Job Description

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Compensation: $49,000-$53,000 

Position Summary

The Equipment Operator I, reporting to the Director of Public Works, is responsible for skilled labor and the operation of heavy equipment in the maintenance of streets, drainage, and bridges throughout Lake County. Key responsibilities include operating trucks and various heavy equipment for loading, hauling, and unloading materials, as well as participating in winter road maintenance activities. The role involves collaboration with mechanics for equipment repairs, adherence to safety protocols, and proactive engagement in equipment maintenance. Advancement opportunities exist for those demonstrating initiative and additional skills.

General Duties and Responsibilities 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Operates trucks and equipment of various sizes and weights, in loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, materials and supplies.

• Operation of trucks, graders, snowplows, backhoes, and tractors during the winter months to keep roadways cleared during winter months. Salting of roads when appropriate during winter months in accordance with director’s discretion.

• Assists with digging of trenches, grading of roads, and assistance with projects when directed by supervisor.

• Performs duties in accordance with safety policies and procedures daily.

• Ability to communicate with mechanics about equipment repairs and maintenance.

• Performs daily inspections of equipment, keeps equipment clean, and regularly schedules maintenance of heavy equipment.

• Advancement to this job title employee must have displayed some initiative to supervisors that they are able to perform more tasks, additional duties, and supervisory skills. Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervisory Responsibilities

Not applicable, could change.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) required
• Heavy equipment operator certification preferred
• Valid driver’s license
• Strong work ethic and ability to establish effective working relationships.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to strictly follow directions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Meet physical requirements set by the Department of Transportation and pass drug and alcohol screening.
• Preferred proficient in English and Spanish.

Hazard Notice

The role entails exposure to various hazards inherent in heavy equipment operation and maintenance. Winter maintenance introduces challenges such as extreme weather conditions and the handling of road salt. Trenching and excavation pose risks of cave-ins, while working on streets involves potential traffic-related dangers. Chemical exposure during road maintenance and equipment maintenance hazards must be managed. Additionally, the role includes emergency response responsibilities, adding a layer of potential exposure to hazardous situations. Rigorous adherence to safety protocols, thorough training, and the use of personal protective equipment are paramount to mitigate these identified hazards.

Physical Activity & Work Environment

• Exposure to potential accidents while operating heavy equipment such as backhoes, graders, and tractors.
• Risks associated with working in proximity to moving machinery and equipment.
• Exposure to harsh weather conditions during winter months, including low temperatures, snow, and ice.
• Risks related to operating snowplows and spreading road salt in challenging weather conditions.
• Potential dangers associated with digging trenches, including cave-ins and soil collapse.
• Risks related to working at varying depths below ground level.
• Exposure to traffic-related risks while working on streets, including potential collisions with passing vehicles.
• Awareness of and adherence to traffic control measures during road maintenance activities.
• Risks associated with handling and spreading road salt, including potential skin and respiratory irritation.
• Adherence to safety protocols for handling and storing chemicals used in winter road maintenance.
• Risks associated with conducting equipment maintenance, including exposure to moving parts and hazardous materials.
• Proper handling of tools and equipment during maintenance activities.
• Responsibilities as a Disaster Service Worker during emergencies, including potential exposure to hazardous situations.
• Attendance at emergency management trainings to prepare for disaster response.

EOE Statement

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Notice of Work Authorization Requirement

Appl icants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities

All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Expected Duration of the Application Process

Due to the nature of the application and selection process for Lake County full-time positions, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately two (2) to four (4) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.

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