Equipment Operator II ( Water Mains and Hydrants)

Job Summary:
Under supervision, the Equipment Operator II operates a variety of material moving equipment used in the maintenance and repair of water mains, water service lines, and fire hydrants. Typical maintenance and repair projects include excavating and working within trenches to repair water main infrastructure, hauling materials, operating hand tools and plowing snow. This is the second level of a three level series. It is distinguished by the first level, Equipment Operator I, in that incumbents are expected to operate a greater variety of equipment which is categorized as medium to heavy duty. While incumbents are expected to know and be proficient in operating the same pieces of equipment operated by the lower level operators (i.e. single and tandem axle trucks; front end loader; mowing equipment and miscellaneous tools, etc.) they are primarily responsible on an on-going basis for operating equipment that requires a greater degree of skill to operate.

Scope of Responsibility:
Incumbents typically receive work direction from a higher level equipment operator or crew lead.  Work direction and training may be provided to Equipment Operator I. The position is responsible for the operation of equipment having a high dollar value.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Operates equipment to perform a necessary function relating to the work of the department.
   1. Operates a variety of material moving equipment used in the maintenance and repair of streets, sewers, landfill areas, etc., requiring hand and eye coordination to operate levers, joysticks, pedals, etc.;
   2. Follows engineered drawings and observes survey stakes when excavating areas in order to make proper cuts and fills and stay within identified work zones;
   3. Uses operating skills, learned safe practices and awareness of the area surrounding the unit of equipment to avoid injury or damage to persons or property;
   4. Uses spotters, flaggers or helpers as needed to maintain a safe working environment;
2. Monitors equipment condition, identifies equipment malfunctions, and troubleshoots and diagnoses problems, referring more difficult diagnosis to maintenance technicians.
   1. Inspects equipment prior and after use in order to identify needed maintenance or repairs; reports repair needs to appropriate personnel for scheduling repairs; based on the nature and severity of the need may recommend that the equipment be shut down and not used until the problem is corrected;
   2. Ensures that equipment is properly fueled and that lubricants are at appropriate levels and tires are properly inflated;
   3. Observes and listens to equipment during use to identify malfunctions or parts in need of replacement and shuts down equipment when necessary to prevent further equipment damage or when continued operation creates a safety risk;
   4. Washes equipment when necessary to remove corrosive material; cleans the operator area;
   5. Assists Maintenance Technicians with major repairs as assigned;
   6. Completes log sheets for fuel use, mileage and service hours and submits them for use in maintenance scheduling.
3. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Conveys basic information to the public when approached with questions;
   2. Frequently interacts with others in the work unit to exchange work related information.
4. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
   1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
   2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
   3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
5. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

The job requires a high school diploma or GED and three years of related experience. The job also requires a class B commercial driver's license with an air brake endorsement or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.

Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Knowledge of the proper and safe operation, servicing and maintenance of material moving equipment such as those listed above;
• Knowledge of local and state laws and regulations regarding the operation of equipment, particularly those pertaining to their operation on public streets;
• Knowledge of confined space entry and hazardous materials handling;
• Skill in performing basic mathematical computation such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division;
• Skill in reading and writing English sufficient to read and write logs and records;
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
Most work is performed in a field environment or in a vehicle. Work is generally moderate with occasional heavy work and involves the use of hand tools, occasionally heavy lifting and frequent climbing in and out of trucks or equipment. Physical effort will vary based on assignments. There is regular exposure to multiple disagreeable working conditions including dirt, liquids, wet, heat, cold and slippery conditions. There may at times be exposure to strong odors, dust or blowing debris. 

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, digital dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.

Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.