Equipment Operator

AMHERST Equipment Operator Operates a variety of equipment utilized in construction, sanitary landfill, and maintenance and repair activities. Performs a variety of semi-skilled tasks in the maintenance of street, water, sewer and storm drainage systems.

• Operates trucks and construction or power equipment, such as compactor at landfill, mechanized broom, back-hoe, and snowplows.
• Operates jackhammers and other small equipment and tools to maintain street and utility systems.
• Operates backhoe and front-end loader in digging and back filling work as part of highway construction or maintenance crew work.
• Operates backhoe and loader for other divisions, as directed.
• May operate street sweeper, grader, sewer flusher and rodding machine, backhoe, and frontend loader.
• May operate any department truck and/or snowplow, as necessary.
• May operate landfill compactor during refuse disposal operations at the sanitary landfill.
• Uses equipment to load, plow, remove and dispose of snow.
• Works with and assists a crew with pole holes, hoisting material, digging ditches, and any related work with a backhoe or loader.
• Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor; cleans equipment; performs some minor repairs and equipment maintenance, including changing oil, hydraulic and torque fluids.
• Assists in the installation and maintenance of traffic control devices.
• Performs all duties in conformance with appropriate safety and security standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• High School degree or equivalent PLUS four (4) years experience involving the use of light equipment, two (2) of which must have been related to utility or street systems; OR equivalent combination of experience and education demonstrating the ability to perform the above duties.
• Valid Massachusetts Class B CDL with endorsements for air brakes and tanker OR ability to obtain Certification.
• Massachusetts 2A Hoisting Engineer License OR ability to obtain Certification.
• Massachusetts 4G Mowers License OR ability to obtain Certification.
• Considerable knowledge of light-equipment operating principles.
• Working knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions common to equipment operations.
• Working knowledge of the methods, materials and tools used in street and utility maintenance and construction work.
• Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow oral or written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to observe proper safety precautions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors and the public.
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks under varying weather conditions.
• Ability to drive and operate a variety of equipment under varying conditions.
• Ability to work from construction specifications or blueprints.
• Ability to classify soils and perform as a competent person on excavation sites.

For more details and