Equipment Operator II; Streets

Scope of Responsibility

Incumbents typically receive work direction from a higher level equipment operator or crew lead. Work direction and training may be provided to Equipment Operator I. The position is responsible for the operation of equipment having a high dollar value.

• Operates equipment to perform a necessary function relating to the work of the department.
• Operates a variety of material moving equipment used in the maintenance and repair of streets, sewers, landfill areas, etc., requiring hand and eye coordination to operate levers, joysticks, pedals, etc.
• Follows engineered drawings and observes survey stakes when excavating areas to make proper cuts and fills and stay within identified work zones.
• Uses operating skills, learned safe practices and awareness of the area surrounding the unit of equipment to avoid injury or damage to persons or property.
• Uses spotters, flaggers or helpers as needed to maintain a safe working environment.
• Monitors equipment condition, identifies equipment malfunctions, and troubleshoots and diagnoses problems, referring more difficult diagnosis to maintenance technicians.
• Inspects equipment prior and after use to identify needed maintenance or repairs; reports repair needs to appropriate personnel for scheduling repairs and may recommend that the equipment be shut down until the problem is corrected.
• Ensures that equipment is properly fueled, lubricants are at appropriate levels and tires are properly inflated.
• Observes and listens to equipment during use to identify malfunctions or parts in need of replacement and shuts down equipment when necessary to prevent further equipment damage or when continued operation creates a safety risk.
• Washes equipment when necessary to remove corrosive material and cleans the operator area.
• Assists Maintenance Technicians with major repairs as assigned.
• Completes log sheets for fuel use, mileage and service hours and submits them for use in maintenance scheduling.
• Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
• Conveys basic information to the public when approached with questions; frequently interacts with others in the work unit to exchange work related information.
• Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
• Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss.
• Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work.
• When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

The Public Works Operator II works a variable work schedule dependent on seasonal workload. Work schedule can include and are not limited to days, afternoons, nights and weekend shifts which at any time will and can be extended as requested or required due to unforeseen circumstances. Operators are subject to on-call 24hr scheduled time slot in summer, spring, and fall and in winter months are subject to consistent 24hr on-call standby for the entirety of snow season.

Performs skilled medium and heavy equipment operational activities in the Department. The work performed is skilled in nature entailing knowledge of complex equipment, operational requirements and considerable manipulative skill. Routinely is exposed to hazardous environments and materials such as sanitary waste, unpleasant odors, confined spaces (sanitary sewer manholes, storm sewer manholes, excavation trenches and lift station wet wells) and traffic environments containing high levels of traffic flows.

May be continuously assigned to operate a specific piece of equipment but will be in training to accommodate requirements of Operator III skill sets. Must have a good level of customer service and courtesy when dealing with the public. Operates a variety of material moving equipment used in the maintenance and repair of streets, water and sewer lines, hydrants and other utility facilities and services, etc.

Performs street maintenance and repair projects including repairing blacktop, hauling materials, plowing snow, mowing grass, excavating trenches to repair water main and storm sewer pipe, etc. Expected to know and be proficient in operating single and tandem axle trucks; sanding equipment; snow plows; tractors with mowing equipment; rubber tire backhoe; steam trucks; front end loader; air compressor; miscellaneous tools, etc.

they are primarily responsible on an on-going basis for operating equipment that is categorized as medium and requiring a greater degree of skill to operate (i.e.…