Heavy Equipment Operator

Posting: #24-04
Posting Type: Internal & Open Announcement
Closing Date: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Starting Wage: $23.70 hourly
Full Time Position with Full Benefits Package
Application Procedures: Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by submitting a Brookings County application to Human Resources ? Brookings County Human Resources ? 520 3rd St, Suite 210 ? Brookings, SD 57006, or visit www.brookingscountysd.gov.

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)
Department: Highway
Reports To: Highway Superintendent
FLSA Status: Non-exempt – Grade 6

General Statement of Duties
The fundamental reason this classification exists is to operate safely and efficiently heavy construction equipment requiring considerable skill. The work is distinguished from other Equipment Operator class by the responsibility for operating bulldozers, heavy graders, heavy rollers, trenchers, power shovels, heavy wreckers, and related equipment. Allocation to the class presumes the operation of such equipment as a regular assignment to consist of 80%or more time associated with this equipment. Because of the nature of heavy-duty equipment, there is a factor of responsibility for the safety of other workers and operation of this equipment requires constant attention to protect it from damage. The Road Foreman will work as a lead to the Heavy Equipment Operator. General supervision is received from the Highway Superintendent and/or the Lead Foreman and work is reviewed through the proper functioning and performance of equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Operate on a regular basis one or more of the following pieces of heavy construction equipment skillfully, safely, and in accordance with traffic laws and regulations: scrapers, heavy graders, motor graders or blades, large trenchers, rock cutters, low boy truck tractors, heavy duty wreckers, front end loaders (four cubic yards and over), heavy steel wheeled rollers, bulldozers, surface heater planers, and other light weight, medium weight, and heavy duty equipment.
2. Perform service and minor repairs to equipment to include maintenance, tire repair, etc.
3. Reline brakes, repair engines, pumps or compressors, and adjust bearings, clutches or carburetors. Maintain equipment in proper operating condition by performing simple preventive maintenance tasks. Inspect equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in proper operating condition. Cleans equipment using appropriate materials.
4. Instruct and train other Equipment Operators in the use of heavy-duty equipment.
5. Assist in snow and ice removal, culvert and bridge construction and repair, and loading and hauling dirt, rocks, gravel, snow, and other materials.
6. Assist the Mechanic/Fabricator, Equipment Operators, and Road Foreman when not operating equipment.
7. Operate power driven machinery such as jackhammer or other similarly sized equipment.
8. Communicate any unsafe conditions or accidents/injuries in a timely manner to the Supervisor in order to facilitate prompt correction or reporting.
9. Attend special training and familiarization workshops dealing with innovations in Heavy Equipment operations, repairs, and maintenance.
10. Prepare and keep records related to work order requests, labor expenditures, job status, estimates, and proposed or completed projects.
11. Attend training sessions and meetings as required.
12. Perform work in a manner consistent with safe practices.
13. Wear Personal Protective Equipment when required.
14. Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with the general public and other employees.
15. Perform other such duties and functions as assigned and necessary to the proper performance of the position.

Minimum Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience and Education
1. High School diploma or GED Certificate preferred.
2. Two (2) years experience in the operation of all types of heavy automotive or related equipment used in construction and maintenance, or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority.
3. Broad knowledge of procedures, techniques, and standards applicable to highway and roadway maintenance and construction.
4. Ability to perform manual labor, withstand variable weather conditions, and work extended hours if necessary.
5. Ability to understand and follow both written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
6. Possession of a valid South Dakota Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to communicate with vendors, employees, co-workers, supervisory staff, etc.
2. The employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
3. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, and crouch, or crawl.
4. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100+ pounds with assistance.
5. Ability to work during emergencies. Ability to work as needed and to be available for on-call shifts.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; employee is exposed to outside weather conditions.
2. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may be occasionally loud.

Examination, Testing, and Certification
The Examination, Testing and Certification described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Valid South Dakota Commercial Drivers License.
3. Successful competition in written and/or oral interviews.
4. Other such examination as deemed appropriate and necessary by the Superintendent and/or County.