Equipment Operator

Department of Public Works

FLSA – Non-Exempt

DPW Association - Level: PW 4                                                                                       

Job Summary

Operates a variety of equipment utilized in construction, sanitary landfill, and maintenance and repair activities. Performs a variety of semi?skilled tasks in the maintenance of street, water, sewer and storm drainage systems. 

Major Duties

• Operates trucks and construction or power equipment, such as compactor at landfill, mechanized broom, back-hoe, and snowplows. Operates jackhammers and other small equipment and tools to maintain street and utility systems. 
• Operates backhoe and front-end loader in digging and backfilling work as part of highway construction or maintenance crew work. Operates backhoe and loader for other divisions, as directed. 
• May operate street sweeper, grader, sewer flusher and rodding machine, backhoe, and frontend loader. May operate any department truck and/or snowplow, as necessary.
• May operate landfill compactor during refuse disposal operations at the sanitary landfill.
• Uses equipment to load, plow, remove and dispose of snow.
• Works with and assists a crew with pole holes, hoisting material, digging ditches, and any related work with a backhoe or loader.
• Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor; cleans equipment; performs some minor repairs and equipment maintenance, including changing oil, hydraulic and torque fluids
• Assists in the installation and maintenance of traffic control devices.
• Performs all duties in conformance with appropriate safety and security standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High School degree or equivalent PLUS four (4) years’ experience involving the use of light equipment, two of which must have been related to utility or street systems; OR equivalent combination of experience and education demonstrating the ability to perform the above duties.

• Possession of, or wiliness to obtain, a valid Massachusetts class B CDL with endorsements for air brakes and tanker.
• Possession of, or wiliness to obtain, a Massachusetts 2A Hoisting Engineer
• Possession of, or wiliness to obtain, a Massachusetts 4G Mowers License.
• Considerable knowledge of light-equipment operating principles; working knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions common to equipment operations; working knowledge of the methods, materials and tools used in street and utility maintenance and construction work; Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to work from construction specifications or blueprints.
• Ability to classify soils.
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks under varying weather conditions; ability to drive and operate a variety of equipment under varying conditions.
• Ability to understand and follow oral or written instructions; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to observe proper safety precautions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors and the public.

The Town enjoys a long tradition of active, participatory, & professional government, and seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community.

 For more information and how to apply visit www.amherstma.gov