Heavy Equipment Operator -Forestry

Job Title

Performs a variety of skilled work in the operation of forestry related equipment, heavy equipment and specialized machinery utilized in maintenance, repair and sanitary landfill operation.

Supervision Received:
Director of Public Works, Operations Manager, Streets Superintendent, Streets Foreman and City Arborist

Supervision Exercised:
This position is the entry-level position into the Forestry Department of the City of Williston. Individuals in this position are expected to function as an understudy to the City Forester with supervision given to seasonal workers.

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Essential Job Functions:

• Operates the following pieces of equipment: bucket truck with hydraulics, chain saw, tree chipper, tree stumper, mechanical tree spade, air compressor jackhammer, air driven compaction tools, dump trucks, front-end loaders, rollers, sewer jetters, sewer and manhole vacuums, sand spreaders, motor patrols, street sweepers, cranes, bulldozers, scrapers, trash compactors, steamers, concrete saws.
• Maintains records on work activities, inventories and prepares reports on activities. Responds to citizen inquires and complaints. Assures equipment is in proper working order. Keeps abreast of newly developed techniques and equipment related to forestry.
• Learns the arboricultural task needed to perform tree pruning, removal, damage prevention and repair in accordance with ISA and Department Standards.
• Learns to plant trees in a variety of sizes, and locations using transplanting methods endorsed by the Forestry Departments tree planting plan.
• Performs all support tasks that are needed to conduct the responsibilities of the Department, i.e., raking, driving, spraying, lifting, etc.
• Utilizes all equipment required to perform the Department's task in a safe, careful and efficient manner
• Operates a variety of other special and standard equipment as assigned.
• Services equipment and makes field adjustments and repairs.
• Levels and finishes asphalt and concrete
• Helps repair water pumping stations
• Maintain fire hydrants, valves, sewer and water mains
• Performs manual labor incidental to the operation to which assigned and occasionally exercises supervision over other operators and laborers.
• Must be on call occasionally on weekends or after hours.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures.
• Performs related work as required.
• The nature of this position requires the ability to respond to emergencies in a timely fashion.

Peripheral

Job Duties:

• Open and close graves at cemetery.
• Operate forklift and skid steer loaders
• Substitute for sanitation truck drivers, operating side load and rear load sanitation trucks and roll-off trucks.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge of the operation, maintenance and use of aerial bucket truck, chipper, chainsaw, mechanical tree and spade, heavy motor equipment in general construction and maintenance activities. Knowledge of the traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations related to equipment operation. Knowledge of the occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions in the operation of heavy motor driven equipment. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to perform strenuous laboring tasks under varying weather conditions. Skill in the operation of heavy motor driven equipment over rough, slippery, or unstable surfaces.

Education:

High school graduate or equivalent. Associate Degree in the field of Urban Forestry or related field.

Experience:

Experience in the operation and routine maintenance of heavy motor-driven equipment. OR any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirement:
Must have a valid ND Commercial Driver's License within three months of hiring. Possess ability to obtain a ND pesticide application license. Position is safety-sensitive and requires pre-employment drug testing and subject to alcohol and controlled-substance requirements at all times when on duty.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made…