tank.
• Operates grader and maintains specified rough grades.
• Maintains specified rough grades with front-end loaders, compactors, tractor-trailers, backhoes, street sweeper in cleaning of roads and bridges.
• Performs daily inspections of working condition of assigned equipment prior to and after use.
• Performs routine service and maintenance of equipment.
• Occasionally operates a flatbed or dump truck, or a variety of minor power machinery and equipment.
• Participates in general laboring work of the crew as workload demands.
• Operates heavy equipment such as compactors.
• Plan, direct and control the work of people who do not report directly to you, but who provide support to the goals and objectives of your organization.
• Operates vehicle to deliver materials to and from specific destinations.
• Meet with citizens, develop, and promote county programs.
• Repair, maintain and inspect truck equipment and supplies, such as tires, lights, brakes, gas oil, and water.
• Rework shoulders for drainage and traffic safety, to include preparing the area: installing culverts: and recompacting earth back to the original state.
• Clean existing ditches to grade and create new ditching for drainage purposes by using hydraulic excavators, etc.
• Attend safety meets and/or participate in safety inspections.
• Load and unload trucks.
• Implement design drainage plans and on-site plan design, which includes material removal, placement, or new stabilizing material and compaction.
• Final grading of material to a designed elevation.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of the operating characteristics of medium and heavy public works equipment.
• Knowledge of the component parts and maintenance needs of heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions in the operation of medium and heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of traffic laws and other regulations governing the operation of equipment.
• Skilled in the operation of moderately complex construction and transportation equipment.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED (this qualification may be waived where life experience far exceeds the need for a high school education).
• Possession of a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Physical Demand Requirements

• Frequently standing, walking, and talking or hearing.
• Occasionally sitting, using hands to finger, handle, or feel, reaching with hands and arms, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Work Environment

• Frequent exposure to mechanical parts in outside weather conditions.
• Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.