Equipment Operator Senior - Watershed

Positions available in Watershed Management

Grade: 10     Salary Range:  $18.59 - $29.93/hour depending on experience     FLSA:   Non-Exempt   

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to drive and operate vehicles and other equipment with specialized functions that involve the operation of mechanisms to complete tasks for various maintenance, upkeep, and/or construction projects in addition to driving and maneuvering the vehicle; equipment in this classification includes vehicles with mechanisms that are somewhat complex to operate, requiring more dexterity and finesse, or larger vehicles requiring a higher level of skill to drive/maneuver in and around confined spaces.  

This classification is safety sensitive, subject to random drug testing in accordance with the County’s Drug & Alcohol Policy.

Essential Functions:  

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Operates various equipment and vehicles to complete tasks related to the maintenance, upkeep, installation, and construction of County grounds, property, utilities, right-of-ways, and other infrastructure for departmental operations; drives vehicles over public roads, work sites, rights-of-way, parks, public works facilities, and other County property; maneuvers in and around traffic, parked cars, 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.

Drives roll-off container truck to haul materials to and from work sites; maneuvers and positions vehicle to allow for proper alignment of containers to be placed or retrieved; connects container to truck and operates winch, checking for proper load distribution and support for the vehicle; secures all doors, gates, and fasteners to prevent spillage or loss of load during transport; and dumps material at appropriate location.

Operates bobcat, backhoe-mounted loader, and loaders of similar size to load and/or move gravel, dirt, sand, and other materials for smaller projects and amounts; and utilizes bobcat to clear land or debris.

Operates backhoe to perform basic digging, trenching, and clearing of land or materials for maintenance and upkeep projects for public utilities and other infrastructure; and 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 tractors with articulated boom mowing system to mow right-of-ways, parks, and other County property along steep slopes, ditches, and hard-to-reach areas inaccessible to most mowing apparatuses; scouts path for and removes rocks, debris, and other obstacles that may cause damage to the equipment, property, or the public; determines proper settings and adjusts boom for proper angle, height and trajectory; and maneuvers and monitors boom mower for optimal operation.

Drives knuckle-boom truck to collect trash, limbs, and other debris from work sites, parks, and other County property, and transport it to the landfill; positions vehicle alongside targeted debris; operates truck- or trailer-mounted knuckle-boom arm to pick up debris and load it into the truck; secures all doors, gates, and fasteners to prevent spillage or loss of load during transport; and dumps material at appropriate location.

Operates front loader vehicles in the collection and disposal of solid waste, collects solid waste from various location, and delivers to county disposal facility.

Operates and loads a variety of specialized sanitation vehicles to pick up special collections items and refuse not part of a regular residential route.

Fuels and performs routine maintenance of equipment in the field; drives fuel truck requiring hazardous materials endorsement to work sites to fuel equipment; greases equipment; changes / repairs tires as necessary; changes blades, belts, and chains; and checks fluids and performs other minor repairs as appropriate.

Inspects and prepares equipment for safe and proper operation prior to beginning route; performs light maintenance on equipment, which includes changing oil, refueling, and refilling lubricants; and cleans vehicles, beds, and mounted equipment upon completion of assignment; secures vehicle after use.

Transports, loads and unloads various materials and equipment used in projects.

Utilizes safety equipment and wears protective gear; monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; monitors traffic conditions surrounding trucks/equipment to identify obstructions, pedestrians, or unsafe traffic conditions, flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs and comes around project/work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public; and reports any incidents, accidents, problems, or unusual situations.

Receives, prepares or completes various forms and documentation, including work orders, time cards, maintenance reports, spray records, diagrams, maps, manuals, reference materials, and other documents; and reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems; and communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED preferred; two years of experience in the operation of heavy trucks and/or off-road construction equipment or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required:  Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Class B Commercial Driver’s License; some assignments may require a Georgia Class A Commercial Driver’s License and/or special endorsements. 

*Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a valid 12-month DOT Medical Blue Card as a condition of employment for some departments.