Equipment Operator II - Highways

Position Description

This is skilled work involving operating medium and heavy sized construction vehicles and construction equipment and performing semi-skilled and laborer work.

Employees in this class are expected to be fully proficient in the operation and preventive maintenance of a variety of construction vehicles and equipment as well as laborer duties in highway maintenance, waste management services, and utilities. Contacts are generally limited to the crew to which the position is assigned and with the public in receiving instructions, providing information, and ensuring that laws and regulations are followed.

This class is distinguished from Equipment Operator I by the complexity of construction vehicles and equipment operated, the semi-skilled work required in making repairs to highways, storm drains, curbs, and sidewalks, excavating and grading, towing trailers, and other related tasks.

The work requires more independent judgment, less supervision, and the work performed is expected to be completed in accordance with operating practices and procedures.

The more complex construction vehicles and equipment that employees in this class operate would include the skid loader, backhoe, self‑propelled paver box, motor grader, Gradall, sweeper, and roll‑off truck.

In addition employees perform a variety of labor and semi‑skilled tasks in support of a maintenance crew to which they are assigned.

Because of the nature of this work the employee is expected to be available to work hours outside the normal workweek and respond to work emergencies when required. Work assignments are received from a supervisor or team leader and instructions are general guidelines to follow to complete the assignment.

The employee can be a working leader of a maintenance crew in coordinating the workflow and ensuring that work projects are completed properly and within prescribed time limits.

There is considerable physical effort required in lifting and moving heavy materials and equipment and standing or walking for considerable periods of time, and repeated bending, crawling, or stretching.

The working conditions expose the workers to dirty, noisy, dusty areas where very disagreeable odors are present.

The hazards of the job require wearing hard hats, safety shoes and glasses when working with dangerous machinery, tools or equipment in confined spaces.

Work is frequently performed in adverse weather conditions for long periods of time.

There are positions in this class where employees have considerable contact with the public which requires courtesy and patience while providing information on county practices and policies.

Work performance is reviewed and evaluated by a supervisor.

• Operate a single axle dump truck, tractor mower, boom mower, front end loader, steel wheel roller, skid steer loader, belt loader, backhoe, self‑propelled paver box, motor grader, Gradall, sweeper truck, tow trailers and equipment, chain saws, wood chippers, stump grinders, air compressors, jackhammers and other construction equipment in performing a variety of road maintenance tasks.
• Drive and operate construction vehicles and equipment at work location and also perform semi‑skilled and laborer tasks as required.
• May be assigned as a working leader in coordinating the workflow and performance of a maintenance crew at a job site, including inmates and contractual labor.
• Drive a dump truck and operate other support equipment during snow removal operations.
• Perform preliminary engineering work in setting grade stakes, drainage ditch invert elevations, asphalt curb alignment and defining pavement lanes and edge lines.
• Construct forms and mix concrete and finish for repairs to storm drains, curbs and sidewalks.
• Operate a backhoe in the excavating and back filling of holes and trenches with manual and automatic digging tools.
• Operate for training purposes and during temporary staffing shortfalls vehicles and equipment normally operated by Public Works Technicians III.
• May instruct less skilled employees in the legal, effective and safe operation of vehicles and equipment.
• Plant,…