Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description: SUMMARY Working under the general direction of the Supervisor - Grounds Maintenance and Working Leader - Heavy Equipment, incumbent is responsible for the operation and service maintenance of assigned heavy equipment, and completes other work assignments. The incumbent is expected to exercise good judgment, independence, initiative, and professional expertise in conducting day-to-day operations. All work duties and activities must be performed in accordance with the City safety rules and operating regulations, policies and procedures as well as federal, state, and local regulations. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the ability to interact with the public, City incumbents, and outside agencies with patience, tact, respect, and professionalism and the following. Other duties may be assigned. OPERATIONS Operates various types of heavy equipment such as bulldozer, motor grader, backhoe, three-ton dump truck, trenching machines, soil renovator, grade box, tractor, and truck with snow plow; Assists with scheduling equipment and crew work assignments; Assists in the training of assigned employees; Maintains work reports and records as required; Participates in completing assigned work; Completes various written reports and record keeping as required; Operates vehicles and other motorized maintenance equipment to accomplish the above written duties. MAINTENANCE Performs work consisting of but not limited to: proper grading technique, digging, repairing drain lines, repairing water and sewer lines, landscaping, seeding, road repairs, facility repairs, hauling heavy loads, snow plowing, ball diamond and athletic field renovations; Maintains safe play surfaces around and under playground equipment; Excavates, braces, and backfill trenches; MARGINAL FUNCTIONS Performs other duties as required. PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS The incumbent is responsible to manage their performance in accordance with this job description and the performance expectations provided to them by management. If at any time the incumbent is unsure of their role or specific responsibilities, it is the incumbent's responsibility to refer to their job description and ask for clarification from their supervisor. Management will work with the incumbent, as needed, to ensure performance expectations are clearly communicated and performance goals are achieved. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position has no supervisory responsibilities.QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE High school diploma or GED certificate; Five (5) years preferred experience in handling heavy equipment such as bulldozer, motor grader, backhoe, three-ton dump truck, trenching machines, soil renovator, grade box, tractor, and truck with snow plow. OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and/or ABILITIES Working knowledge of all equipment and materials used in heavy equipment work; Working knowledge of but not limited to proper grading technique, digging, repairing drain lines, repairing water and sewer lines, landscaping, seeding, road repairs, facility repairs, hauling heavy loads, snow plowing, ball diamond and athletic field renovations. Understands oral and written instructions; Proven acceptable attendance record. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ration, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. REASONING ABILITY Incumbent is expected to carry out moderately complex, relatively standardized assignments. Thorough knowledge of related trade is required. Incumbent must have the ability to interpret work instructions and other technical guides, have practical knowledge of operating a variety of heavy equipment, landscaping, and making various road and facility repairs and renovations.CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Valid Indiana driver's license; Valid Indiana Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A permit within 90 days of hire, valid CDL physical, and the ability to obtain an actual CDL A license with airbrake endorsement within one (1) year of hire. Upon receipt of Indiana Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A, individual must be able to maintain CDL certification. Incumbent must be 21 years of age or older to hold a CDL with the City of Fort Wayne; Within the first 6 months of employment, gain certification in: American Heart Association Community First Aid Confined Space Entry certification within 1 year of hire. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee lifts 75 pounds and carries the weight 50 feet. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Incumbent is responsible for a variety of different operations to be able to complete assignments with accuracy required to protect tools, materials, and prevent injuries of others. Work is performed with considerable independence from supervisor and has authority to deviate from general instructions and makes decisions and judgments affecting quality and adequacy of work. The jobs' duties and tasks are of a limited amount of involvement in the overall operation of the Parks and Recreation Department. Working conditions are adequate with moderate exposure to dust, extreme temperatures, and inclement weather in recurring work conditions, which could involve chance of injury or loss of life.