Heavy Equipment Operator (Street Department)

The City of Cullman will provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals. Employment decisions for the City of Cullman will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Equal opportunities are provided regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other characteristics protected by law. The City of Cullman will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with known disabilities.

Reports to: Crew Foreman

Compensation: Full-Time / Hourly

Description:   
Under general supervision, employees in this role perform skilled work in the operation of heavy construction and maintenance equipment in support of municipal street, drainage, infrastructure projects. Operates specialized heavy equipment requiring advanced skill, precision, and safe operating practices. Employee is responsible for performing equipment inspections, assisting with maintenance activities, and supporting street department operations during routine and emergency response situations.   This position may assist in manual labor duties as needed.The following duties are representative of the work performed and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Operates heavy equipment, to include, but not limited to, heavy excavators, backhoes, motor graders, bulldozers, front end loaders, dump trucks, track hoes, skid steers, tractors, paving equipment, low boy, or horizontal boring machine 
• Performs routine street maintenance, including patching potholes, grading roads, clearing debris, and repairing shoulders and rights-of-way
• Assists with drainage maintenance including cleaning ditches, culverts, storm drains and catch basins
• Performs rough carpentry work such as building concrete forms, wooden fences, shipping crates and other work in connection with the construction and maintenance of sidewalks, curbs, gutters, bridges and buildings
• Performs such tasks as finishing concrete and setting forms for curbs and gutters 
• Assists in the installation of traffic signs, barricades and street markings
• Loads, hauls, and unloads materials, tools, and equipment
• Performs preventative maintenance and daily inspections on assigned equipment and reports mechanical issues or unsafe conditions
• Uses hand tools, power tools, and construction equipment in support of departmental operations
• Assists with concrete, asphalt, and related construction or repair work
• Responds to emergencies including storms, flooding, downed trees, and roadway hazards
• Participates in after-hours, weekend, holiday, and on-call work as required
• Maintains safe work practices and complies with all applicable safety regulations and departmental procedures
• May assist other departments as assigned
• Performs related duties as required

Education: Graduation from a standard senior high school or a GED is required.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Alabama driver’s license; Class A CDL
• Minimum of three years, experience operating listed equipment
• Experience in construction, street maintenance, equipment operation, or related field preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently lifts and carries materials weighing 50 pounds or more
• Performs climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching and prolonged standing or walking
• Works outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions

• Knowledge of basic street maintenance and construction practices
• Knowledge of heavy equipment operation, maintenance, and safety procedures
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and applicable safety precautions
• Ability to operate equipment safely and efficiently 
• Ability to perform strenuous manual labor in varying weather conditions
• Ability to follow oral and written directions
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the public
• Basic ability to inspect and maintain equipment
• Ability to walk on rough terrain, rock, or sandy soil, in wet or slippery conditions
• Ability to enter manholes and work in close enclosed areas
• Ability to handle moderate to extreme weather conditions (temperatures, rain, etc.)

Working Conditions: 
Work is performed primarily outdoors in construction and maintenance environments with exposure to moving machinery, traffic, noise, dust, fumes and inclement weather.  Position may require overtime, emergency call-out response, and irregular work hours.