Blade Operator

The Blade Operator preforms a variety of skilled duties associated with the operation of all equipment including, but not limited to, track and rubber excavators, motor graders skid steer loaders, asphalt paver, asphalt roller, chip-spreader, mowers in the repair, maintenance and construction of County roads, bridges and right of way. Works under general supervision.Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operation of equipment in road construction and road maintenance including but not limited to, track and rubber excavators, motor graders, skid steer loaders, asphalt paver, asphalt roller, chip-spreader, mowers in the repair, maintenance and construction of County roads, bridges and right of way.
• Monitors condition of equipment and preforms routine maintenance of assigned equipment including lubrication, checking of all fluids.
• Ensure that assigned vehicle/equipment is checked on a “walk around” inspection including the levels of the lubricants. 

• Records maintenance, usage, and time logs.

• Maintenance of equipment (Weekly Interval).
• Operates a motor grader on a designated rout.
• Maintenance and washing of equipment (monthly interval).
• Operation of tree and brush removal power tools (chainsaw).
• Operation of asphalt paver, asphalt roller, broom, and chip-spreader.
• Snow and ice removal operations.
• Flags traffic passing or around work zones.

Position Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; plus 1-3 years related experience generally preferred.
• Valid driver’s license 
• Class B CDL preferred.

 
Knowledge:

• Operating procedures for all equipment assigned.

 
Abilities:

• Ability to operate heavy equipment skillfully and safely and according to traffic laws and regulations. 
• Ability to read, comprehend and apply instruction manuals, drawings and to communicate effectively with others both orally and in writing.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance on equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors when inclement weather conditions exist.
• Ability to use and maintain the tools, materials and equipment used in construction and maintenance activities.

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Work location(s) of the job:
  1. Indoors – Occasionally.   Usually well lit, heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation.
  2. Outdoors - Constantly
• Objectionable condition(s) found on the job:
  1. Driving/Travel – Frequently, local travel, which may involve exposure to extreme weather conditions.
  2. Operation of motor grader
  3. Stressful situations may occur when dealing with the public.
  4. Entering and exiting vehicle/equipment – Constantly; in all weather conditions
• Undesirable health and safety condition(s) under which employee must perform:
  1. Mechanical hazards -Occasionally
  2. Regularly exposed to dust, dirt, and weather elements
  3. Exposure to weather conditions
  4. Works in high danger zones
• Machines, Tools and/or Equipment Used:
  1. Operation of equipment in road construction and road maintenance including but not limited to non CDL trucks, track and rubber excavators, motor graders, skid steer loaders, asphalt paver, asphalt roller, chip spreader, mowers in the repair, maintenance and construction of county roads, bridges and rights-of-way.
• Physical characteristics/requirements of the job:
  1. Sit/Stand/Walk - Occasionally
  2. Kneeling – Occasionally
  3. Crouching – Occasionally
  4. Using Fingers/hands – Constantly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.
  5. Talking - Frequently
  6. Hearing – Constantly; noise level is usually moderate.
  7. Seeing – Constantly
  8. Vision Abilities – close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  9. Lifting/Moving – Occasionally; lifting/moving a maximum weight of 20-50 pounds.  Any weight over 50 pounds requires two persons.