Special Equipment Operator - Utilities

General Description

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

Essential Job Functions

• 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 operated by the lower class operator.
• May be hired to operate the 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 who are involved 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.
• Requires lifting and/or moving up to 80 pounds and also pushing or pulling heavy objects.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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 knowledge of applicable precautions to be taken 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 including: Sanitary Sewer Overflow Reports, work orders within the Computerized Maintenance Management System, and prepare preliminary recommendations for employee evaluations for review by Labor Supervisor on other equipment operators and laborers; skill in minor maintenance of all equipment to which assigned.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the public.

Minimum Requirements

Physical Skills/Working Conditions:

• 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.
• Must pass pulmonary function test and fit test within (60) days from date of employment.
• Position may require being clean shaven in order to comply with safety standards.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Four (4) years' experience in utilities/solid waste and/or public works maintenance and/or construction, which includes two (2) years' 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" with "N" Tanker endorsement.
• Must be able to obtain: Confined Space Entry Supervisor Certification within one (1) year from date of hire, Intermediate Maintenance of Traffic Certification within (1) year from date of employment, and Trenching & Shoring Certification within three (3) months from date of employment required.
• FDEP Level (3) Water Distribution System Operator License or FWPCOA (C) Wastewater Collection Technician Certification depending on discipline and FDEP Level (2) Water Distribution System Operator License or FWPCOA (B) Wastewater Collection Technician Certification depending on discipline within eighteen (18) months from date of employment preferred.