Motor Equipment Operator - Water

Definition

Skilled manual work in the operation of heavy equipment which requires a high degree of dexterity, inspection of the equipment for proper operating condition and carrying out certain preventive maintenance procedures; all other related work, as required.

Supervision

Works under general supervision, following departmental rules, regulations and policies, requiring the ability to plan and perform operations to complete assigned task, or tasks, according to a prescribed time schedule; refers unusual problems to superiors.

Performs functions which are generally well defined, but require judgment and decision-making when operating equipment. Judgment may involve following safety procedures or the proper method of accomplishing results while using special and heavy equipment.

Work Environment

Most work is performed outside with exposure to constant loud noise and potential exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, equipment with moving mechanical parts, and in confined spaces; outdoor work may be performed in adverse weather conditions with exposure to hazards associated with chemicals, trenches, and construction sites. Workload is subject to seasonal and unplanned fluctuations; the employee may respond to emergency situations.

The employee operates a variety of special motor equipment and other equipment, such as front-end loaders, backhoe, grade-all, snow fighters, dump trucks, sweepers and other heavy and light equipment. The employee also operates various hand and pneumatic tools.

The employee generally has contact with other town employees and limited contact with the general public.

Errors could result in personal injury, injury to others, delay or loss of service and damage to buildings or equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be 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.

Using heavy equipment, digs holes and trenches; digs up sidewalks, manholes and catch basins; when working in the cemetery, digs graves; loads and unloads trucks with gravel and sand; picks up and hauls material.

Plows and sands streets, sidewalks, and public parking areas; performs preventive maintenance on equipment, greases, changes oil, and cleans equipment; changes tires; performs minor maintenance.

Performs all work of lower grade motor equipment operators; performs heavy labor, as necessary.

Maintains the readiness of the vehicle assigned; ensures that all usual and customary tools and safety equipment are readily available and secured; ensures that all fluids, marking lights, warning lights, safety devices, brakes, tires and belts are in good working order and are properly maintained.

Follows appropriate work practices and operating procedures to ensure compliance with applicable health and safety codes and standards, and keeps work area and equipment and tools clean, neat, orderly safe and secure.

May supervise other workers.

Performs similar or related work as required, or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

High school diploma; three years of experience operating heavy motor equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements

Valid Massachusetts Commercial Driver’s License, with airbrake and tanker endorsements

Valid Massachusetts Hoisting Engineer’s License

Valid Massachusetts Commercial Driver’s License, with airbrake and tanker endorsements

Ability to obtain Grade 1 Water Operator’s License within six months of hire.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Thorough knowledge of procedures, techniques, equipment, materials and tools used in public works construction, repair and maintenance operations.

Ability to operate and maintain special, heavy, and other motor equipment, power tools and hand tools. Ability to interact in an effective manner with fellow employees, supervisors and the public. Ability to read work orders and instructions. Ability to perform strenuous labor work.

Problem-solving skills. Skill in operating special and heavy motor equipment and construction equipment, driving vehicles, and performing labor work.

Physical Requirements

Strenuous physical effort is generally required to perform duties. The employee is frequently required to use hands to operate equipment, walk, stand, sit, speak, hear, reach with hands and arms, balance, crouch, crawl, stoop, and climb. Stamina is required to work in adverse weather conditions. Required to work in confined spaces and lift or move items weighing up to 100 pounds. Physical ability to use power and hand tools, drive various classes of motor vehicles, operate and drive various pieces of special and heavy construction and maintenance equipment. Vision requirements include the ability to read routine documents and operate vehicles and equipment.