Public Works Equipment Operator

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Operates specialized heavy equipment such as road grader, dozer, compactors, and medium equipment such as backhoe, front-end loader, water wagon, oiling truck, power broom, chipper, roller, tractor, and other similar equipment in the maintenance, construction and repair of County road system.
• Monitors flood control channels to prevent blockage, clears culverts of debris, repairs potholes, highway shoulders, lays road cover and gravel.
• Operates trucks, dump trucks, and pups, vac broom truck, snowplow and sanders in hauling, plowing and cleaning streets and highways.
• Performs duties with due regard for personal safety of other employees and the public. Assists in training subordinates in proper safety practices. Performs as a flag person as assigned to ensure safety while working on highways.
• Trains and instructs less skilled employees in the proper operation and general maintenance of heavy and medium sized equipment.
• Repairs and replaces highway markers and road signs.
• May operate mower to clean and maintain weed growth or perform noxious weed spraying duties in support of the countywide noxious weed program.
• May remove, minimize, and control noxious weeds; including operating weed and tractor mowers, backhoes, sprayers, and winches.
• Controls tree growth in the rights-of-way.
• Operates dozer as needed to control wild lands fires by pushing firebreaks.
• Assists to control wild land fires whenever and wherever requested.
• Performs carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and painting duties as required in construction, maintenance, and repair of County structures, buildings, and grounds.

• Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work activities.
• Skill in basic reading, writing, and math.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Skill in road construction and heavy equipment operation.
• Ability to operate light equipment.
• Ability to work with or without direct supervision.
• Knowledge of hazards and safety precautions related to construction and equipment operation.
• Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Knowledge of safety standards, regulations, and protocol for equipment operated and chemicals used.
• Knowledge of chemical profiles for noxious weeds.

• Occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Ascend or descend ladders, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like.
• Use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.
• Walk, stand, crouch, or run on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces.
• Regularly drives a motor vehicle.
• Work for sustained periods maintaining concentrated attention to detail.
• Need to distinguish between shades of color.
• Communicate via radio.
• Respond to on-call situations.
• Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

• Equivalent to a high school diploma.
• Two (2) years of road or general construction work experience, including operation of heavy equipment.