Placer County

Equipment Operator (#11502)

$26.95-$33.64 Hourly / $4,671.33-$5,830.93 Monthly / $56,056.00-$69,971.20 Yearly


DEFINITION

To operate light and moderately heavy road maintenance and construction equipment in the repair, maintenance and construction of County roads.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Maintenance Worker
This is the entry level class in the Equipment Operator series.  This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Equipment Operator
This is the full journey level class within the Equipment Operator series.  This class is distinguished from the Maintenance Worker by the assignment of the full range of duties.  Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.  Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Equipment Operator in that the latter operates a variety of heavy equipment requiring a high level of skill, performs complex road maintenance and construction activities requiring a high degree of independent judgment and may exercise technical and functional supervision over maintenance and technical personnel as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Maintenance Worker
Receives immediate supervision from the Road District Supervisor and may receive technical and functional supervision from other maintenance or technical personnel.

Equipment Operator
Receives general supervision from the Road District Supervisor and may receive technical and functional supervision from other maintenance or technical personnel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Operate light and moderately heavy equipment such as dump and water trucks, pavers, rollers, rotary mowers, snow plows and sanders, skip loaders and back hoes, in tasks of excavation, digging, plowing, mowing, hauling and loading; assist in equipment maintenance by performing minor repairs and service tasks as needed.  Under close supervision may operate heavy equipment for relief or training purposes.
  • Manually assist in resurfacing, oiling and patching; clean ditches and culverts, lay drainage pipe, build fences and repair storm drains; load and unload materials and supplies; perform traffic control including set up and removal of signs and cones and flagging.
  • As Maintenance Worker, perform a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks in program areas such as equipment operation, traffic control maintenance, tree trimming and bridge construction.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Maintenance Worker

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:  No experience is required.

Training:  Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position and in accordance with the California Vehicle Code.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
 
Equipment Operator 

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:  Two years of responsible experience performing duties similar to those of a Maintenance Worker assigned to various program areas in Placer County.

Training:  Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Required License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain within six-months, a valid Class B driver's license with air brake and tanker endorsements.  Hazardous materials endorsement may be required depending upon the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Maintenance Worker

Knowledge of:

  • General use and purpose of maintenance equipment and hand tools.
  • Safe driving practices and general safe work practices.

Ability to:

  • On a continuous basis, know and understand operations and observe safety rules.  Intermittently analyze problem equipment; identify and locate equipment and tools; interpret work orders; remember equipment and tool location; remember street/road names and general geographic areas. 
  • Intermittently, sit while completing forms or reports; bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist and reach when operating equipment controls or installing parts or digging, clearing and spreading; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; regularly lift very heavy weight.
  • Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
  • Analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action.
  • Safely and effectively perform duties and learn to operate equipment in regular traffic areas.
  • Work unusual and prolonged work schedules; work multiple shifts during emergencies, seasonally-caused circumstances, or special projects in varying climatic and temperature conditions.
  • Use hand tools.
  • Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Equipment Operator

In addition to the qualifications for Maintenance Worker:

Knowledge of:

  • County Road Division policies and procedures, especially as related to moderately heavy equipment operation. 
  • Principles and practices of operation and routine maintenance of road and construction equipment.
  • Vehicle codes and safety practices relevant to operating light and heavy vehicles and equipment.
  • General construction standards and practices as applied to road maintenance.

Ability to:

  • Operate various motorized light and moderately heavy equipment and assess maintenance and repair needs.
  • Operate power and air tools such as chain saw, concrete saw and jackhammer.

CLASS: 11502; EST: 9/2/1995; REV: 4/1/2008;