Heavy Equipment Operator

This position operates heavy machinery in support of road construction, maintenance, and repair projects. This position is distinguished from that of the Equipment Operator due to the higher complexity of the vehicles and equipment operated.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

* Operates complex motorized equipment, including bulldozers, two-yard loaders, front end loaders, motor graders,

backhoes, low-boys, pavers, planers, tractor and trailer combinations, and other equipment; clears land for new streets;

loads dirt and stumps onto dump truck; levels roadbeds; shapes back slopes; shapes driveways; mixes base course;

spreads gravel.

* Operate forklift and street sweeper.

* Meets with Highway Supervisor to plan daily work assignments; inspects vehicles and equipment before use; loads

tools and supplies; checks equipment for damage or other problems at end of day.

* Assists in the repair and maintenance of vehicles and equipment, including changing blades and tires on motor graders.

* Lifts, moves, and lowers pipes; builds structures into the ground; oversees the replacement of landscaping.

* Maintains and repairs streets and related appurtenances; builds spillways; shores up existing structures; builds new

streets and drive entrances; patches potholes; delivers asphalt to work sites; removes damaged asphalt; shovels, packs,

and prepares new asphalt for rolling operation; cleans up patch site after completion; restores curbing after asphalt

work; mixes and pours cement; retrieves forms; repairs sidewalks; lays forms and spreads cement; levels cement.

* Performs bridge and guardrail maintenance.

* Operates water truck to wash down road or water seed after landscaping when needed.

* Maintains rights-of-way; operates bush hog to cut grass.

* Operates street sweeper; sweeps road off after completing shoulder repair.

Participates in the maintenance of shop building and facilities.

* Assists with removal of brush/weeds and tree limbs, cuts, and prunes trees.

* Hauls rubbish to dump and hauls waste material from job site; replaces signs, removes old signs, digs hole, mixes, and

pours cement, anchors new posts.

* Removes trees, tree limbs, litter, and debris from County's rights-of-way; performs physical duties associated with

natural disasters and other emergencies.

* Performs pre-start-up inspections; maintains an awareness of all activity around assigned equipment and practices

defensive driving when in pedestrian and vehicle traffic; takes shortest and safest routes possible in transportation

operations while obeying all traffic laws.

* Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

* Knowledge of equipment operation guidelines.

* Knowledge of traffic hazards, safety principles, rules, regulations, and speed limits.

* Knowledge of county and department regulations, policies, and procedures.

* Knowledge of equipment maintenance and repair guidelines.

* Skill in the operation of assigned vehicles and equipment.

* Skill in the repair and maintenance of vehicles and equipment.

* Skill in oral and written communication.

* Ability to comprehend and follow safety rules and regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

* High School diploma/GED and one (1) year of related experience, or equivalent.

* Possession of a valid Commercial, Class A or B, state issued driver's license.