Senior Equipment Operator (HWY)

This posting will be used to fill full-time positions in Department of Public Works, Highways Division. This is the highest level of skilled equipment operation involving driving a truck tractor with low-boy trailer that is used to transport heavy equipment to various job sites, or operating heavy construction equipment such as a bulldozer or motor grader, and performing the highest level of skilled tasks in the area to which assigned. The position is responsible for the training, development and certification of employees to become proficient in operating construction vehicles and equipment required of higher-level Maintenance Worker and Equipment Operator positions. This position functions as a lead worker in overseeing the work performed by a crew in , providing directions and technical guidance to support employees, and interacting with the general public. This position also interprets plans, establishes grades, executes proper sediment and erosion practices. This position is required to work overtime and responding to emergencies as required. This position participates in the Bureau of Highways emergency weather operations by operating County dump trucks, loaders, backhoes and other equipment as needed. NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK This class of work includes employees who are responsible for the training, development and certification of employees to higher-level Maintenance Worker and Equipment Operator classes. Employees in this class are also expected to performed specialized tasks and laborer work when required. Employees in this class are expected to be specialists in the operation and preventive maintenance of a variety of vehicles and construction equipment and as well as skilled laborer duties. Contacts are with managers, supervisors, and county employees and with the public in explaining laws, regulations, providing information and assistance. This class is distinguished from the Equipment Operator III by employees who are either driving a truck tractor with a trailer or semi-trailer, training employees to become proficient and certified in operating construction vehicles and equipment, and performing the highest level of skilled tasks in the area to which assigned. Employees are expected to be proficient in operating all types of construction vehicles and power equipment within the Maintenance Worker and Equipment Operator series. The work requires considerable judgment in carrying out assignments, minimum supervision, and the work completed should be considered a finished product. An employee in this class can lead a crew in performing work and may give directions to support employees. In addition, employees may function as a supervisor when necessary. Due to the nature of this work an employee is expected to be available to work hours beyond the normal workweek and responds to work emergencies when required. Work assignments are received from a supervisor and general guidelines are provided in how the work needs to done. There is considerable physical effort required in lifting and moving heavy materials and equipment and standing or walking for a considerable periods of time, and repeated bending, crawling, or stretching. The working conditions expose the worker to dirty, noisy, dusty areas where very disagreeable odors are present. The hazards of the job require wearing hard hats, safety shoes and glasses, when working with dangerous machinery, tools or equipment. Work is frequently performed in adverse weather conditions for long periods of time. There are positions in this class where employees have considerable contact with the public that requires courtesy and patience while providing information on county practices and policies. Work performance is reviewed and evaluated by a supervisor.(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.) Operates all the vehicles and equipment required of all Equipment Operator classes in addition to the truck tractor with lowboy trailer. Drives a truck tractor with lowboy trailer that is used to haul heavy construction equipment to various job sites and may be required to operate equipment at the job site such as bulldozers and motor graders. Conducts training classes and instructs employees in how to properly operate construction vehicles and equipment. Certifies employee proficiency in proper operation of construction vehicles and equipment. May be assigned to supervise a crew in the absence of a supervisor. Drives and operates construction vehicles and equipment at work sites location and also performs skilled tasks as required. Performs duties of a working leader over a maintenance crew by coordinating the work required to be accomplished at the job site and providing input on performance of crew members. Operates a grader and other construction equipment during snow removal operations. Reads blueprints and maps to determine engineering requirements in setting grade stakes and determining drainage ditch invert elevations, asphalt curb alignment, defining pavement lanes and edge lines, designing sediment, and implementing sediment and erosion control measures in creating slopes, grades, and drainage ditches. Creates construction forms and mixes concrete and finishes to repair storm drains, curbs and sidewalks. Provides instruction to employees in the effective and safe operation of construction vehicles and equipment. Works in confined spaces to clean storm drains, drainage ditches, inlets. Performs preventive maintenance on vehicles, tools, and equipment. Performs skilled construction and maintenance work as needed by the unit to which assigned. Responds to work emergencies and call outs after normal work hours. Determines grades and landfill elevations using a transit and/or lock-level to construct outside final landfill slopes, drainage ditches, cover drainage terraces, roads, riprap ditches, grades, and down chutes. Periodically conducts training classes and instructs employees in how to properly operate construction vehicles and equipment. Performs maintenance in accordance with written procedures and vehicular and equipment specifications. Directs the work of maintenance crews and community service workers, inmates or temporary laborers to perform landfill and convenience center operations tasks as well as maintenance and clean of facilities and grounds. Responds to various types of emergencies involving Haz-mat situations, floods, leaks, or fires that originate from different sources to include trash, tires, mulch, compost, etc. Builds and maintains road within the landfill or convenience center using a grader and bulldozer and other heavy construction equipment. Uses a lock level and interprets and maintains surveyed grade stakes to construct the landfill and install sediment and erosion controls in accordance with permitted design elevations. Ensures that proper sediment and erosion controls are implemented in creating slopes, grades, drainage ditches to achieve proper drainage of water and minimize leachate cost. May be assigned to operate construction vehicles and equipment of lower level classifications as needed. Maintains various reports and inspection sheets required by law in operation of construction vehicles and equipment. Operates a grader, rubber tire tool carrier with snowplow and other construction equipment during snow removal. Drives a dump truck or other comparable vehicle during snow removal operations and provides support services as needed. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Extensive knowledge of the operating characteristics and preventive maintenance requirements of heavy construction vehicles, equipment and power tools. Extensive knowledge of construction practices in maintaining roads, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, storm drains and setting of grade stakes. Extensive knowledge of the work hazards and applicable Federal, State and local laws concerning safety precautions required to be applied in operating construction equipment and power tools. Extensive knowledge of how to effectively and safely rig vehicles, loads and products for towing. Extensive knowledge of applicable traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to operating equipment. Extensive knowledge of the primary and secondary road system in Anne Arundel County. Extensive knowledge in excavating around buried utilities. Ability to train and instructs employees in the proper operation of construction vehicles and equipment. Ability to lead a maintenance crew in performing work assignments. Ability to read and follow engineer blue prints. Ability to read and follow street map directions. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to stand or walk over rough terrain for long periods of time. Ability to work in confined spaces requiring considerable bending, crouching, stretching or crawling. Ability to climb ladders or scaffolding. Ability to lift heavy objects and bulky items. Ability to work in dirty, noisy, dusty conditions where very disagreeable odors are present. Ability to work with dangerous hand and power tools. Ability to work hours beyond the standard workweek and schedule as required. Ability to establish effective working relationships with other employees. Ability to communicate effectively with the public, and employees.Graduation from high school or vocational school; six (6) or more years experience in the operation of heavy construction vehicles, equipment, and power tools; and a valid commercial Class A or B motor vehicle operator's license, as determined by area of assignment.

NOTE: Heavy construction vehicles as referenced above includes a grader, gradall, backhoe, dumptruck and truck tractor with lowboy trailer. 

NOTE: This position is Safety Sensitive and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.Preference will be given to candidates who possess a Class A CDL.

Salary : $49,982 - $79,061