Equipment Operator

Four positions are available, one in the Water Quality division and three in the Road division.

The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating moderately complex heavy equipment and performing manual labor tasks under the general supervision of the Supervisor and/or Foreman. This position requires candidates to have hands-on experience with a variety of equipment and the ability to work effectively in challenging environments. The role also involves assisting in the maintenance and safe operation of public works equipment.Key Responsibilities:

Equipment Operation:

• Operate vehicles and heavy equipment such as dump truck, front-end loader, flatbed truck, tractors, bucket truck, water trucks, grabber trucks, backhoe, sweepers, patch truck and other equipment as required for public works and maintenance tasks.
• Operate light equipment, such as cement mixers, air hammers, compressors, pumping equipment, saws, weed eaters and other similar equipment or machinery.
• Transport materials and equipment to and from job sites.
• Ensure all equipment is operated in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.

Routine Maintenance:

• Perform basic checks and maintenance on equipment and machinery, including inspecting equipment for safety, ensuring proper operation, and reporting any malfunctions to the supervisor.
• Clean and fuel equipment as required to maintain proper functioning.

Manual Labor Support:

• Perform physical tasks, including shoveling, lifting, loading and transporting materials as needed.
• Perform grounds maintenance tasks such as trimming, weeding, raking, and digging.

Safety and Compliance:

• Follow all county policies and procedures including safety guidelines related to equipment operation and manual labor.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety shoes, safety goggles, hard hats,  gloves, safety vests, respiratory mask, and hearing protection, to ensure a safe work environment.

Job Site Preparation:

• Prepare job sites by clearing debris and organizing materials for operations.
• Assist in ensuring job sites are safe and accessible for other workers and machinery.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with supervisors and team members to complete tasks efficiently and according to schedule.
• Assist in training new staff or less experienced operators as needed.

Emergency Response:

• Be available to respond to emergency situations, including weather-related events or urgent maintenance projects, as necessary.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: 
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: 
County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator.  During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. 

ADA STATEMENT:
A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EEO STATEMENT:
St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.

• A high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., trade school diploma or acceptable equivalency diploma).
• At least six (6) months of experience operating and maintaining moderately complex heavy equipment.
• A valid Florida Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class “B” with Tanker Endorsement and a clean driving record.
• Familiarity with the operating characteristics and maintenance needs of medium and heavy public works equipment.
• An understanding of the components, operational principles, and safety regulations governing equipment use.
• Proficiency in operating various types of heavy and light equipment, including dump trucks, loaders, backhoes, and similar machinery.
• Ability to perform manual labor tasks, such as lifting, shoveling, and raking materials.
• Capacity to maintain a safe, organized work environment and to collaborate effectively with team members.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
• Ability to operate equipment on rough terrain and in physically demanding conditions.
• Willingness to work in varying environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures and inclement weather.
• Readiness to respond to emergency situations as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally and 25 pounds frequently.
Regular standing and walking, with tasks that may include climbing, bending, and squatting.
Involves moderate physical effort, including operating equipment or performing manual tasks.
Ability to perform work in varying environments, which may require some outdoor activities.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS: 
Indoor and Outdoor Settings: Duties may require work in both climate-controlled indoor environments and outdoor locations exposed to varying weather conditions.
Potential Hazards: The role may involve exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and mechanical equipment. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn as required. Work may involve locations surrounded by active traffic.
Temperature Variations: Employees may encounter extreme temperatures, especially when working outdoors or in unconditioned spaces.
Work at Heights: The position may require working from ladders, scaffolding, or other elevated surfaces.
Shift Flexibility: The role may require working outside of regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call duties as needed.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): Employees are required to adhere to all safety protocols and utilize appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to ensure a safe working environment. Specific requirements include:

• Mandatory PPE: Employees must wear designated PPE, which may include safety shoes, safety goggles, gloves, hard hats, safety vest, hearing protection, and respiratory masks, depending on the tasks performed.
• Safety Training: All employees will receive training on the proper use and maintenance of safety equipment and PPE to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Inspection and Maintenance: Employees are responsible for regularly inspecting their PPE for wear and tear, and reporting any damaged equipment to their supervisor for replacement.
• Emergency Equipment: Familiarity with the location and use of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and eyewash stations, is required.

Pay Grade T06

This is a union position.

Salary : $21 - $32