Jurisdiction: Cortland County

Jurisdictional Class: Non-Competitive

Adopted: 10/20/05

Revised: 01/25/07; 11-4-09

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The work involves responsibility for the operation of specialized heavy equipment used in highway repair, construction and maintenance projects and other public works activities. This class differs from that of Motor Equipment Operator due to the more complex nature of equipment operated requiring greater skill along with increased responsibility for safety of others. Additionally, an incumbent may perform other activities in connection with the job such as routine lubrication and maintenance of equipment and general laboring tasks. The work is performed outdoors at times in inclement weather conditions under general supervision with leeway allowed for exercise of independent judgment within established guidelines. Supervision of a straw boss nature may be exercised over the work of Laborers and Motor Equipment Operators or other laboring class employees depending on the project. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

Operates a wide variety of heavy motor equipment and maintenance of highways and other public works projects;

Operates snow removal equipment including plows, heavy trucks and graders;

Operates all types of trucks when assigned, including tractor‑trailer trucks;

Services assigned equipment and performs manual tasks related to motor equipment operation;

Performs a variety of manual tasks such as cutting trees, road patching, cleaning culverts, shoveling snow, painting, sweeping and any other assigned task when not operating equipment;

May operate chain saws in cutting and trimming trees;

May use a variety of hand tools such as shovels, picks, axes, rakes, etc., in performance of duties;

Loads and unloads vehicles;

Performs manual work assigned within departmental operations when not engaged in equipment operations.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Good knowledge of the operation and maintenance of a variety of heavy or specialized automotive or construction equipment;

Good knowledge of local geography and roads;

Good knowledge of repair and maintenance of highways and adjacent areas;

Ability to operate a variety of automotive and construction equipment;

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions;

Ability to plan and supervise the work of others;

Ability to understand assigned equipment operational and servicing information;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR – contd. 2

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Two (2) years of experience in the operation of heavy automotive equipment or highway construction and maintenance equipment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New York State Class A Driver's License with air brake, tank and hazmat* endorsement is required. Failure to maintain a NYS Class A Commercial Driver's License and all the required endorsements including driving privileges throughout employment will result in disciplinary action or dismissal.

*Hazmat endorsement must be obtained within one (1) year of appointment. Failure to obtain and/or maintain hazmat endorsement will result in dismissal.