Public Works Operator IV

Public Works Operator

The purpose of this position is to maintain and improve the City's stormwater drainage system and / or assist in the maintenance of public roads to ensure safety and reliability. This is accomplished by operating heavy power-driven equipment requiring a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) in the construction and maintenance of public roads and sidewalks and / or in the construction and maintenance of stormwater drainage systems.

This is the fourth level class in the Equipment Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Equipment Operator IV class in that the latter class performs more complex and difficult equipment operation duties and utilize heavier equipment. This class involves the operation of equipment and mechanisms that are complex to operate and require the highest degree of skill, dexterity, and finesse to perform work to exacting tolerances. Although not the primary responsibility of the position, employees may, on occasion, operate lighter equipment. Other duties include assisting crew members, training and directing the work of lower-level staff, maintaining equipment, and completing daily forms and logs. Work is performed under regular supervision.

In addition to heavy equipment operated by the Public Works Operator I, II & III classes, equipment primarily operated includes, but is not limited to, the following : road tractors / low boys and tandem dump trucks hauling all equipment and trailer.

Typical Tasks

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Drives low boys to transport and move construction equipment to and from job sites; positions vehicle to allow for the most efficient and effective loading or unloading of equipment and materials; and secures all doors, gates, and fasteners to prevent spillage or loss of load.
• Maneuvers heavy equipment and operates complex mechanisms involving digging, moving earth and materials, grading, loading, and performing similar tasks in order to advance projects relating to construction and maintenance of City roads, grounds, property, utilities, rights-of-way, and other infrastructure; controls placement of equipment and determines optimum approach to each digging scenario in order to minimize destruction of property and avoid electric, water, sewer, and other public utility lines. Equipment is primarily driven and operated on-site, but does require some driving over public roads; maneuvers in and around traffic, crew workers, equipment, utilities, and other obstacles.
• Identifies equipment needs for each assigned project; transports and delivers equipment to and from work sites, inspects equipment prior to use; inspects and secures equipment following use.
• Operates backhoe to perform basic digging, trenching, and clearing of land or materials for maintenance, repair, and construction projects : controls placement of equipment and determines optimum approach to each digging scenario in order to minimize destruction of property and avoid electric, water, sewer, and other public utility lines.
• Operates tractors with articulated boom mowing system to mow rights-of-way, other City property along steep slopes, ditches, and hard-to-reach areas inaccessible to most mowing equipment; scouts path for and removes rocks, debris, and other obstacles that may cause damage to the equipment, property, or the public; determines proper settings and adjusts boom for proper angle, height, and trajectory; and maneuvers and monitors boom mower for optimal operation.
• Operates motor-grader and excavator with blade attachment to set gradients for large construction and maintenance projects such as roads, landscaping, embankments, and other projects requiring exacting specifications related to slope, angle, and pitch; determines settings and adjusts blades for height, angle, and pitch to achieve desired outcome; and maneuvers equipment and operates mechanisms to skillfully set gradient, smooth surfaces, and spread materials.
• Identifies equipment needs for each assigned project; transports and delivers equipment to and from work sites, inspects equipment prior to use; secures equipment following use.
• Maintains records and logs of all work performed and completes basic preventive maintenance on equipment as required.
• When not operating equipment, assists crews by performing manual labor in support of construction, maintenance, and repair projects; digging ditches, trenches, and holes manually or utilizing power equipment; shoveling, raking, spreading, compacting, and levelling dirt, rock, asphalt, cement, and other materials; retrieving supplies, materials, tools, equipment and other items and running various errands as needed; collecting, transporting, and loading and unloading materials, supplies, tools, and equipment to and from the worksite.
• Follows established safety procedures; utilizes safety equipment and wearing protective gear; monitors traffic conditions surrounding trucks and equipment to identify obstructions, pedestrians, or unsafe traffic conditions; flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs and cones around project and work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public; and reports incidents, accidents, problems, or unusual situations.
• Provides operational support by assisting with storm preparation and clean up, operating equipment and trucks included at the lower level in this job family, building and setting up traffic barriers for special events, and performing other related duties as assigned.
• Serves as a leader worker, training lower-level staff.

Qualifications

Education and Experience :

Other Requirements :

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands : Exerting 50-100 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs. constantly. Working Conditions : This position will require outdoor work in all types of weather conditions. Emergency work in storm events is required, this positions is considered essential and may be required to work before, during and after inclement weather events. All positions will be required to participate in On-Call program on a rotating basis with other employees / operating sections.

Our Core Values : INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement : Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What we offer : The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes : comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options, excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System, employer-paid health & wellness clinic, free on-site city gym access, paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year, 6-weeks paid parental leave, paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community, flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position, professional development trainings & leadership initiatives, tuition assistance benefits.

Applicant Status Updates : After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and / or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.