Equipment Operator I

This position within the Public Works Department requires semi-skilled work in the operation of earth moving and related equipment used in street and drainage maintenance.  Employees in this class may occasionally operate trucks, snow plows, sand spreaders, loaders, water trucks, and other equipment in the maintenance and repair of streets, alleys, drains and other installations.  May be required to perform manual labor in conjunction with the rest of the crew.  In any assignment, the employee must perform work safely and efficiently, occasionally under adverse weather or otherwise undesirable conditions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:  This represents the entry level class in the Equipment Operator series.  Incumbents of this class work as a team member on assigned projects.  Incumbent may operate light and heavy equipment associated with street construction and earthwork.  Assignments are received from a supervisor who inspects work in progress and upon completion; employees are expected, however, to proceed to assigned tasks with minimal supervision.

 (Performance of these functions is the reason the job exists.  Assigned job tasks/duties are not limited to the essential functions).
 

• Operates equipment or trucks in street and alley maintenance, repair, and minor construction.
• Slopes and cleans ditches and spreads gravel and fill on streets.
• Operates snow removal equipment, removes snow from city streets, airport runways/taxiways and all airport areas.
• Grades ditches and streets for drainage.
• Maintains and repairs asphalt and concrete; assists in the patching of city streets, cleaning of drains, building/repairing of fence, traffic control, and installation and repair of signs.
• Occasionally operates front end loader, water trucks, or other equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance on equipment operated.
• Assists mechanics in minor repairs.
• Performs related work as required by the crew leader or department superintendent.
• Majority of work will involve manual labor and driving city vehicles, mostly dump trucks, patch trucks, water trucks, skid steers, and rollers.
• Manual labor will include: patching of city streets, cleaning drains, building fence, traffic control, installing and repairing signs, etc.
• Utilizes proper safety precautions related to all work performed.
• Responds to public inquiries in a courteous manner and provides information within the area of assignment.
• Performs pre-operational and end-of-shift operational checks.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (KSAs are the attributes required to perform a job; generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education, or training).

Knowledge of

• Methods, techniques, tools and equipment of the assignment, and skill in its use, adjustment, and minor maintenance.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions required in the safe and efficient performance of assigned duties.
• Organization policies and procedures.

Ability to

• Learn to perform unskilled and semi-skilled maintenance, construction, and repair work in the area of work assigned;
• Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions;
• Perform heavy manual labor;
• Work independently in the absence of supervision;
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Required Certifications and Licenses:
Must hold a valid State of Nevada driver’s license with the ability to acquire a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a tanker endorsement within 6 months of hiring.  Ability to obtain a Flagger’s card within one year of hiring.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge and ability is:

Completion of a high school education or equivalent and a minimum of 1 year of experience in the operation and maintenance of equipment common to municipal maintenance and construction. Ability to read and write the English language. Common problem solving helpful. Willingness and ability to learn and receive on the job training and constructive criticism required.


 Physical and Mental Requirements:

The physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Strength, stamina, and agility to frequently sit while driving assigned vehicles; to stoop, squat, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, or balance.  Strength and stamina to carry, lift, loosen, push, and pull various mechanical and automotive parts and equipment, and use hands to finger, handle, reach, tighten, feel or operate objects, hand and power tools, or controls.  Frequent lifting and/or moving of objects up to 50 pounds and occasional moving of objects up to 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.  Hearing acuity to sufficiently be able to differentiate subtle changes in engine sounds.  Position must be able to communicate over the noise of engines and motors.
 
In compliance with applicable disability laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations.  Incumbents and individuals who have been offered employment are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Working Conditions:
Work is performed under the following conditions:
 
Most of the work is performed outside in all types of weather.  Frequent exposure to outside conditions such as extremes of hot and cold, wet and/or humid conditions, dust, grease, fumes, and toxic or caustic chemicals.  Incumbents frequently work near moving mechanical parts and are exposed to working near or around loud engine noises.  Exposure to sharp objects, pinch points, and moving objects and vehicles is common.  Occasionally assigned to work independently in isolated geographic areas.