Heavy Equipment Operator - Parks & Recreation

Department: Parks & Recreation Reports to: Assigned Supervisor

Under basic supervision, performs semi-skilled work in the operation of specialized trucks and heavy motorized equipment used for a variety of job functions in the Parks and Recreation Department (P&R); operates vehicles, equipment, and tools in compliance with all safety regulations and standard procedures.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following

• Operates specialized trucks and heavy motorized equipment to repair and maintain parks and right-of-ways in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Operates a wide range of vehicles and motorized equipment, including large trucks, bulldozers, graders, backhoes, spreaders, scrapers, compactors, dump trucks, and front-end loaders; inspects vehicles at start and end of work day.
• Cleans and performs routine maintenance work and adjustments on trucks and heavy equipment; identifies and reports mechanical problems requiring additional repair.
• Hauls materials and transports vehicles and equipment to job sites. Responsible for the transportation of the department's mobile stage to and from special events.
• Maintains truck usage logs, truck inspection forms, maintenance records, and daily trip reports.
• Controls ongoing work projects to ensure compliance with safety rules and regulations and that the work zone and all equipment are in safe operating condition.
• Performs manual labor tasks as needed.
• Responds to emergency callouts resulting from severe weather, accidents, and other factors; performs special tasks for public safety and property protection.
• Utilizes proper safety precautions in all work performed; reports problems and emergency situations; recognizes, avoids, and reports unsafe acts, conditions, accidents, and injuries.
• Supports departmental operations through regular, timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines: High School Diploma or GED required AND two years' experience operating heavy motorized vehicles.

• Operation, maintenance, and repair methods and standards for heavy equipment and specialized vehicles.
• Methods, tools, and equipment used in the maintenance of streets, roadways, and infrastructure.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Traffic laws and rules governing the operation of vehicles and equipment on public streets.
• City geography, traffic patterns, streets, landmarks, and PWD facility locations.

• Performing street and roadway maintenance and repair work.
• Making routine operating adjustments, repairs, and preventive maintenance to assigned equipment.
• Safe and efficient operation and maintenance of tools and equipment.
• Use of power and hand tools.
• Controlling work sites and establishing effective safety zones and traffic signage.
• Identifying and resolving street maintenance, safety, and mechanical problems.
• Follow verbal and written instructions and procedures closely.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.

A Texas State Commercial Class A Driver's License is required; special training and licensing may be required for some incumbents.

Work is performed indoors, outdoors, and at City facilities; requires moderate physical efforts, and the ability to bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects; may be exposed to safety hazards and dangerous tools and equipment; safety precautions must be followed, including the use of safety equipment. City-approved safety shoes must be worn.