EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

3071N3

Pay Grade: 16 17

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is skilled and unskilled work in the operation of mechanical tools and light to heavy equipment used in maintenance and construction or on the grounds of state properties or facilities and routine maintenance of that equipment.

Employees in this class may occasionally assist in the training of less skilled operators.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks. 

Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. 

Complexity - LEVEL B: Work is of a structured nature including duties that have several related steps. This level involves simple analysis of data, identification of easily distinguishable facts and recognition of differences in related situations. Workers at this level exercise limited independent judgment in determining methods or procedures to be used in making minor decisions. Work is normally controlled by frequent review and consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually specific and aid in determining an approach to problems or situations. Workers at this level must be able to identify basic differences in situations to determine the actions that need to be taken. 

Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL B: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are minor as the work is normally reviewed regularly and errors are usually detected in following operations. Errors may be disruptive to co-workers or may cause minor inefficiency. Costs due to errors are minimal. 

Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. 

Physical Demands - LEVEL D: The work requires considerable physical exertion. 

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Equipment Operator Trainee class in which the work consists of sequential on-the-job training in the operation of mechanical tools and equipment under close supervision.

Differs from the Equipment Operator Senior class in which the employees perform highly skilled work and have mastered a broad spectrum of tasks in multiple major maintenance areas. The employee may serve as a lead worker of a crew.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Operates a self-propelled roller in compacting or resurfacing roads, and in compacting roadway base or surfacing material; operates an asphalt distributor on resurfacing projects.

Operates a motor grader in grading and cleaning ditches, grading shoulders and slopes, and other rough grading.

Clears snow and ice from roads and parking lots by using snow and ice control equipment; removes obstructions such as dead animals or accident debris.

Assists co-workers in the operation of various pieces of construction or maintenance equipment in order to provide training in equipment operation.

Participates in the erection and maintenance of snow fences, guardrails and signs.

Operates various light and heavy duty trucks, backhoes, forklifts, tractors with blade attachments to maintain grounds and install utility lines.

Performs routine preventive maintenance or minor repairs to mowers, tractors and other power equipment.

Serves as a flag person to route traffic around work crews.

Selects and loads materials and hand-held equipment onto trucks and performs minor maintenance and repair work on equipment, road and physical plants.

Operates loaders, mowers and tractors in leveling and maintenance of landscapes; operates tools or equipment unique to a particular job, such as bridge repair, paint striping, or lawn and grounds maintenance

Operates a pug mill or hot mix plant to make surface material.

Writes reports of materials used and work accomplished by a small crew or by self.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Knowledge

*Knowledge of traffic regulations and the practices followed in the care, routine maintenance and safe operation of equipment used.

*Knowledge of operation of motor equipment sufficient to detect abnormal operation.

*Knowledge of work related agency operations, safety standards and procedures.

Abilities

*Ability to operate light to heavy construction and maintenance equipment.

*Ability to make minor repairs as well as perform preventative maintenance and servicing of equipment operated.

*Ability to perform manual labor in projects related to the operation of motorized equipment and to the erection of signs, snow fences and guard rails.

*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.

Ability to acquire and retain an appropriate vehicle operator's license with required endorsements.

*Ability to communicate, verbally and in writing.

*Required at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Six months of experience in equipment operation and valid driver’s license at time of appointment.  Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. Some positions may require attainment of a commercial driver’s license.

NC: 11/01
REV: 08/05
REV: 09/12