Special Equipment Operator

About the role

Performs work of more than ordinary difficulty in the skilled operation of heavy and complex construction, maintenance, and transport equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy and complex equipment requiring skill and the exercise of independent judgment.
• Performs skilled duties in the operation of equipment such as track and wheel excavators, finish graders, landfill compactor, dozer, backhoe, trackhoe, and other heavy equipment.
• May operate tractor trailer hauling 6000-gallon tankers, 32-yard trailer, rock trailer, lowboy, 3300-gallon sludge truck, roll-off truck, five-yard dump truck, jet vactor, T.V. inspection truck, and sealing truck.
• Acts in a lead worker capacity involving other equipment operators and laborers in miscellaneous public works and/or utilities/solid waste activities in construction, maintenance, and repair of varied projects.
• Maintains and services equipment as required.
• Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of all equipment to which assigned.
• Performs related work as required.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the operations of all machines and equipment involved in public works and/or utilities/solid waste activities in construction, maintenance, and repair.
• Knowledge of both traffic and safety rules as well as applicable precautions to avoid accidents.
• Knowledge of the practices and techniques applied to the safe operation of heavy equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to give instructions and make necessary reports.
• Skill in minor maintenance of all equipment to which assigned.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the public.

Qualifications

Physical Skills

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 80 pounds and also push or pull heavy objects. May use a handling device (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects.
• Ability to read for comprehension.
• Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication.
• Ability to frequently bend, climb, stoop, squat, and walk.
• Ability to work for long hours, out-of-doors, occasionally under adverse weather conditions.

Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Four (4) years of experience in utilities/solid waste and/or public works maintenance and/or construction, which includes two (2) years of experience in the operation of a variety of heavy and complex construction and/or maintenance equipment.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations

• Requires a valid Florida Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class "A". Some positions require an "X" endorsement. If required, this endorsement must be obtained within thirty (30) days from the date of hire.
• Applicants with a valid Florida Commercial Driver's License, Class "A" temporary permit may apply, but must obtain this license with endorsement within ninety (90) days from the date of hire.