Equipment Operator (CDL Required- Street Maintenance Division)

Requires successful post-offer completion of a background investigation, physical exam, and drug test (including marijuana/THC) as a condition of employment with the City of Joplin.

Primary Purpose
Under general supervision, performs skilled work in the operation of light and medium maintenance and construction equipment; performs skilled and semi-skilled maintenance tasks.

Essential Job Functions
Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential. The essential functions below include functions for the Equipment Operator position in multiple divisions or assignments. Certain essential functions below are specific to the division assigned. 

Operates light and medium construction and maintenance equipment such as loader, skid steer, boom truck, street sweeper, steel wheeled roller, dump truck, tractor, mower, backhoe, sewer rodder, snowplow, and light grader.

Performs operator repairs and maintenance on equipment; reports need for major repairs to supervisor; checks and maintains fluid levels; refuels equipment as necessary.

Drives equipment to and from the work site; operates equipment on and near roadways, easements, right-of-ways and City property.

 Operates a variety of heavy power tools and equipment such as jackhammer, chainsaw, riding lawn mower, tamping machine, air compressor, and power sprayer.

Operates light and medium equipment and tools to maintain and repair streets, alleys, stormwater, and
sewer systems.

Performs skilled or semi-skilled manual maintenance tasks as needed for the efficient and effective completion of assigned projects.

Contributes effectively to the Public Works Department, communicates effectively with co-workers, both within the department as well as outside the department. Maintains satisfactory attendance to ensure duties are performed without negatively impacting co-workers or delivery of service to the public.

Other Duties

Attends and participates effectively at departmental staff meetings.

Maintains the confidentiality of files, records, reports as required by law, City policy, and procedures.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of: Principles, practices, methods, and materials used in construction, maintenance, and/or sewer cleaning work; occupational hazards and safety precautions for operating light and medium Construction/maintenance equipment; relevant traffic laws and regulations.

Skill in: Understanding and following oral and written instructions; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other City employees and the public; operating and maintaining a variety of light and medium maintenance and construction equipment; operating and maintaining assigned heavy power tools and equipment.

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

Experience: Two years full-time light or medium construction or maintenance equipment operation. Wastewater assignment requires two years of full-time operation of a 10-wheel or 18-wheel truck/trailer. Experience operating a front-end loader is preferred. Internal candidates may be eligible with 18 months of light or medium construction or maintenance equipment operation experience.

Licenses and Certifications: Possess and maintain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with the Hazmat and Tanker endorsement for all assignments except Wastewater. Wastewater assignment requires a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Hazmat and Tanker Endorsement within six months of appointment. 

Physical Demands Requirements and Working Conditions
This position works in an outdoor environment. Must possess the ability to operate a motor vehicle; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to heavy physical work in confined spaces; operate a variety of hand and power tools and equipment; vision to read printed manuals, materials, and work instructions; hearing and speech to communicate in-person and over the telephone or radio. Finger and hand dexterity is needed to safely operate equipment and tools. Positions in the classification bend, stoop, kneel, and reach when completing tasks at ground level and overhead. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment. Employees work predominantly in an outdoor environment and are exposed to a variety of extreme weather conditions, exposed to loud noise levels, fumes and odors; may work in cramped spaces and conditions with poor lighting and ventilation; susceptible to mechanical hazards associated with equipment and other hazards due to working in and around traffic and the public.

Miscellaneous Requirements
Assignments may require training and work in trenches and confined spaces.