Meade County

Heavy Equipment Operator - Class A                                                          Highway

Starting Wage: $22.19 /hourly, offer benefit package

JOB SUMMARY

This position operates heavy equipment in support of assigned Highway Department construction and maintenance projects.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Operates front end loader, backhoe, excavator, tractor, road grader, skid steer, and other equipment as assigned.

• Cleans and replaces culverts; cleans ditches.

• Operates equipment to blade roads.

• Participates in laying asphalt.

• Participates in bridge repairs.

• Hauls equipment to and from work site.

• Operates a dump truck or a semi-truck with belly dump to haul materials to work site.

• Participates in snow removal operations; operates a snowplow truck and other equipment; sands roadways.

• Trims trees and brush; mows ditches.

• Assists in traffic control at work sites.

• Performs pre- and post-trip vehicle and equipment inspections.

• Performs preventative maintenance on equipment.

• Operates a variety of hand and power tools.

• Installs and maintains road signs as assigned.

• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of the techniques, equipment, and supplies used in road and bridge maintenance.

• Knowledge of county and departmental safety policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of the geography of the county, including road names and locations.

• Skill in the operation of assigned vehicles, trucks, and equipment.

• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.

• Skill in the use of hand and power tools.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Highway Maintenance Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include traffic laws, work safety policies, and county policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application. 

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related equipment operation duties. Inclement weather and heavy traffic contribute to the complexity of the position.

• The purpose of this position is to operate equipment in support of a variety of department operations. Successful performance contributes to the provision of safe and well-maintained county infrastructure.

CONTACTS                                                 

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, contractors, and the general public.

• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, or stooping.  The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.

• The work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to a high school diploma.
• 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 Class A commercial driver’s license issued by the State of South Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.