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Equipment Operator II - Highways

Anne Arundel County, Annapolis, MD, United States


Overview
Skilled work involving operating medium and heavy‑sized construction vehicles and construction equipment and performing semi‑skilled and laborer work.

Employees are expected to be fully proficient in the operation and preventive maintenance of a variety of construction vehicles and equipment, and to perform laborer duties related to highway maintenance, waste management services, and utilities. Contacts are generally limited to the assigned crew and to the public in receiving instructions, providing information, and ensuring laws and regulations are followed.

This class is distinguished from Equipment Operator I by the complexity of construction vehicles and equipment operated, the semi‑skilled work required in making repairs to highways, storm drains, curbs, and sidewalks, excavating and grading, towing trailers, etc. Work requires more independent judgment, less supervision, and must be completed in accordance with operating practices and procedures.

Complex construction vehicles operated include the skid loader, backhoe, self‑propelled paver box, motor grader, Gradall, sweeper, and roll‑off truck. Employees also perform a variety of labor and semi‑skilled tasks in support of a maintenance crew. Because of the nature of this work the employee is expected to work outside normal hours and respond to emergencies when required. The employee may serve as a working leader, coordinating the workflow and ensuring that work projects are completed properly and within prescribed time limits.

Physical demands include lifting and moving heavy materials and equipment, standing or walking for long periods, and repeated bending, crawling, or stretching. Work is frequently performed in adverse weather conditions and in dirty, noisy, dusty areas with disagreeable odors. Hazards require wearing hard hats, safety shoes and glasses when working with dangerous machinery, tools or equipment in confined spaces.

Responsibilities

Operate a single axle dump truck, tractor mower, boom mower, front end loader, steel wheel roller, skid steer loader, belt loader, backhoe, self‑propelled paver box, motor grader, Gradall, sweeper truck, and tow trailers and equipment, chain saws, wood chippers, stump grinders, air compressors, jackhammers and other construction equipment to perform road maintenance tasks.

Drive and operate construction vehicles and equipment at work location and also perform semi‑skilled and laborer tasks as required.

May be assigned as a working leader in coordinating the workflow and performance of a maintenance crew at a job site, including inmates and contractual labor.

Drive a dump truck and operate other support equipment during snow removal operations.

Perform preliminary engineering work in setting grade stakes, drainage ditch invert elevations, asphalt curb alignment, and defining pavement lanes and edge lines.

Construct forms, mix concrete, and finish for repairs to storm drains, curbs, and sidewalks.

Operate a backhoe in excavating and backfilling holes and trenches with manual and automatic digging tools.

Operate for training purposes and during temporary staffing shortfalls vehicles and equipment normally operated by Public Works Technicians III.

May instruct less skilled employees in the legal, effective and safe operation of vehicles and equipment.

Plant, prune, trim and remove shrubs and trees.

Work in confined spaces to clean storm drains and drainage ditches, inlets.

Load and unload materials, equipment and tools by hand or using forklift or front end loader.

Perform preventive maintenance on vehicles, tools, and equipment.

Control traffic flow on roads as a flag person or using traffic control devices.

Shovel and rake hot mix asphalt, then tamp and even asphalt.

Clean and repair storm drains and drainage ditches that are clogged with debris using a shovel and rake; clean debris and make repairs to inlets and pipe culverts.

Operate a steel roller and paver in laying asphalt and fill in road depressions with slag, gravel and stone.

Remove roadside litter and debris.

Respond to work emergencies and call outs after normal work hours.

Operate a variety of solid waste hauling, disposal, and support vehicles and equipment to include roll‑off truck, water truck, bulk item truck, rear loading truck, backhoe, rubber tire loader, forklift, and any other medium‑sized vehicles, lawn mowers, and stationary compactor units.

Monitor small crews of community service workers, inmates or temporary laborers to perform general cleaning and maintenance tasks at convenience centers or landfill.

Inspect, service and maintain equipment and assist mechanics in performing equipment repairs.

Operate, during temporary staffing shortfalls and for training purposes, equipment normally operated by Equipment Operator III or higher classification.

File and maintain various reports and inspection sheets such as daily driver operation log, scale house and recycling weight tickets and manifests to indicate source of material.

Greets and assists customers entering the landfill and convenience center to dispose of materials and recyclables.

Operate convenience center stationary compactor units to safely and efficiently manage residential solid waste and recyclable materials.

Provide guidance and assistance to customers in the proper disposal and recycling of solid waste and recyclable materials.

Picks up dumpster cans with a roll‑off truck and delivers waste to appropriate disposal location.

Drive a bulk item truck to haul refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, water heaters, etc. to recyclable site location.

Drive a water truck to reduce dusty conditions and water mulch stockpiles.

Operate a backhoe and rubber tire loader to compact materials in a dumpster and to load and unload materials.

Operate a forklift to load and unload materials from vehicles and in a warehouse.

Serve as convenience center crew supervisor in his/her absence.

Perform maintenance in accordance with written procedures and vehicular and equipment specifications.

Cleans facilities, equipment, buildings, and grounds.

Shovel snow, mow grass, plant flowers and shrubbery.

Perform work in confined spaces and trenches, and follow all Federal, State, and local laws on safety precautions and requirements.

Perform work in all types of weather conditions and anytime during the day or week.

Perform related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of the operating characteristics and preventive maintenance requirements of medium to heavy construction vehicles, equipment, and power tools.

Considerable knowledge of construction practices in maintaining roads, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, storm drains, and setting grade stakes.

Considerable knowledge of the work hazards and applicable safety precautions required to be applied in operating automotive equipment and power tools and/or working in confined spaces or trenches.

Considerable knowledge of how to effectively and safely rig vehicles, loads, and products for towing.

Considerable knowledge of applicable traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to operating equipment or transporting loads.

Considerable knowledge of the primary and secondary road system in Anne Arundel County.

Ability to read and follow street map directions.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to stand or walk over rough terrain for long periods.

Ability to work in close areas requiring considerable bending, crouching, stretching, or crawling.

Ability to climb ladders or scaffolding.

Ability to lift heavy objects and bulky items.

Ability to work in dirty, noisy, dusty conditions where very disagreeable odors may be present.

Ability to safely operate hand and power tools.

Ability to work hours beyond the standard workweek and schedule as required.

Ability to establish effective working relationships with other employees.

Ability to communicate effectively with the public.

Education:

Sufficient education to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Experience:

Two (2) or more years experience in the operation of medium‑duty motor equipment.

Other Requirements:

A valid commercial Class B motor vehicle operator’s license.

NOTE:

The most highly qualified candidates will be invited by the department to an equipment operation skills test as part of the selection process.

NOTE:

This is a safety‑sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to controlled dangerous substance (CDS) and alcohol testing.

NOTE:

Longevity pay is available based on years of service.

Preference will be given to applicants with the following:

Proficiency in the operation of medium‑duty equipment as follows: backhoe, gradall, grader, and dump truck.

Possession of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with air brake endorsement.

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