EQUIPMENT OPERATOR III

Equipment Operator The purpose of this position is to operate track or rubber-tired construction equipment with specialized functions related to public infrastructure maintenance, construction, and operational activities where the operation of complex mechanisms requires the highest degree of skill, dexterity, and finesse, and where work is performed to exacting tolerances. Incumbents have three years of experience in operating heavy equipment. Examples of Duties Maneuvers heavy equipment and operates complex mechanisms involving digging, moving earth and materials, grading, loading, and performing similar tasks in order to advance projects relating to construction and maintenance of County roadways, rights-of-way, sidewalks, storm drainage systems, and other infrastructure; equipment is primarily driven and operated on-site, but does require some driving over public roads; maneuvers in and around traffic, crew workers, equipment, utilities, and other obstacles; obeys all traffic laws and safety guidelines; and monitors immediate environment and work area to ensure the safety of operator, other workers, the equipment, and the public. Operates excavator, track hoe, and backhoe to perform skilled digging and trenching for maintenance, repair, and construction infrastructure projects where exacting tolerances and specification are required; controls placement of equipment; and determines optimum approach to each digging scenario in order to minimize destruction of property and avoid electric, water, sewer, and other public utility lines. Operates a track or rubber-tired loader with large volume and weight capacities to load materials into trucks or move them over short distances; positions equipment and controls height, angle, and position of scoop for optimum delivery of payload; and controls amount, and weight of materials being lifted to avoid exceeding equipment capacity. Operates a motor-grader, scraper, and excavator with blade attachment to set gradients for large construction and maintenance projects such as roads, landscaping, embankments, and other projects requiring exacting specifications related to slope, angle, and pitch; determines appropriate settings and adjusts blades for height, angle, and pitch to achieve desired outcome; and maneuvers equipment and operates mechanisms to skillfully set gradient, smooth surfaces, and spread materials. Operates bulldozer, scraper, and compactor to move earth, gravel, sand, and other materials for large construction and maintenance projects and landfill operations; operates mechanisms to establish rough grades or to smooth and compact surfaces in preparation for pavement, construction, or other work. Drives large tractor-trailer rigs and low boys to move construction equipment to and from job sites; positions vehicle to allow for the most efficient and effective loading or unloading of equipment and materials; and secures all doors, gates, and fasteners to prevent spillage or loss of load. Inspects and prepares equipment for safe and proper operation prior to beginning work for the day; performs light maintenance on equipment, which includes changing oil, refueling, and refilling lubricants; cleans vehicles, beds, and mounted equipment upon completion of assignments; and secures vehicle after use. Performs manual labor in support of construction, maintenance, and repair projects; lifts, moves, loads, and unloads materials, equipment, tools, and supplies; digs ditches, trenches, and holes manually or utilizing power equipment; shovels, rakes, spreads, compacts, and levels dirt, rock, asphalt, cement, and other materials; retrieves supplies, materials, tools, equipment, and other items and runs various errands as needed; collects, transports, loads, and unloads materials, supplies, tools, and equipment to and from the worksite; and removes litter, debris, and deceased animals from roadways and other County property. Follows established safety procedures; utilizes safety equipment and wears protective gear; monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; monitors traffic conditions surrounding trucks and equipment to identify obstructions, pedestrians, or unsafe traffic conditions; flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs, and cones around project and work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public; and reports any incidents, accidents, problems, or unusual situations. Communicates with supervisor, other County employees, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Operates equipment and trucks included at the lower levels of the Equipment Operator series. Responds to emergency and disaster situations and assists with special events as needed. Performs other related duties as assigned.