Heavy Equipment Operator

General Statement of Duties

Operates difficult heavy equipment requiring a high level of skill and competence the majority of time; participates in the work of the crew when not operating equipment; and serves as lead over one or two workers.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Employees in this class operate difficult heavy equipment and vehicles, a majority of the time, in functions and in places requiring high levels of skill.   Work may also include serving as lead worker for one or more workers as assigned, and may include serving in the absence of a crew leader on occasion.  When not operating equipment, employees work with the crew to install, repair and replace or maintain sections of water and sewer lines, hydrants, valves, or in streets clearing right of ways, patching streets, etc.  Employees may perform cleaning and preventive maintenance to assigned equipment.  Employees are subject to hazards in utilities work including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as noise, oils, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, tight quarters, moving mechanical parts, vibrations, chemicals, and narrow passage ways.  Employees may be subject to the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear respirators.  Work is performed under regular supervision and is reviewed for accuracy, safety, and adherence to established standards by the street crew leader.

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Operates a variety of heavy equipment such as backhoe, front end loader, motor grader, excavator, and box-blade tractor.
• Operates a boom truck to load piles of debris and digging in catch basins at least half time; operating around vehicles on the streets.
• Operates backhoe to dig trenches for installation or replacement of water and sewer lines, pump stations, and related appurtenances; may also operates to cut and remove asphalt street sections, sidewalks, or curb and gutter for patch or reconstruction; digs trenches, culverts.
• May provide training to new employees or employees with lesser skills in equipment operation and work procedures; may assign work and serve as crew leader in the absence of the higher level supervisor.
• Operates equipment in street and pedestrian traffic, around other ground utilities and in other tight places requiring care and skill.
• Performs general preventive maintenance to assigned equipment.
• May clean and wash equipment on a periodic basis.
• Reports any unsafe conditions of equipment and other necessary repairs to supervisor.
• Performs semi-skilled and unskilled duties on the job such as assisting in repairing utility cuts, pipe fitting, installing hydrants and valves, removing broken concrete, raising valves and manhole covers in preparation for resurfacing, cleaning catch basins, etc.
• Operates medium to light equipment such as tapping machine, air compressor, tamper, chain and hand saws, etc. 
• Drives trash collection truck as needed.
• Transports and/or provides guidance to inmate assisting in the work.

Additional Job Duties

• Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the operation, maintenance, capabilities and limitations of heavy equipment used in the area of assignment.
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and proper safety precautions involved in the operation of heavy equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of the traffic laws and regulations governing equipment operation.
• Thorough knowledge of the location of all underground utilities.
• Skill in manipulating the controls of complex construction equipment in the area of assignment.
• Skill and care in the operation of several types of construction equipment.
• Ability to perform difficult and complex operational duties in the equipment of assigned responsibility.
• Ability to train lower skilled employees and to provide leadership to a small crew in assigning tasks and insuring work quality in the absence of the street crew leader
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other peers, supervisors, and the general public.
• Ability to respond courteously to citizens.

Desirable Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school and some experience in the operation of heavy equipment related to the areas of assignment including some construction experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills.

Special Requirement

• Possession of appropriate valid North Carolina commercial B driver's license.