Heavy Equipment Operator

City of Joplin, MO; Joplin (MO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Joplin, MO is seeking a skilled Equipment Operator to support the Public Works Department. Under minimal supervision, you will operate a range of heavy to light maintenance equipment and perform related tasks to maintain streets and infrastructure.

Requirements include a High school diploma or GED, at least three years of full-time experience operating medium to heavy equipment, and a Class B CDL with Hazmat and Tanker Endorsements. Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of traffic laws and safety precautions for operating heavy equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; work with others.
• Three years of full-time experience operating medium/heavy construction or maintenance equipment; five years preferred.
• Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Hazmat and Tanker Endorsements required at time of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy construction equipment such as bulldozer, snowplow, motor grader, excavator/backhoe, front end loader, sewer trucks, and related equipment.
• Performs ditch cleaning, snow removal, and concrete work (driveways, sidewalks, curbs, gutters); assists in stormwater work.
• Inspects and maintains fluid levels; refuels and performs preventative maintenance as needed.
• Drives equipment to and from work sites; operates on roadways and City property.
• Serves as crew leader on job sites and communicates effectively with co-workers and the public.
• Attends departmental meetings; maintains confidentiality of records; performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Traffic laws

Safety precautions

Oral and written instructions

Team communication

Heavy equipment operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Requires successful post-offer completion of a background investigation, physical exam, and drug test as a condition of employment with the City of Joplin.

Primary Purpose
Under minimal supervision; performs skilled work in the operation of small to heavy maintenance and construction equipment; performs skilled and semi-skilled maintenance tasks.

Essential Job Functions
Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential. The essential functions below include functions for the Equipment Operator position in multiple divisions or assignments. Certain essential functions below are specific to the division assigned.

1. Operates heavy construction equipment such as bulldozer, snowplow, motor grader, large excavator/backhoe, front end loader, TV camera equipped sewer truck, and sewer cleaning equipment including a jet rodder and Vactor truck. Operates small or medium equipment as needed for project completion.
2. Operates equipment used to complete ditch cleaning; performs snow removal; performs concrete work such as driveway, sidewalks, curb, and gutter; installs and repairs stormwater pipe, box and catch basin; performs major road repairs.
3. Inspects and maintains fluid levels; refuels equipment as necessary. Performs other preventative maintenance depending on the equipment operated.
4. Drives equipment to and from the work site; operates equipment on and near roadways, easements, rights-of-way, and City property.
5. Serves as crew leader on job sites.
6. Contributes effectively to the Public Works Department, communicates effectively with co-workers, both within the department as well as outside the department. Maintains satisfactory attendance to ensure duties are performed without negatively impacting co-workers or delivery of service to the public.

Other Duties

• Attends and participates effectively at departmental staff meetings.
• Maintains the confidentiality of files, records, reports as required by law, City policy, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of: Relevant traffic laws and regulations; occupational hazards and safety precautions for operating heavy equipment; principles, practices, methods, and materials used in construction, maintenance, and/or sewer cleaning work.

Skill in: Understanding and following oral and written instructions; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other City employees and the public; operating and maintaining a variety of heavy maintenance and/or construction equipment; operating and maintaining assigned equipment.

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

Experience: Three years full-time medium and/or heavy construction or maintenance equipment operation required; five years is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications: Possess and maintain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with the Hazmat and Tanker Endorsements at time of appointment.

Physical Demands Requirements and Working Conditions
This position works in an outdoor environment. Must possess the ability to operate a motor vehicle; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to heavy physical work in confined spaces; operate a variety of hand and power tools and equipment; vision to read printed manuals, materials, and work instructions; hearing and speech to communicate in-person and over the telephone or radio. Finger and hand dexterity is needed to safely operate equipment and tools. Positions in the classification bend, stoop, kneel, and reach when completing tasks at ground level and overhead. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment. Employees work predominantly in an outdoor environment and are exposed to a variety of extreme weather conditions, exposed to loud noise levels, fumes and odors; may work in cramped spaces and conditions with poor lighting and ventilation; susceptible to mechanical hazards associated with equipment and other hazards due to working in and around traffic and the public.

Miscellaneous Requirements
Assignments may require training and work in trenches and confined spaces.