Highway Division Heavy Equipment Operator

The Heavy Equipment Operator performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the construction, maintenance, repair, and operation of public infrastructure within the Highway Division of the Department of Public Works (DPW). The position is responsible for operating a variety of heavy and specialized equipment in support of roadway maintenance, drainage improvements, snow and ice control operations, and other public works projects. The employee also performs manual labor incidental to assigned duties and responds to emergencies as required.

Assists with all department projects including repair and maintenance of roadways. Patch potholes, build and repair curbs and sidewalks. Repair and construct catch basins, drainage systems and trenches. Fix road signs; also responsible for street sweeping, mowing grass, removing trees, collecting and disposing of leaves/refuse. Operates specialized and heavy equipment such as backhoes, front-end loader, road sander, asphalt roller and other Public Works vehicles. May perform manual labor incidental to the work of operating assigned equipment. Operates vehicles providing roadway snow removal, plows municipal parking lots and schoolyards. Performs emergency highway repairs and in public works-related emergency repairs as required. Provides on-call assistance in snow emergencies for plowing. General knowledge equivalent to completion of four years of high school or equivalent preferred. Three years of experience in Public Works construction and maintenance activities. Any equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid Driver's license, Heavy Equipment Operator for Highway Department Massachusetts Class B CDL license, and Massachusetts Hoisting engineer's license all required.

Works under the general supervision of the Highway Department's working supervisor and public works supervisor. Duties require frequent and extended periods of outside work performed under field conditions with exposure to bad weather and a variety of hazardous conditions. Regular and sustained periods of strenuous physical exertion, requiring the ability to lift, carry and position heavy objects. Operates a variety of light and heavy weight motor equipment such as a backhoe, front-end loader, road sander, asphalt roller, dump truck and mowers. Also operates a variety of hand and power tool,s including jackhammers. May have frequent contact with other department personnel Heavy physical effort required in performing work under field conditions with unavoidable exposure to inclement weather and a variety of hazardous conditions associated with traffic, equipment operation and construction activities. Continuous walking, standing, climbing and frequent periods requiring sustained uncomfortable physical positions. Vision and hearing must be correctable to normal ranges. The essential functions or duties listed herein are illustrations of the type of work that is performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change