Heavy Equipment Operator

This position is responsible for operating a variety of heavy road maintenance and construction equipment. This job is a safety sensitive position that will require a pre-employment drug test and subsequent random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with Barrow County Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace. The grade for this position is 12.

MAJOR DUTIES

Operates a variety of heavy equipment to facilitate department work processes safely and efficiently. Inspects equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in proper operating condition; checks brakes, mirrors, lights, wipers, belts, hoses, air pressure, fluid levels, etc. Cleans, services, and makes minor repairs to equipment. Performs equipment maintenance duties such as lubricating, greasing, and checking air, oil, gas, and other fluids. Loads dump trucks and hauls sand, dirt, clay, asphalt, and other materials to work sites. Grades dirt roads and maintains driveways. Maintains ditches. Flags traffic and work sites. Operates a variety of hand and power tools. Locates utilities. Clears debris from roads and rights-of-way. Hauls equipment and materials to and from work sites. Patches highways. Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of how to operate and perform minor maintenance on assigned equipment. Knowledge of department and safety rules and regulations. Knowledge of county geography, including streets and rights-of-way. Skill in defensive driving techniques. Skill in operating a variety of heavy and light equipment. Skill in using various hand and power tools. Skill in performing road construction and maintenance duties. Skill in oral and written communication. Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills associated with a high school education. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color. The work is typically performed outdoors. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, and inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, and gloves.