What are the responsibilities and job description for the Heavy Equipment Operator II position at St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners?
OFFERS ARE TYPICALLY MADE AT THE MINIMUM OF THE RANGE.
Position Overview: The Heavy Equipment Operator II (HEO II) is responsible for the advanced operation of complex heavy equipment and performing manual labor tasks under the limited supervision of the Supervisor and/or Foreman. This position requires extensive experience with a wide range of heavy machinery and the ability to work independently in challenging and dynamic environments. The role also includes overseeing the maintenance, inspection, and safe operation of public works equipment, as well as providing leadership and training to less experienced operators.Key Responsibilities:Equipment Operation:
- Operate a wide range of advanced heavy equipment, including but not limited to dump trucks, front-end loaders, excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, graders, gradall, walking excavator, trackhoe, vac-truck and other specialized machinery used in public works and maintenance tasks.
- Perform complex operations, including grading, excavation, and precise lifting, requiring advanced skills and knowledge of equipment capabilities.
- Transport materials, machinery, and equipment to and from job sites, ensuring proper load distribution and safety.
- Ensure the safe, efficient, and effective operation of all heavy equipment while adhering to company and industry best practices.
- Conduct in-depth inspections and advanced maintenance on heavy equipment, identifying and addressing mechanical issues or wear before they affect equipment performance.
- Take a proactive role in troubleshooting and repairing machinery, reporting major malfunctions, and coordinating with maintenance teams for repairs.
- Clean, fuel, lubricate, and perform adjustments to equipment to ensure it remains in peak working condition.
- Lead and assist with physically demanding tasks, including lifting, shoveling, loading, and transporting materials, as required for specific job site needs.
- Oversee and participate in grounds maintenance tasks, including grading, trenching, and clearing debris to facilitate equipment operations.
- Actively promote and enforce safety regulations, policies, and procedures, ensuring all crew members and equipment operators follow best practices for safety.
- Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, safety vest, hard hats, gloves, safety goggles, hearing protection, and respiratory masks.
- Maintain a strong commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental standards on all job sites, ensuring a safe and secure work environment for the team.
- Take a leadership role in preparing job sites for heavy equipment operations by identifying hazards, setting up appropriate signage, and coordinating the clearance of obstacles.
- Ensure that job sites remain safe, accessible, and well-organized for the use of other workers and machinery.
- Work closely with supervisors, foremen, and fellow operators to ensure tasks are completed efficiently, within budget, and on schedule.
- Provide mentorship, training, and guidance to less experienced operators, ensuring safe and effective operation of all heavy equipment on the job site.
- Participate in team meetings and safety briefings, offering input on equipment performance, project timelines, and safety concerns.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 100 pounds. Operators must be capable of performing physically demanding tasks, including bending, stooping, kneeling, and climbing. The role involves working in various outdoor environments, which may include exposure to extreme temperatures, inclement weather, and rough terrain. Operators must be able to stand, walk, and operate machinery for extended periods, and must possess manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to safely operate heavy equipment and perform routine maintenance tasks. Additionally, the ability to respond quickly and safely to emergency situations under stressful conditions is essential.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS:
Work is typically performed in outdoor locations exposed to varying weather conditions. The role involves 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. Employees may encounter extreme temperatures, especially when working outdoors or in unconditioned spaces. The position may require working from ladders, scaffolding, or other elevated surfaces. This 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.
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.
- High school diploma or equivalent (e.g., trade school diploma or acceptable equivalency diploma).
- A minimum of three (3) years of experience operating and maintaining advanced heavy equipment, including but not limited to dump trucks, loaders, backhoes, graders, excavators, bulldozers, gradall, walking excavator, trackhoe, vac-truck and similar machinery.
- A valid Florida Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A with a Tanker Endorsement and a clean driving record.
- Extensive knowledge of the operating characteristics, maintenance needs, and troubleshooting procedures for medium to heavy-duty public works equipment.
- Advanced understanding of mechanical components, operational principles, and safety regulations related to heavy equipment operation and maintenance.
- Proven ability to operate complex heavy machinery and work effectively in a variety of physically challenging conditions, including rough terrain, confined spaces, and adverse weather conditions for extended periods.
- Strong manual labor skills with the ability to lift and move heavy materials as needed, with stamina to perform demanding physical tasks.
- A demonstrated ability to enforce safety protocols and lead by example in ensuring safe operation of heavy equipment in accordance with all regulations.
- Strong leadership and teamwork skills, with experience providing direction to less experienced operators and collaborating with project teams.
- Ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergency situations, ensuring a safe and efficient resolution under pressure.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to follow detailed instructions, report issues, and coordinate effectively with team members and supervisors.
Driving Position – Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.
This is a union position.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 1 background screening.
Salary : $23 - $35
