Equipment Operator 1

JOB SUMMARY Under the direction of the Highway Department Supervisor, the Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and performing routine maintenance on a variety of heavy equipment and commercial vehicles used in the construction, repair, and maintenance of Russell County's public roads and bridges. The incumbent safely operates equipment in a variety of challenging terrain and work conditions to support highway maintenance and infrastructure projects. This position also performs basic operator maintenance, assists with related highway maintenance activities as needed, and complies with all safety regulations. This is a safety-sensitive position requiring the ability to operate heavy equipment and commercial vehicles safely and efficiently. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Incumbent must be able to fine grade slopes, inclines, ramps curves and excavations by scraping, scooping, rolling or leveling on rough and rocky terrain or in forest areas. {=html} - Works to exact specifications from grade stakes set by engineers by adjusting attachments while the equipment is in motion and on all types of terrain. Incumbent must know the uses and functions of the different sets of controls or operation of the equipment and attachments and be skilled in handling these controls to perform the work. Frequently these different controls are handled at the same time, requiring good hand, eye and foot coordination as well as good depth perception and a high degree of concentration. {=html} - The operator must be able to move the equipment about in confined area. {=html} - A s a driver of a motor vehicle, must have skill in manipulating controls to start, stop, drive and back the assigned vehicle in all types of traffic and road conditions, must have knowledge of height, width, length and weight of the vehicle in order to judge overhead and side clearances, the turning radius, braking distance and the safest distance to be maintained from other vehicles. Incumbent must have knowledge of defensive driving techniques, including skill to recognize developing hazardous road and traffic conditions and the judgment to select alternate routes to avoid potential problems. Must have knowledge and skills to adjust their driving methods to the practices of the surrounding traffic in order to avoid accidents and to transport cargo safely. Must have knowledge of Alabama, Georgia and local safety rules and regulations. {=html} - To operate a dump truck, incumbent must have skill in manipulating the hydraulic controls to raise and lower the dump body, know how to adjust the tailgate for spreading construction material, be able to back the truck over uneven and soft terrain, use side mirrors and respond to hand signals from a spotter to maneuver and follow the proper procedures for dumping the load to prevent the truck from tipping over or causing damage to overhead obstacles. {=html} - Incumbent must have the knowledge to recognize developing maintenance problems when conducting an operator's inspection of their assigned equipment and to report technical problems to the supervisor. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - Knowledge of road and bridge construction materials, processes and standards. - Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of construction and road maintenance. - Knowledge of County and department regulations, guidelines, policies and procedures. - Knowledge of safety practices and guidelines for operation of construction equipment, vehicles, hand and power tools. - Knowledge of traffic control and safety guidelines and principles related to road maintenance and construction including specific knowledge of the Temporary Traffic Control section of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices ( MUTCD). - Knowledge of the geography of Russell County and the county road system. - Knowledge of Best anagement Practices for erosion control on constructions projects. - Skill in the operation of commercial vehicles and equipment related to the construction industry listed under Duties and Responsibilities. - Skill in identifying, reviewing problems related to road and bridge construction, and effectively determining solutions. - Skill in planning work in advance so that minimal disruptions occur. - Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. - Ability to comprehend detailed instructions and procedures and to follow precisely. - Ability to work outdoors in physically demanding conditions. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE - Must have a valid high school diploma or GED. - Must have a valid driver's license. - Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively. - Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to monitor equipment and vehicles. - Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to use all tools associated with the maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment. - Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to have access to various work sites throughout the county. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS