Equipment Operator - Orcas

San Juan County (WA); Eastsound (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

San Juan County (WA) seeks a dedicated general laborer/equipment operator to build, maintain, and improve public transportation infrastructure on Orcas Island. The role includes operating road maintenance equipment, trucks, and flagging duties, with on-call emergency response and strict safety adherence.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, 4 years general laborer experience or equivalent, and a Washington Driver’s License; CDL Class A with endorsements must be obtained within 18

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Heavy equipment operator experience and four years of general laborer work or equivalent.
• Possession of a Washington State Driver’s License; CDL Class A within 18 months and endorsements to operate assigned vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of hand and power tools.
• Operate wheeled and tracked equipment for road maintenance and construction.
• Drive trucks, including dump trucks and combination configurations.
• Flag traffic and maintain safety in work zones.
• Remove debris, trees, snow, ice, roadkill, and other hazards to keep transportation systems open.
• Perform routine maintenance on tools, equipment, and work areas.
• Organize and lead work assignments; respond to emergencies on on-call basis.
• Communicate with the public courteously and professionally.
• Complete county training programs including flagger and first aid.
• Adhere to ethics standards per RCW 42.52.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

General laborer experience

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Heavy machinery

Job description

Performs activities required to construct, maintain, and improve the County’s public transportation systems including roadway infrastructure, non-motorized infrastructure, drainage infrastructure, and marine facilities. Responsible for the operation and general maintenance of all County equipment and facilities used to perform functions of this position. Work assignments may be performed under the direction of senior operations staff or independently performed with intermittent inspection to ensure conformance with instructions and desired results. Chosen candidate will be required to live on Orcas Island to meet the requirements of the job.

1. Works as a general laborer using a variety of hand tools and power tools including shovels, picks, sledgehammers, saws, brooms, levels, chainsaws, compactors, drills, jackhammers, mowers, trimmers, and other general duty gas, diesel, electric, air, and hand tools.
2. Works as an equipment operator using a variety of wheeled and tracked equipment including loaders, excavators, tractors, graders, rollers, sweepers, chippers, oil/water distributors, rock spreaders, and other road maintenance, construction, and paving equipment.
3. Works as a truck driver using dump trucks, single and combination trucks, and a variety of other combination truck and trailer configurations including those with snow and ice removal attachments.
4. Works as a flagger to safely set up traffic control devices and control traffic in work zones.
5. Works to remove debris, trees, snow, ice, roadkill, and other hazards to keep transportation systems open and safe.
6. Performs routine maintenance and minor repair of tools, equipment, and work areas including fueling, oiling, greasing, airing, and cleaning.
7. Ability to organize and lead work assignments with other staff.
8. Responds to emergent and emergency situations on an on-call basis.
9. Communicates and interacts with the public with courtesy and professionalism.
10. Successful participation in all County provided training programs required to perform the principal duties of this position including flagger training, first aid training, and boater operation training.
11. Acts within the scope of his or her responsibilities, working as a public employee with courtesy and professionalism, and adhering to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with RCW 42.52.
12. Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Heavy equipment operator experience, four years of general laborer experience, or any equivalent experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
• A Washington State Driver’s License.Regular fulltime positions are required to have a Washington State Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A or shall obtain one within 18 months of employment. The CDL shall have all endorsements necessary to operate all assigned vehicles.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires long periods of standing, walking and the ability to traverse uneven terrain. Requires sufficient manual dexterity to operate tools, equipment, and materials. Requires the continuous use of both hands, arms, and legs, and the ability to bend, stoop, and crawl. Must be able to occasionally lift 70 lbs. Must be able to communicate orally and in writing and receive and understand instruction.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Frequent need to travel within the County to remote worksite locations using the State ferry or a County boat. Frequent need for overtime work, typically during road paving operations or when responding to severe weather events. Work is generally performed outdoors in all weather conditions including dangerous conditions resulting from severe weather events including heavy rain and flooding, snow and ice, high winds and storms, and extreme temperatures (hot and cold). Work is generally performed in hazardous conditions requiring knowledge of and adherence to of all applicable safety precautions including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).