Class Code:  08111

 

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –

HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE

 

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

 

DEFINITION

Performs equipment operation and physical labor activities including operation of equipment such as, but not limited to, dump trucks, front-end loaders, tractors, motor graders, high reach, excavators, and an array of support equipment such as air compressors, oil distributors, and pneumatic tools; performs related work as required.

 

The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.

 

WORK EXAMPLES

Performs roadway and right of way, shoulder, roadside, bridge, surface, drainage and related maintenance to include: surfacing, sealing and filling joints and cracks, removing bumps, filling depressions, and removing and replacing damaged pavements; filling edge ruts, smoothing shoulders, mowing shoulders, and rebuilding shoulders; picking up litter, cutting brush, repairing fence, controlling weeds, maintaining signage; and, cleaning, washing, and lubricating working members of bridges.

Performs duties related to snow and ice removal which includes: operating Roadway Weather Information System (RWIS), the Data Transmission Network (DTN), and related computers and software applications to record and receive data and make decisions regarding times, temperatures, weather conditions, and material usage to operate snow and ice removal equipment such as single or tandem axle dump trucks that may be equipped with tailgate or hopper spreader, straight blades or V-plows, wing plows, and underside ice blades; includes preparing and spreading abrasives and de-icing chemicals on the roadway by using a loader for mixing abrasives and chemicals.

Inspects phases of bridge, grading and paving projects as assigned; prepares written inspection reports and records as required.

Services and performs routine maintenance and minor repairs on all assigned equipment such as oil changes, greasing and inspections; assists mechanic on major breakdowns and overhauls such as repairs on brakes, hydraulics, electrical, transmission and mechanical systems.

Performs traffic control to assist motorists through work zones in a safe and orderly manner.

Performs construction and maintenance on Department of Transportation facilities and grounds including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, janitorial, masonry, and landscape maintenance.

Maintains waterways by reshaping fore and back slopes, cleaning vegetation from ditches, maintaining and repairing title culvert tubes and intakes using back hoes, loaders, power shovels and draglines.

Performs herbicide-spraying operations in right-of-way areas by using a backpack sprayer, driving a truck and/or operating a pressure sprayer.

Loads and unloads materials, such as abrasives, de-icing chemicals and rock into trucks, using end loaders, shovels and other hand tools.

Performs other duties as assigned including, but not limited to inspecting maintenance and construction projects and serving as a crew leader as assigned or in absence of the supervisor or lead worker.

 

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of specialized highway maintenance equipment, its operation and use.

Knowledge of highway maintenance procedures, techniques, terminology and specifications.

Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable to the work.

Knowledge of applicable department policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to highway and equipment maintenance, record keeping, budgeting, and reporting requirements.

Knowledge of characteristics and special needs of highways within assigned areas.

Knowledge of effects of weather on road surfaces.

Knowledge of rules and regulations pertaining to proper placement of signs and placards within and along the highway right of way.

Knowledge of computers and related software applications.

Knowledge of the anti-icing and deicing principles.

Ability to read and write English.

Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions/instructions given in English.

Ability to work out of doors in all types of weather conditions, day or night, in normal and emergency situations to ensure the proper completion of maintenance activities.

Ability to lift and load items weighing up to 95 pounds to the height of 55 inches above the ground.

Ability to operate and use the tools required in highway maintenance work.

Ability to drive trucks and other vehicles in a safe and conscientious manner.

Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public and contractors.

Ability to operate computers and related software applications to record and receive data and make decisions regarding times, temperatures, weather conditions, and material usage.

Ability to calibrate and maintain electronic and hydraulic controls to ensure proper amount of materials are being applied to the roadway.

Ability to assist with on-the-job training for new employees.

Ability to appropriately use anti-icing or deicing materials.

Skill in the use of the Roadway Weather Information System (RWIS) and the Data Transmission Network (DTN).

Skill in the operation of hand tools, power tools, and light and heavy highway maintenance equipment requiring hand, foot and eye coordination.

Skill in calibrating and maintaining electronic/hydraulic controls to ensure proper amount of materials are being applied to the roadway.

Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.

Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.

Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.

Responds appropriately to supervision. Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.

Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.

Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.

Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.

 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from high school, or G.E.D.;

OR

employment experience may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required education.

 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid Commercial Driver’s License Instruction Permit upon hire.  Within 14 calendar days following appointment a valid Class A Commercial Drivers License must be obtained with air brake and other required endorsements in order to continue employment.

 

NOTE:

In conjunction with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (parts 391 & 40), this job requires a pre-employment drug screen and will require ongoing participation in the employer’s random drug testing program.

 

NOTE:

After accepting an offer of employment all persons are required to have a physical examination by a doctor of choice verifying the physical ability to perform the duties described.

 

NOTE:

Employees must be available to travel and may be required to stay away from home overnight during assignments.

 

NOTE:

Employees must respond to emergency conditions requiring them to be able to report within a 30-minute time period under normal driving conditions to their assigned facility.

 

NOTE:

Certain designated positions require the employee to be certified by the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship as a Pesticide Applicator.

 

NOTE:

Employees must be available to work up to 16 consecutive hours.

 

Effective Date:               6/01            GR