Public Works Equipment Operator I

Mebane, City of (NC); Mebane (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Mebane is seeking an Equipment Operator to perform routine work operating motorized equipment and manual labor in repairing and maintaining streets, cemeteries, right-of-way, and public facilities.

You will operate backhoes, loaders, mowers, dump trucks and other equipment, perform preventive maintenance, assist crews, and work under supervision to ensure safe, attractive city structures and grounds in all weather.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED, plus 1–2 years of equipment operation experience.
• Knowledge of safe maintenance practices.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate backhoes, loaders, mowers, and other equipment to maintain streets, cemeteries, and city facilities.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on equipment and grounds.
• Load/unload supplies and assist other crews in Public Works.
• Provide general cleanup of city facilities and assist with snow and ice operations as needed.

Skills

Equipment operation

Manual labor

Communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Backhoe

Loader

Forklift

Dump truck

Mower

Job description

General Statement of Duties

This position performs routine work operating motorized equipment and performs a variety of manual labor in repairing and maintaining the city’s streets, cemeteries, public right-of-way, or other city structures, facilities, and grounds.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs semi-skilled, routine equipment operator work in maintaining and repairing safe and attractive structures, facilities, and grounds for use by city residents. Equipment includes, but is not limited to, a pickup truck and trailer, tractor, mower, loader, forklift, backhoe, dump truck, and/or other motorized equipment not requiring a CDL-A license. Work includes landscaping, digging post holes and trenches, equipment maintenance, leaf collection, driving various motive equipment, grounds maintenance, ditch maintenance, resurfacing cuts in streets, and other tasks as assigned. Work in this class may be limited to one or more pieces of equipment based on the employee’s skill level in operating larger, more complex equipment that may not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL-A or B). Work also includes assisting other work crews in other divisions within the Public Works department. Work is conducted in all weather conditions and may consist of working holidays and overtime. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of a public works supervisor. Work is evaluated for general safety, proper equipment operation, and overall appearance of city structures and is checked daily by visual inspection and feedback.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Operates a backhoe to dig trenches and ditches.
• Operate a leaf vacuum truck for curbside leaf collection.
• Mow cemeteries, parks, and other city grounds.
• Load and unload supply trucks used by crews.
• Operate loader, forklift, and backhoe to unload supplies delivered to city facilities.
• Participate in street and parking lot snow and ice plowing operations.
• Haul asphalt rollers, gasoline powered tamp, street sweeper, air compressor, and other street maintenance equipment.
• Provide general cleanup of city facilities including, but not limited to, emptying garbage receptacles, picking up litter, and discarding yard waste.
• Inform supervisor of equipment repair and supply needs.
• Performs other general labor duties as assigned operating other motorized or small equipment.
• Various other duties may be assigned as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Some knowledge of equipment operation and general maintenance work performed by a municipality. Skill in operating a backhoe, forklift, loader, mower, tractor, dump truck, leaf blower, weed eater, tamp, jackhammer, and other maintenance/motive equipment. Skill in seeding and strawing, fertilizing, mowing, shoveling, raking, and erecting proper signage to denote crews at work. Ability to receive, understand, and carry out instructions from supervisors. General knowledge of safe working practices. Ability to identify and report the maintenance needs of various structures to the appropriate supervisor. Knowledge of proper traffic control measures. Knowledge of proper erection and placement of street signs.

Physical Requirements

Work in this class is medium work, requiring exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. This employee must have the visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.

Working Conditions

Work occurs in both inside and outside environmental conditions. Employee is subject to hazards, including mechanical equipment and atmospheric conditions due to exposure to fumes, odors, and dusts. The employee may work in close quarters, crawl space, shafts, man holes, small enclosures, small sewage and water line pipes, and other areas which could cause claustrophobia.

Education and Experience

High School graduate or GED, and/or 1-2 years of experience in equipment operation and maintenance work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

Valid North Carolina Driver’s License (Class C). Some positions may be required to obtain a NC Commercial Driver’s License (Class A or B – Heavy Vehicle license). Employees in this class must be capable of working regular work hours and be available to work weekends or holidays, and available for call-in duty in emergencies.