Lead Operator/Foreman

About the role

The Lead Operator / Foreman oversees a variety of routine and complex transportation tasks in support of the Public Works Department and the maintenance of County roads. This is a safety-sensitive position requiring the management and operation of various construction/maintenance equipment, semi-skilled tasks, and manual labor for the construction and maintenance of roads and other related infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Leads a diverse team of drivers and operators responsible for the operation and maintenance of a wide variety of gasoline and diesel-powered construction equipment (graders, bull dozers, front-end loaders, backhoes, transport trailers and tractors, dump trucks, roll offs, etc...)
• Stays up to date with Road Concerns submitted by Luna County residents and works with the Road Director on project prioritization ensuring that maintenance is kept current while maintaining the overall safety of the traveling public.
• Makes daily inspections of area roads in assigned areas as well as other heavily traveled routes on his/her own initiative and makes recommendations to the Road Director for completion.
• Maintains work-related records and logs and manages all safety equipment.
• Assists mechanic personnel with the training and certification of service functions for equipment performed by the team including oil and fluid changes, tire changes/rotations, greasing of joints and moving parts, and other standard equipment maintenance as necessary.
• Assists with the Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) of heavy equipment deemed unusable by drivers/operators for safety.
• Conducts onsite safety briefs, works safely at all times, adheres to OSHA, MSHA, and Road Department policy directives, and ensures the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), traffic control, and work zone safety requirements.
• Conducts department level training (i.e. firefighting, active shooter and other required contingency planning as necessary).
• Attends position-related meetings and seminars that may be out of town and requires irregular hours.
• Available for additional emergency and work-related situations outside of normal work hours.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED certificate.
• Valid New Mexico Class "A" Commercial Driver's License (preferred) or valid Class "B" Driver's License (accepted), with a current Medical Card (please attach copies of both).
• Pass a pre-employment drug test/random drug test and FMCSA Clearinghouse Drug & Alcohol Query.
• Minimum of three years of experience in a supervisory role.

Qualifications

• Able to follow and carry out all written and oral instructions as presented and communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors.
• Able to think clearly and make immediate decisions affecting work conditions and safety (See Something, Say Something).
• Able to comprehend and read equipment gauges and operating instructions.
• Able to accurately estimate distances to operate equipment safely within adequate safety margins.
• Able to read maps and understand county districts and roads for effective time and distance management.
• Able to sit, stand, and/or walk for up to 4 hours at a time and up to 10 hours daily.
• Able to lift and carry up to 90 lbs. for distances up to 100 yards, up to 10 times daily.
• Able to climb, crouch, or kneel on, in, or under equipment as needed on a daily basis.
• Able to use and coordinate eyes, hands, arms, and legs to operate equipment when necessary.
• Possess manual dexterity and coordination sufficient to operate tools and equipment necessary to perform duties.
• Able to attend position-related meetings and seminars that may be out of town and require irregular hours.

Skills

• Knowledge of construction plans, methods and equipment used for road construction and maintenance and operating characteristics of maintenance and construction equipment.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret, and apply codes and ordinances related to environmental health.
• Ability to read and follow daily job hazard analysis with on-site personnel, ensuring the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), traffic control, and work zone safety requirements.
• Ability to set standards that maintain good order and discipline, ensuring that attendance, driver participation and engagement are in-line with Road Director’s expectations and that all required PPE and safety equipment are in-use and that all employees are fit for duty and where they are supposed to be at all times.
• Ability to set job site arrival times, conduct onsite safety briefs, and work safely at all times, adhering to OSHA, MSHA, and Road Department policy directives.
• Ability to demonstrate the ability to read, understand, interpret, and apply codes and ordinances related to environmental health and maintain adequate radio communication etiquette.
• Ability to assist mechanic personnel with the training and certification of service functions for equipment performed by the team including oil and fluid changes, tire changes/rotations, greasing of joints and moving parts, and other standard equipment maintenance as necessary.
• Ability to assist with the Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) of heavy equipment deemed unusable by drivers/operators for safety.
• Ability to conduct department level training (i.e. firefighting, active shooter and other required contingency planning as necessary).
• Ability to participate during off-duty hours in emergency operations work involving snow removal, flooding and area washouts, dust patrol or other inclement weather conditions, and any additional emergency response activities as directed (i.e. missing signs and all calls from area Dispatch).

Benefits

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including:

• Health Benefits - Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation
• Flexible Spending Account
• AFLAC
• Long/Short Term Disability

• Retirement Plan
• Holiday Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program