Equipment Operator I (Streets)

Under supervision, operates a variety of light equipment used in the maintenance and repair of streets, right-of-way, water and sewer lines. Typical maintenance and repair projects include mowing grass, repairing blacktop, sidewalk snow plowing , etc. This is the first level of a three level series. It is distinguished from the second level, Equipment Operator II, in that incumbents are expected to operate a more limited variety of equipment which is categorized as light duty, and do not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate. The Equipment Operator I works a variable work schedule dependent on seasonal workload. Schedules can include and are not limited to days, afternoons, nights and weekend shifts which at any time will and can be extended as requested or required due to unforeseen circumstances. In winter months, operators are subject to consistent 24hr on-call standby for the entirety of snow season.

Primary Responsibilities

The Equipment Operator I often works as a member of a work crew and receives work direction and/or instruction from a higher level Equipment Operator, crew leader, PW Tech, or PW Supervisor. This position acts as a sidewalk snow inspector for the Public Works department and at that time, receives work direction from office staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1.  Primarily responsible on an on-going basis for operating equipment that is categorized as light duty, such as zero-turn mowers, sidewalk articulating tractors, air compressors, and hand tools. Operates sidewalk sanding and plowing equipment, tractors with mowing equipment, skid steers, as well as light duty equipment as listed above, miscellaneous tools, etc., used in the maintenance and repair of streets, right-of-way, water and sewer lines.
   1. Inspects equipment in advance of operation and following operation to check tire pressure, fuel and fluid levels, operation of lights, operation of brakes, operation of controls, and other routine checklist items. etc.; reports deficiencies or remedies them using standard procedures; based on the nature and severity of observed deficiencies may recommend that the equipment be shut down until the problem is corrected; shuts down equipment when necessary to avoid further damage or when continued operation presents a safety risk;
   2. Develops familiarity with proper equipment functions, including normal sounds, and notices equipment performance deficiencies so that they can be corrected in a timely manner;
   3. Operates multiple controls requiring practice and hand-eye coordination to efficiently accomplish the desired task;
   4. Develops an awareness of the space surrounding the equipment and watches for persons or objects that may be injured or damaged by movements of the equipment; watches for overhead utilities;
   5. Uses the help of others to securing the work area and guide movements when vision is limited or obstructed; seeks assistance from others as needed; uses spotters, flaggers or helpers to maintain a safe working environment; may serve as a spotter for other operators.
2. Performs activities associated with the particular work assignment.
   1. May pour concrete or other hard surface pavement;
   2.  May plow sidewalk snow or sand/de-ice sidewalks;;
   3. May perform manual labor as part of a work crew.
3. Logs daily activities including, time spent on each job, gas used, maintenance, repairs, etc.
   1. Completes paper work orders with time and equipment, and provides to supervisor;
   2. Completes service requests or work orders in the City’s database management system and ensures accuracy of all entered data;
   3. Inspects and tracks sidewalk snow removal complaints and logs addresses that are noncompliant;
4. Under direction of Maintenance Technicians participates in equipment maintenance activities.
   1.  Performs routine maintenance to vehicles such as cleaning, greasing parts, etc.; cleans the operator area; washes as necessary to remove road salt or other corrosive material and to maintain a positive public image;
   2. Assists Technicians with repairs when work requires additional hands to lift, move or position parts.
5. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Communicates with others in the work unit to provide information relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work related needs;
   2. Conveys basic information to the public when approached with questions.
   3. Communicates with Office Associate in the creation of snow removal compliance lists, requests, and work orders. Provides feedback to office staff when multiple inspections are necessary.
6. 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.
7. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

The job requires a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license. One year of experience operating equipment such as farm tractors, lawn mowers, small engines, or hand tools or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
Knowledge, skills and ability include:

• Knowledge of the proper and safe operation, routine preventive servicing and maintenance of equipment;
• Knowledge of local and state laws and regulations regarding the operation of equipment, particularly those pertaining to their operation on public streets;
• Knowledge of the safe handling, storage and disposal of fluids, lubricants, fuel, and other chemicals to which the worker may be exposed;
• Skill in the proper and safe operation, servicing and maintenance of equipment;
• Skill in written English sufficient to read traffic signs, written instructions, and prepare logs and enter data into a computer;
• Skill in performing basic math computation;
• Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor under adverse and varying climatic conditions.

Physical Demands

Most work is performed in a field environment involving working inside and outside of vehicles. Seasonal conditions can include excessive heat or cold. There is consistent exposure to road traffic, with a substantially high level of risk. Conditions can include working in wet, muddy, slippery or dusty and windy conditions. At these times there may be intermittent exposure to very disagreeable working conditions. Some assignments involve exposure to odors, such as from untreated sewage. Emergency repairs can sometimes occur during extremes of cold weather. Exposure to irate, angry individuals during day-to-day operations is likely and a high level of professionalism is required. Regular responses to weather emergencies can result in extended days and irregular schedules. There is considerable attention to detail when handling equipment in tight quarters or around people.
Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, 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.