Water Operations Equipment Operator I

Performs skilled work in the operation a variety of medium to heavy equipment requiring skill and competence in maintenance of the City infrastructure.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class operates a variety of medium to heavy maintenance and construction equipment requiring a high level of skill or competence in support of a variety of public services construction, maintenance and repair projects. Work includes operating medium to heavy equipment and tools and using a variety of trade skills in the construction, repair, cleaning and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, rights-of-ways, curb and gutter, storm drains, water distribution, wastewater collection, and related facilities and systems; performing general maintenance and construction activities on related facilities and systems; and performing minor preventive maintenance and repairs on assigned equipment.   Employee may operate front-end loader, backhoe, rubber tire loader, mini-excavator, dump truck, asphalt roller, motor grader, and/or tractor with sidearm attachment.  Employee may work independently or as a member of a crew. Work is performed in accordance with general instructions and within defined procedures.  Employee performs work in accordance with OSHA and City safety rules and regulations and motor vehicle laws.   Employee is subject to hazards in public works 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, moving mechanical parts, vibrations, etc.  Work is performed under regular supervision and is reviewed for quality, productivity and adherence to standards and safety procedures; periodic performance appraisals; and direct supervision. 

Operates backhoes and excavators to cut and remove asphalt street sections, sidewalks, or curb and gutter for patching or reconstruction, digs trenches to install, repair or replace pipes, manholes, valves, services, hydrants and for cleaning catch basins.

Operates motor grader equipment to clear rights-of-ways; performs fine grading on roads and ditches; ensures grades for roads; grades areas for curb and gutter and sidewalks; loads dirt, gravel, sand and stone on trucks; removes heavy brush and debris.

Operates tandem axle dump truck to haul dirt, gravel, sand, rocks, etc. and to move equipment on trailers.

Operates tractor with long sidearm attachment during the growing season to cut grass in right of ways along steep banks and around hydrants, poles and signs; mows City fields with tractor and bush hog.

Operates equipment in street and pedestrian traffic, around overhead or underground utilities and in other tight places requiring care and skill.

Participates in construction and maintenance of catch basins, storm drains, sidewalks, pipes, hydrants, manholes, valves, meters, lift stations, and repairing potholes with cold patch; installs driveway pipe and driveway aprons.

Participates in digging trenches and storm drain maintenance.

Operates landscaping equipment to perform a variety of grounds maintenance work; excavates and fills grave sites; maintains landscaped areas.

Operates equipment during extreme weather conditions such as snow and ice to remove snow and ice, to spread salt and to remove tree limbs and other yard debris; assists in putting plows and spreaders on trucks.

Checks vehicles and equipment daily to ensure safe operation; reports unsafe conditions and equipment problems to the supervisor.

Performs minor repairs and maintenance and washes equipment.

May prepare simple records of work activities.

Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of the operation, maintenance, capabilities and limitations of medium and heavy equipment used in the area of assignment.

Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and proper safety precautions involved in the operation of heavy equipment, including safe excavation practices, trench safety rules and procedures working around underground utilities.

Thorough knowledge of the traffic laws and regulations governing equipment operation.

Skill in manipulating the controls of complex construction equipment and operating in tight locations.

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.

Ability to detect signs of mechanical failure of equipment.

Ability to perform minor preventive maintenance and make minor repairs to assigned equipment.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, co-workers, and the general public.

Ability to respond courteously to citizens.

Ability to prepare simple records of work activities.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school and considerable experience in the operation of the equipment related to public works, public utilities or road construction experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirement

Possession of, or ability to obtain a Class North Carolina Class A commercial driver's license.

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions. Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; and/or 50 pounds of force frequently; and/or 20 pounds constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to operate heavy equipment and distinguish details in operation of machines as well as for safety issues; to perform manual and semi-skilled duties, and to determine thoroughness of work completed. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.