Public Works Equipment Operator

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Public Works Supervisor, performs journey level skilled tasks in the operation and maintenance of light to heavy-duty equipment as needed to construct, maintain, repair, and emergency operations of County roads and service systems.

STEP AND GRADE CHARACTERISTICS

This is the classification level responsible for operating highly specialized heavy equipment and performing related duties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Operates specialized heavy equipment such as road grader, dozer, compactors, and medium equipment such as backhoe, front-end loader, water wagon, oiling truck, power broom, chipper, roller, tractor, and other similar equipment in the maintenance, construction and repair of County road system.
• Monitors flood control channels to prevent blockage, clears, culverts of debris, repairs potholes, highway shoulders, lays road cover and gravel.
• Operates trucks, dump trucks, and pups, vac broom truck, snowplow and sanders in hauling, plowing and cleaning streets and highways.
• Performs duties with due regard for personal safety of other employees and the public.
• Assists in training subordinates in proper safety practices.
• Performs as a flag person as assigned to ensure safety while working on highways. Trains and instructs less skilled employees in the proper operation and general maintenance of heavy and medium sized equipment.
• Repairs and replaces highway markers and road signs.
• May operate mower to clean and maintain weed growth or perform noxious weed spraying duties in support of the countywide noxious weed program.
• May remove, minimize, and control noxious weeds; including operating weed and tractor mowers, backhoes, sprayers, and winches.
• Controls tree growth in the right-of-ways.
• Operates dozer as needed to control wild lands fires by pushing firebreaks.
• Assists to control wild land fires whenever and wherever requested.
• Performs carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and painting duties as required in construction, maintenance, and repair of County structures, buildings, and grounds.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work activities. Skill in basic reading, writing, and math.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Skill in road construction and heavy equipment operation.
• Ability to operate light equipment.
• Ability to work with or without direct supervision.
• Knowledge of hazards and safety precautions related to construction and equipment operation.
• Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Knowledge of safety standards, regulations, and protocol for equipment operated and chemicals used.
• Knowledge of chemical profiles for noxious weeds

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Ascend or descend ladders, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like.
• Use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.
• Walk, stand, crouch, or run on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces.
• Regularly drives a motor vehicle.
• Work for sustained periods maintaining concentrated attention to detail.
• Need to distinguish between shades of color. Communicate via radio.
• Respond to on-call situations.
• Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a very noisy place.
• Work exposes incumbent to conditions such as fumes, noxious odors, dust, mists, gases, and poor ventilation.
• Work exposes incumbent to possible bodily injury from moving parts of equipment, tools, or machinery.
• Work is performed for sustained periods outdoors and occasionally in hot, cold, or inclement weather.
• Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, gloves, and goggles.
• Work exposes incumbent to unknown, dangerous, and/or life-threatening conditions including working at night.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Equivalent to a high school diploma. Two (2) years of road or general construction work experience, including operation of heavy equipment.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION

• Must possess a valid State of Utah Class A(CDL) Commercial Driver's License.
• Must pass ICC physical and maintain medical certificate.
• May obtain wildland fire red card endorsement.
• May obtain non-commercial pesticide applicator certification.

**This description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

Employment with the county is contingent upon successful completion of the pre-employment drug screening.