Heavy Equipment Operator

JOB SUMMARY

This position operates heavy equipment in the repair and maintenance of county roads and other infrastructure.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Performs daily equipment inspections; checks tires and fluid levels; performs minor repairs and maintenance; reports other repair needs to supervisor.

• Operates a variety of heavy and other equipment, including motor grader, backhoe, bulldozer, packer, grade-all, etc.

• Loads trucks with track loader and hauls materials and equipment to and from worksites.

• Mows grass and brush with mowers, tractors, and long-arm mowers.

• Operates a backhoe to dig ditches, install pipe, and remove trees.

• Operates skid steer, spread truck, motor grader, and other equipment to repair and maintains roadways.

• Flags traffic at work sites.

• Operates weedeater, chainsaw, chipper, and other power tools.

• Responds to after-hours emergencies, including in response to storms.

• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of the techniques, equipment, and supplies used in road and right-of-way maintenance.

• Knowledge of county and departmental safety policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of the geography of the county, including road names and locations.

• Skill in the operation of assigned vehicles, trucks, and heavy equipment.

• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.

• Skill in the use of hand and power tools.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Road Superintendent assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include traffic laws, work safety policies, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and county policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application. 

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related equipment operation duties. Inclement weather and heavy traffic contribute to the complexity of the position.

• The purpose of this position is to operate heavy equipment in maintenance and repair of roads and other infrastructure. Successful performance contributes to the provision of safe and well-maintained county roads and related infrastructure.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, vendors, and the general public.

• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.

• The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education. 

• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. 

• ​​​​​​​Possession valid Class B commercial driver's license with air brake endorsement issued by the State of Georgia and possession of or ability to readily obtain a Class A commercial driver's license.