Equipment Operator III - Highways

Posting number: 08739

Department: Public Works

Division: Highways

Job classification: Equipment Operator III

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Works

This position announcement will be used to fill a Full-Time, Permanent, Safety-Sensitive Equipment Operator III position in the Department of Public Works, Highways Division. This is advanced level work operating heavy-sized vehicles and construction equipment and performing semi-skilled and laborer work. This position includes the operation of a gradall, grader, backhoe and lowboy.

• Employees in this class are expected to have advanced skills in the operation and preventive maintenance of a variety of construction vehicles and equipment as well as perform skilled laborer duties in highway maintenance.
• Contacts are generally limited to the crew to which the position is assigned as well as with the public in providing information, assistance, and ensuring laws and regulations are followed.
• This class is distinguished from the Equipment Operator II by the complexity of construction vehicles and equipment operated, the skilled work required in making repairs to highways, storm drains, curbs and sidewalks, excavating, grading, towing trailers and other comparable tasks.
• The work requires considerable judgment in carrying out assignments and minimum supervision, and the work completed should not require modifications. The vehicles and construction equipment that employees in this class operate include operating a gradall, grader, backhoe and lowboy.
• In addition, employees perform a variety of 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 of the normal workweek and respond to work emergencies when required.
• Work assignments are received from a supervisor or team leader, and general guidelines are provided in how the work needs to done.
• The employee is often assigned as working leader of a maintenance or repair 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 worker to dirty, noisy, dusty areas where very disagreeable odors may be present.
• The hazards of the job require wearing hard hats, safety shoes and glasses, when working with dangerous machinery, and 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 that requires courtesy and patience while providing information on county practices and policies. Work performance is reviewed and evaluated by a supervisor.

• Operates all the vehicles and equipment required of an Equipment Operator II in addition to operating a gradall, grader, backhoe and lowboy and other comparable level construction vehicles and equipment used in performing road maintenance tasks.
• Drives and operates construction vehicles and equipment to work location and performs skilled tasks as required.
• Performs duties as a working leader in coordinating the workflow and performance of a maintenance crew at a job site, including inmates and contractual labor. Operates a grader and dump truck and other equipment during snow removal operations.
• Sets grade stakes and determines drainage ditch invert elevations, asphalt curb alignment and defines pavement lanes and edge lines. Designs sediment and erosion control measures in creating slopes, grades, and drainage ditches.
• Constructs forms and mixes concrete and finishes to repair storm drains, curbs and sidewalks.
• Operates a track backhoe/excavator to excavate and backfill of ditches and trenches.
• Operates for training purposes and during temporary staffing shortfalls vehicles and equipment normally operated by a Senior Equipment Operator. Explains to less skilled employees in the regulations and safe operation of construction vehicles and equipment. Works in confined spaces to clean storm drains, drainage ditches, inlets.
• Performs preventive maintenance on vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Performs as required all laborer type tasks that are performed by lower classified employees.
• Operates a steel roller and paver in laying asphalting and fills in road depressions with slag, gravel, stone, or cold mix asphalt.
• Responds to work emergencies and call-outs after normal work hours.
• Drives a tractor-trailer containing residential solid waste and recycling to various disposal and processing facilities for further processing.
• May be assigned supervisory duties in the absence of a supervisor.
• Performs maintenance in accordance with written procedures and vehicular and equipment specifications. Inspects,…