Equipment Operator I - Public Works

Equipment Operator I

Under regular supervision, performs various manual tasks in the installation, maintenance and repair of the City's drainage system and the maintenance of rights-of-way. Operates heavy equipment as needed to accomplish assignments. Performs related work as required. Reports to the Foreman.

Essential Functions :

• Loads and hauls equipment and materials to and from job sites.
• Installs, maintains, repairs and cleans culverts, French drains and pipes; digs drainage ditches.
• Mows ditches, ditch banks and other areas as assigned. Checks ponds to confirm working order.
• Removes trees, overgrown vegetation, debris, etc., from ditches that may impede the flow of storm water.
• Operates tractors, mowers, skid loader, utilizes cutting torches, weed eaters, welding equipment, and various hand and power tools. Exercises care and safety in the use and maintenance of required tools and equipment. May operate dump truck, backhoe, or slope mower.
• Inspects equipment for proper operation; performs routine maintenance and minor repair work on equipment as necessary. Maintains accurate and complete records of work performed daily.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co-workers, other City employees, and the general public.
• Performs general building and grounds maintenance work as assigned.
• Operates equipment as a service to other City departments as requested. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Education and Training :

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by 1 year of experience in construction and / or equipment operations, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Driver's License as required. Must possess or obtain the most current FEMA 100, 200, and 700 Incident Command System certifications within 6 months of appointment to the job.

Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required :

Skill Requirements :

Has knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Public Works and Engineering Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Equipment Operator I, Drainage Division. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information. Has knowledge of and skill in the use of mowers, trucks and heavy equipment in the maintenance of drainage systems and right-of-ways. Has knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the industry. Is able to operate vehicles and equipment with safety. Has knowledge of the standard tools, materials and practices of the industry. Has skill in the care and use of required tools and equipment. Is able to make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment. Is able to prepare simple records. Is able to read and interpret a variety of materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to use independent judgment in performing routine tasks. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Is able to provide assistance to co-workers, supervisors, and other departments as needed. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Knows how to perform duties in a courteous manner and communicate effectively with co-workers and the public. Is capable of working under stressful conditions as required. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Is able to perform duties in occasionally uncomfortable or hazardous conditions, including extreme heat or cold, noise, dust, odors, smoke, toxic agents, vibrations, electric currents, machinery hazards, wetness, humidity, etc. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.

Physical Requirements :

Must be physically able to operate a vehicle and heavy equipment, and a variety of hand and power tools. Tasks involve the regular and sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, entering confined spaces, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and / or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds) and occasionally heavy objects and materials (up to 100 pounds).

Requires the ability to compare and / or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things. Requires the ability of speaking and / or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and / or direction from supervisor.

Requires ability to read a variety of technical instructions, equipment manuals, policies and procedures, regulations, etc. Requires the ability to prepare daily work reports with proper format. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagrammatic form; to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in or from standardized situations. Requires the ability to learn and understand principles and techniques; to make routine independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information. Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to follow verbal and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with co-workers and the general public.

Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals and to determine time and weight. Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information. Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using specialized machinery; to operate motor vehicles and heavy machinery. Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, tools, etc. Must have moderate levels of eye / hand / foot coordination. Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. Worker may be subject to danger or risk to a moderate degree. Requires the ability to talk and hear : (talking : expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing : perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

Responsibilities :

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations. Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests. Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally.

Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to establish and maintain good will. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards. Ensures such standards are not violated.

Working Conditions :

Works outdoors in all types of weather. Is able to perform work in adverse conditions, including but not limited to exposure to extreme heat and cold, wetness, humidity, traffic hazards, machinery hazards, toxic agents, noise, smoke, dust, pollen