Equipment Operator III - Street Department

Under supervision, operates a variety of trucks and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of streets, water and sewer lines, landfill and other utility facilities, etc.  This is the third level of a three level series.  It is distinguished by the first and second levels of Equipment Operator, in that incumbents are expected to operate any unit of equipment with proficiency.
 

 Primary Responsiblities: Scope of Responsibility:
 
The Equipment Operator III often works with greater independence and may serve as the lead worker on a small crew of equipment operators (two to three) to ensure equipment is operated properly and that the work is completed timely, safely and according to supervisor's instructions.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
 

1. Operates a variety of material moving and heavy equipment such as motor graders, dozers, back hoes, single and tandem axle trucks, tractors with mowing equipment, front-end loaders, skid steers, air compressors,; etc., used in hauling or the maintenance and repair of streets, sewers and landfill areas.
   1. Inspects equipment in advance of operation and following operation to check tire pressure, fuel and fluid levels, operation of lights, operation of brakes, operation of controls, and other routine checklist items. etc.; reports deficiencies or remedies them using standard procedures; based on the nature and severity of observed deficiencies may recommend that the equipment be shut down until the problem is corrected; shuts down equipment when necessary to avoid further damage or when continued operation presents a safety risk;
   2. Develops familiarity with proper equipment functions, including normal sounds, and notices equipment performance deficiencies so that they can be corrected in a timely manner;
   3. Operates multiple controls requiring practice and hand-eye coordination to efficiently accomplish the desired task;
   4. Develops an awareness of the space surrounding the equipment and watches for persons or objects that may be injured or damaged by movements of the equipment; watches for overhead utilities;
   5. Uses the help of others to securing the work area and guide movements when vision is limited or obstructed; seeks assistance from others as needed; uses spotters, flaggers or helpers to maintain a safe working environment; may serve as a spotter for other operators.
2. Performs activities associated with the particular work assignment.
   1. May excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement;
   2. Follows engineered drawings and observes survey stakes when excavating areas in order to make proper cuts and fills and to stay within identified work zones;
3. Logs daily activities including, time spent on each job, gas used, maintenance, repairs, etc.
4. Under direction of Maintenance Technicians participates in equipment maintenance activities.
   1. Performs routine maintenance to vehicles such as cleaning, greasing parts, etc.; cleans the operator area; washes as necessary to remove road salt or other corrosive material and to maintain a positive public image;
   2. Assists Technicians with repairs when work requires additional hands to lift, move or position parts.
5. Using independent judgment provides leadership to an assigned work crew; serves as a team leader, assigning particular work to their co-workers using informed and independent judgment when making these assignments and ensuring the employees know and follow department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices.
6. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Communicates with others in the work unit to provide information relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work related needs;
   2. Conveys basic information to the public when approached with questions.
7. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
   1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
   2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
   3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
8. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Additional Qualifications:
 
Public Works Operator III's are required to have:

• Skills in the operation of heavy equipment used in the construction, repair and maintenance of Public Works Assets;
• Demonstrated ability to operate equipment safely, skillfully and efficiently; knowledge of road laws as they apply to the safe operation of construction and maintenance equipment;
• Good working knowledge of the operation and maintenance requirements of equipment;
• Ability to maintain work records, read maps, and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor under adverse and varying climatic conditions;
• Ability to supervise and direct the work of personnel in lower classifications;
• Good working knowledge of equipment, methods, materials, procedures and tools used in the construction, maintenance and repair of streets, water and sewer lines, and related facilities;
• Requires tanker license endorsement: