Park Equipment Operator (01-26)

City of Whittier; Whittier (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Whittier is seeking a Park Equipment Operator to perform heavy and light equipment operation in the construction and maintenance of parks, landscapes, and medians. The role requires proficiency with trucks, tractors, backhoes, loaders, and related machinery, plus the ability to perform semi-skilled maintenance tasks.

Candidates should have three years of park maintenance experience, and possess a valid California Class B driver’s license with DL 51A health certification and necessary

Qualifications

• Three years of park maintenance work, including regular operation of heavy equipment.
• Possession of a California Class B driver’s license.
• DL 51A health certification and California endorsements to operate city vehicles/equipment.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety standards and traffic laws.

Responsibilities

• Operates power-driven equipment such as trucks, tractors, backhoes, loaders, skip loaders, front-end loaders, and similar equipment.
• Operates auxiliary mechanical equipment and performs minor adjustments in the field.
• Plants, prunes, and trims trees, shrubs, and annuals; applies insecticides and herbicides.
• Maintains and repairs equipment; inventories parts and orders supplies as needed.
• Keeps records of mileage, hours, and work performed.
• Assists in road right-of-way work, ditch cleaning, and related maintenance."
• Establishes positive working relationships with community representatives, city management, staff, and the public.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Equipment maintenance

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Education

Three years of park maintenance experience

Tools

Mowers

Dump trucks

Tractors

Loaders

Job description

Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, operates a variety of heavy and light motor equipment as assigned in the construction and maintenance of parks, landscapes, and trees; performs unskilled or semi-skilled maintenance work; demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; assists in the training of less experienced construction personnel; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Park Equipment Operator is the journey level class responsible for the operation of a variety of heavy and light motor equipment and semi-skilled work in the construction and maintenance of parks, landscapes, medians, and related facilities. This class is distinguished from the Park Maintenance Worker series by the emphasis on and frequency of heavy equipment operation.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Park Maintenance Supervisor. May provide technical and functional direction to other parks staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (include but are not limited to the following)

• Operates power-driven equipment such as trucks, tractors, backhoes, loaders, skip loaders, front-end loaders, and similar types of equipment used in maintenance and construction work on parks, landscape, medians, and related facilities.
• Operates auxiliary mechanical equipment in the vehicles and makes minor and emergency adjustments to such equipment in the field.
• Plants, prunes, and trim trees, shrubs, and annuals; applies insecticides and herbicides.
• Washes, cleans, and maintains equipment and tools; performs minor repairs on equipment and reports the need for major repairs; maintains inventory of tools, parts, and supplies; orders parts and supplies as necessary.
• Maintains records of mileage, hours, and work performed.
• Assists in removing brush and undergrowth from road right-of-way, in cleaning ditches, vacant lots and culverts and in other street repair and maintenance and related heavy work; washes and cleans equipment.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community-based organizations, other agencies, City management and staff, and the public.

OTHER DUTIES (include but are not limited to the following)

• Train less experienced personnel in the safe operation of equipment.
• Ensures that park rules and regulations are observed.
• May assist in directing the work of employees operating equipment.
• May be exposed to confidential and privileged information during the course of duties, which should be maintained as such.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions including wet, hot, and cold. The incumbent may use cleaning and lubricating chemicals that may expose the employee to fumes, dust, and air contaminants. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions, and often work with constant interruptions.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and/or Experience

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Park Equipment Operator. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of three years of park maintenance work, including the regular operation of heavy equipment.

License/Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Class B driver's license. Must maintain DL 51A health certification and possession of California endorsements required to operate applicable City vehicles and/or equipment.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge of

Parks construction and maintenance equipment; use and operation of equipment such as mowers, trash and dump trucks, tractors, loaders, back hoes, and other related equipment; operation of the auxiliary mechanical equipment carried on power driven apparatus; park construction and maintenance materials, practices, and procedures; State and Federal OSHA safety standards; the provisions of the California Vehicle Code and other traffic laws, ordinances and rules involved in automotive and equipment operation on City streets; traffic control practices and procedures; and occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to

Skillfully and safely operate the particular type of equipment assigned; organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments; perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled horticulture, maintenance and construction tasks; detect needed mechanical work and make minor adjustments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow and communicate written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to

Operate a variety of heavy and light construction and maintenance equipment.