Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)

Heavy Equipment Operator

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the operation of heavy motorized equipment, including graders, tandem trucks, dozers, backhoes, excavators, and various other units of equipment that are used for maintenance of roads, public property, and ditch and tile systems in the County. During winter weather conditions, the main focus of work includes snow removal and sanding operations. Depending on conditions and needs, the operator may perform other highway maintenance duties, ditch and tile maintenance duties, or park duties. The operator may also perform general labor as needed. Operators respond as needed to emergency events such as natural disasters. Operators may have regular assignments, but may be expected to rotate among assignments or provide backup in any of the department work areas.

The incumbent is responsible for the quality, timeliness, and safe performance of his or her own work. Equipment used is of high value and errors in operation or maintenance could result in costly damage. Operation on the public highway requires extra care to avoid property damage or injury to others. Work is performed independently under general supervision. Work direction may be given to a helper when two workers are required.

Duties / Responsibilities

Monitors and maintains gravel roads to ensure roads are passable for emergency vehicles and in optimal driving condition, subject to weather conditions. Performs general road and right-of-way maintenance. Operates a variety of light, medium, heavy, and specialized equipment engaged in the construction, maintenance, and repair of highways, and other related areas.

• Visually inspects roads to assess the need for surface or shoulder work, centerline and shoulder stripping, ditch cleaning, and weed and brush control and notifies the supervisor of problems spotted (i.e. washout, need for sign replacement, need for more gravel);
• Maintains gravel roads and shapes crown and shoulders of roads per best maintenance practices; in spring, pulls shoulders back in and reshapes the road using the slope meter on the blade; pulls gravel materials from ditch to edge of road; cleans out ditches and performs back-sloping;
• Patches blacktop using the blade to spread and level material behind dump trucks and lays blacktop; uses equipment to properly compact material;
• Performs various manual tasks related to highway maintenance including but not limited to : graveling roads, laying blacktop, repairing frost boils, removing drainage obstructions, rock picking or digging;
• Cuts and cleans brush and trees from roadside to maintain adequate clear zones for road visibility and removes fallen trees from the roadway; sprays herbicide as necessary;
• Performs bridge maintenance, including repairing timber members, approaches, abutment walls, and railings; performs culvert and tile repair relating to road ROW;
• Performs erosion repair, using materials such as rip rap and bituminous flumes, and alleviates log jams; plants grass seed;
• Places or replaces traffic signs; may complete studies of County roads to see if new signs are needed; maintains inventory of signs and associated equipment and supplies; orders new signs as needed.
• Assists townships in sign maintenance, traffic control efforts, and sign purchases;
• Replaces, repairs, fabricates, and installs all county highway signs and traffic control systems; inspects and maintains traffic control devices to conform to applicable rules and guides;
• Installs and maintains temporary traffic control zones, safety work zones, and detours throughout the County;
• Ensures that signs are properly installed and maintained for all 911 rural addressing.
• Sets up traffic count devices and runs a related computer program.

May be assigned on a rotational basis to ditch duties, which would include the following : Operates tiling and ditching equipment to maintain surface water drainage systems throughout the County.

Performs routine and preventative maintenance work on trucks, loaders, and other pieces of equipment according to usage or established schedules.

Performs maintenance on facilities and property.

Clears roads of snow and ice.

May be assigned on a rotational basis to parks maintenance duties, which would include the following : Responsible for park maintenance, upkeep, and promoting camper safety. Operates a variety of light, heavy, and specialized equipment to monitor and maintain roads, ensuring the roads to be passable for emergency vehicles and in optimal driving condition, subject to weather conditions.

May be assigned on a rotational basis to parks duties, which would include the following :