Equipment Operator I

An Equipment Operator I, operates machines or vehicles equipped with blades/buckets to remove, distribute, level or grade earth, such as a backhoe or excavator. Competent in several phases of an operation. Requires instruction and guidance and refers problems to others. Develops solutions to problems of limited scope.

Responsible For:

1. Operating machines, heavy equipment (excavator, mini excavator, skid steer, backhoe), and attachments to perform the functions required to complete the project.  
2. Operating equipment in successive passes over the work area to achieve a specified result, such as grade terrain or remove, dump or spread earth and rock.
3. Aligning the machine, cutter head, or depth gauge marker with reference stakes and guidelines on the ground or guide on cutting/excavating attachment to set appropriate depth or positioning equipment following hand signals or follow directions from an assistant.
4. Fastening blades or attachments to machine using different style hitches. 
5. Connecting hydraulic hoses, belts, mechanical linkages, additional attachments or power takeoff shafts to the equipment.
6. Signaling operators to guide movement of the equipment.
7. Greasing, oiling, performing minor repairs (including tire), and operator level preventive maintenance on the equipment on a daily or weekly basis as required by the manufacturer or. M.C. Dean.
8. Understanding and complying with the regulations such as utility locating/marking requirements and OSHA safety standards.
9. Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
10. Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
11. Repairing machines or systems using the correct tools.
12. Performing routine maintenance and determining when and what kind of maintenance is required.
13. Watching gauges, dials or other indicators to make sure the machine/equipment is working properly.

Education and Required Experience

1. 1-2 years experience as an Equipment Operator with a high school degree or GED
2. Should have experience in operating heavy equipment - excavator, mini excavator, skid steer, backhoe, etc.  
3. Should have certifications in operating equipment. 

Abilities

1. Lifts at least 100 pounds at one time and 60 pounds for an extended period of time.
2. Relocates a 12 foot stepladder without assistance.
3. Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.
4. Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
5. Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
6. May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
7. Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.  It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
8. Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
9. Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
10. See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
11. Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.