Light Equipment Operator

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To operate light construction and maintenance equipment in support of a variety of public services and activities including excavating, grading, loading and related operations; to perform activities and duties related to the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure; and to perform related duties within the Public Services Department as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level class in the Equipment Operation series. This class is distinguished from the Heavy Equipment Operator by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Incumbents are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters related to established procedures and guidelines as are incumbents allocated to the journey level. Since this class is an entry level class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from a Public Service Foreman or Public Service Superintendent

Exercises no supervision.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following;

Essential Functions:

1. Perform a variety of construction and maintenance activities and duties in the completion of the services and operations of the Public Service Department; work with department crews as assigned by supervisory personnel which may be in the areas of levee management, street construction and maintenance, parks maintenance, and other activities within the department. 
2. Operate light equipment such as dump truck, tractors, riding mowers, push-mowers, cement mixers, front-end loaders, backhoe, Bobcat (small front-end loader), winch truck, water truck, oil truck, AMZ asphalt machine, bucket truck, big wheel roller, small wheel roller, concrete saw, jackhammers, gas power post-hole diggers, tree stump remover, weed eaters, chain saws, rakes, pitch forks, brooms, chipper trucks and various other equipment in support of a variety of maintenance and construction operations.
3. Excavate drainage ditches and backfill jobs upon completion; clean catch basins. 
4. Perform street construction and maintenance tasks such .as grading, pouring concrete, asphalt spreading, and filling potholes. 
5. Perform maintenance at city dumps and assist building demolitions.
6. Transport and deliver equipment and supplies to/from construction sites; perform preventive maintenance tasks on equipment and vehicles including cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting.
7. Maintain records and logs of all work performed.
8. Install street barricades and cones prior to the performance of street repair activities; direct traffic around work sites; follow all other applicable safety instructions; wear safety clothing and equipment as required safety regulations and the by department.
9. Crack seal streets; repair potholes; repair storm sewers; construct and maintain curbs.
10. Perform various activities related to the removing and transportation of trees.
11. Operate snow removal and sanding equipment to remove snow and ice from city streets and sidewalks. 

Marginal Functions:

1. Perform city clean-up.
2. Mow grass at all city parks, cemeteries, pools, golf course; weed-eat and spray for weeds; trim bushes; pick up trash.
3. Landscape baseball and softball fields; build and repair dugouts; build concrete golf cart paths.
4. Ensure that city drains are clear and free of trash; operate flood pumps and gates at city levee.
5. Perform roofing on city buildings.
6. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge of:

Operation and maintenance requirements of light power-driven equipment. 

Basic practices, methods, and materials used in general construction and maintenance work. 

Basic traffic laws, ordinances, and rules involved in equipment operations. 

Snow removal procedures and operational characteristics of associated equipment. 

Occupational hazards and standard safety practices. 

Safe handling of traffic in a construction zone.

Basic principles and procedures of record keeping.  

Knowledge of:

Techniques and procedures of plant disease control and eradication. 

Techniques and procedures of pesticide application. 

Ability to:

Operate a variety of light power-driven equipment. 

Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled construction and maintenance tasks. 

Perform a variety of tasks for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions. 

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Follow all safety rules and regulations of the department to which assigned. 

Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws, and regulations. 

Perform semi-skilled park maintenance, landscaping, reconstruction and repair work. 

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following: 

-walking, standing or sitting for extending periods of time

- lifting and/or carrying moderately heavy objects

- performing heavy manual labor

- travelling to various work locations. 

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - making observations 

- communicating with others

- reading and writing

- evaluating status of vehicles and equipment

- operating assigned equipment and vehicles

- answering questions

- speaking in a clear and audible voice

- travelling to various work locations.

Maintain mental capacity which permits: 

- making sound decisions and using good judgment

- communicating clearly

- responding to questions.

Effectively handle a work environment and conditions which involve:

- working closely with others

- exposure to dirt and dust

- working under harsh weather conditions

- high level of noise

- potentially dangerous equipment and machinery.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Experience:

No experience is required.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Kansas commercial driver’s license.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:

Travel from site to site; field environment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, and inclement weather conditions; work around heavy construction equipment. 

Physical Conditions:

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing, bending, pushing, pulling, or lifting heavy objects for prolonged periods of time; and operating various types of motorized equipment and vehicles.