Heavy Equipment Operator I

Position Summary & Duties Responsible

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of a Public Works Maintenance Supervisor, operate and maintain light to heavy equipment to perform public works projects, road maintenance, and construction activities. Perform duties and responsibilities in accordance with safety standards in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures. Work schedule other than the normal work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as scheduled and/or required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Perform safety inspections and operate on and off-road vehicles and equipment in accordance with safety standards which includes but is not limited to the safe operational status of equipment; testing of tire conditions and air pressure; brakes; mechanical and engine fluids; water; brake lights; headlights; and other related systems and equipment.
2. Operate vehicles under adverse weather conditions and works on a schedule other than the normal work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as scheduled and/or required.
3. Functional use of the mobile access management work order system for assignments and entries of related system tasks.
4. Operate light to very heavy motorized equipment which includes but is not limited to bulldozers, motor graders, backhoes, trench diggers, lifts, bucket truck, scrapers, snowplow truck, belly dump, salt spreader truck, asphalt distributer and loader, rotary broom, tandem water and dump truck, bobtail truck, sweeper, tractor weed mower, flatbed truck rubber tire roller, and steel wheel roller.
5. Operate vehicles for the purpose of towing, backing, and transport of other vehicles and equipment; hauling sand, aggregate, and other road building material street paving; pumping and draining water; maintenance of rights-of-way and unpaved road and parking surfaces; and cutting of weeds and grass along county roads.
6. Perform other labor-intensive duty which includes but is not limited to using hand and power tools to break, mix, and place concrete and asphalt; installation of pipe sections, valves and fittings; lifting and loading of materials and equipment; cutting and clearing trees, brush and debris such as trash.
7. Operate pumps, hydrants, hoses and other auxiliary equipment as needed or required.
8. Attend department meetings and complete paperwork as needed in the performance of job responsibilities.
9. Perform other related duties as assigned.

*The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of all employees assigned to this job.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or GED. Three (3) years general road construction experience including the operation of various types of heavy equipment; two (2) of those years must include the full-time operation of motor graders, OR one (1) year in the full-time operation of motor graders plus certification from a vocational trades training facility as a motor grader operator. (Experience as a motor grader operator must be specifically and clearly defined on employment application.)
2. Must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License, Class A OR must obtain a valid New Mexico CDL, Class A license prior to employment date.

Supplemental Information

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

1. Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination.
2. Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
3. Must be able to read, write, and understand written and oral instruction in English.
4. Must have considerable skill and ability in the operation of heavy equipment and a general knowledge of construction and vehicle safety.
5. Must possess the ability to work with the equipment, tools and materials specified in this classification.
6. Ability to perform work order system entries.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Performs work both indoors and outdoors. Most vehicle cabs are enclosed and may or may not have heating and air conditioning units.
2. Worker is exposed to snow, wind, possible lightening, and extreme cold and heat.
3. Work in extreme weather conditions is required.
4. Worker is exposed to intermittent noise and vibration factors.
5. Worker is exposed to exhaust fumes, dust, and mists.
6. Work is conducted primarily during daylight hours.
7. Work is performed on even or uneven terrain, while operating equipment and performing general labor work. Surfaces may be wet or dry, muddy, paved or dirt roads. Grease or oil may be found on working surfaces. Work may be performed on inclines.
8. Work hazards include gas/electrical lines, vehicle traffic, and exposure of skin to gasses and fumes.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS AND MATERIALS

1. Utilizes the vehicles described in the Essential Duties section.
2. Utilizes the following hand operated tools: shovel, rake, axe, pick, pitchfork, chain saw, digging bars, handheld weed trimmer, sledgehammer, hand tools (e.g. hammer, screwdriver, wrenches), tamper, jackhammer, auger, and cutting torch.
3. Petroleum products, tire chains, construction signs, chemicals, paint, water, weeds, salt, sand, and canvas.
4. Eye goggles, dust masks, earplugs, gloves, rubber boots, reflecting vests, cones, and flags are used as safety precautions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Bernalillo County is an equal opportunity employer.