Heavy Equipment Operator - Class A

Heavy Equipment Operator - Class AThis position operates heavy equipment in support of assigned Highway Department construction and maintenance projects.Major duties include:Operating front end loader, backhoe, excavator, tractor, road grader, skid steer, and other equipment as assigned.Cleaning and replacing culverts; cleaning ditches.Operating equipment to blade roads.Participating in laying asphalt.Participating in bridge repairs.Hauling equipment to and from work site.Operating a dump truck or a semi-truck with belly dump to haul materials to work site.Participating in snow removal operations; operating a snowplow truck and other equipment; sanding roadways.Trimming trees and brush; mowing ditches.Assisting in traffic control at work sites.Performing pre- and post-trip vehicle and equipment inspections.Performing preventative maintenance on equipment.Operating a variety of hand and power tools.Installing and maintaining road signs as assigned.Performing related duties.Knowledge required by the position includes:Techniques, equipment, and supplies used in road and bridge maintenance.County and departmental safety policies and procedures.The geography of the county, including road names and locations.Operation of assigned vehicles, trucks, and equipment.Prioritizing and organizing work.Use of hand and power tools.Oral and written communication.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 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.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 are typically with coworkers, contractors, and the general public.

Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.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.Minimum qualifications include: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.