Sr. Heavy Equipment Operator-Right of Way Maintenance

This position is strategically designed to bolster the capabilities of the right-of-way maintenance staff within the Town of Chapel Hill. By focusing on the operation of heavy equipment, this role is essential for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of maintenance efforts in public spaces. The responsibilities of this position are twofold and include:

1. Operating Heavy Equipment: The core of this position involves the operation of heavy machinery and equipment that is crucial for maintaining and improving the right-of-way areas. This includes, but is not limited to, vehicles and tools designed for landscaping, mowing, and transportation of equipment. The ability to operate such equipment safely and proficiently is vital for executing maintenance tasks with precision and efficiency, ultimately contributing to the upkeep and enhancement of the town's infrastructure.
2. Mowing and Pruning Right-of-Ways: In addition to operating heavy machinery, this position entails direct hands-on maintenance work, specifically mowing and pruning within right-of-way areas. These tasks are essential for ensuring that sidewalks, paths, and other public right-of-ways are accessible, safe, and visually appealing for residents and visitors

Participate in the maintenance of the Town’s Right of Way maintenance program

Assist the Right of Way maintenance crew in vegetative management

1. Equipment Operation: Safely operate an Articulating Boom tractor and a Flail mowing tractor of 100hp or more, ensuring all landscaping and maintenance tasks are completed efficiently and safely.
2. Vegetative Maintenance: Participate in the pruning and planting of trees and engage in various horticultural practices to maintain and enhance the town’s greenery.
3. Right-of-Way Maintenance: Assist in mowing right-of-ways using a variety of equipment including zero-turn mowers, walk-behind mowers, string trimmers, ventracs, blowers, edgers, and other power equipment.
4. Traffic Control: Provide traffic control as needed during maintenance activities to ensure the safety of both the crew and the public.
5. Arboriculture Support: Offer assistance to Arboriculture staff with various tasks upon request, contributing to the health and aesthetics of the town’s trees.
6. Downtown Maintenance: Engage in downtown maintenance activities, including but not limited to litter and debris removal, leaf removal, and mowing, to keep our downtown area welcoming and clean.
7. Safety Practices: Work safely around aerial bucket trucks, chippers, dump trucks, and other heavy machinery, adhering to all safety protocols and guidelines.
8. Tree Maintenance: Assist with the maintenance of trees to prevent limbs from overhanging and touching buildings, fences, lights, and cameras, ensuring public safety and property integrity
9. Equipment Maintenance: Maintain all equipment according to the standards outlined in the operation manual to ensure they are in optimal working condition.
10. Herbicide Application: Sprays vegetation with herbicides labeled for use within the Town of Chapel Hill, following all safety and environmental guidelines.
11. Interdepartmental Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other town departments as needed to support town-wide maintenance and improvement initiatives.

Participates in department and Town trainings. Ensures a safe job site. Performs equipment maintenance.

1. Participates in Town safety trainings
2. Attends trainings outside of the Town to stay abreast of industry trends and technology
3. Ensure that all ANSI, OSHA, ISA, TCI and Town safety and industry standards are being followed
4. Attends and completes flagger training, and basic and intermediate work zone safety training through the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) within one year
5. Operates all equipment per the operation manual and in a safe manner
6. Ensure vehicles are safe and writes up any issues needing repair with the fleet maintenance shop
7. Participates in snow removal operations

Perform other duties as required

Supervision Exercised:

This position has no supervision responsibilities. 

Physical Demands:

The work is typically performed while standing, walking, bending, crouching, climbing, or stooping; occasionally lifting heavy objects; and using equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.  

Work Environment:

The work is typically performed in the field with exposure to inclement weather, traffic, insects, noxious vegetation, dust, vibration, noise, and fumes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• The ability to lift 50lbs. or more
• The ability to safely operate tractors of 100hp or more
• Possession of a NC Pesticide license 

Knowledge of:

The practice of tree maintenance, pruning and removal, to include safe operation of equipment related to the industry (Chainsaw, Pole saw, Chipper)

The knowledge of and ability to operate tractors and implements 

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• The ability to lift 50lbs or more
• Operate equipment related to the program
• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment
• Operate a computer and basic software programs
• Operate highly skilled heavy equipment maintenance and operation
• Model behaviors that are consistent with our values of RESPECT
• Use chainsaws, pole saws, blowers, and other landscaping / arboriculture related equipment.

Education

High school diploma or equivalency or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties

Experience:

One year of job-related experience

Required Certification:

Possession of a pesticide license issued by the State of North Carolina. 

This classification has been designated as Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

The position is driving essential and subject to the Town's Safe Driving and Accident Policy. 

Salary : $42,828 - $56,980