Motor Equipment Operator - Roads

Job Summary:
The Motor Equipment Operator (MEO) position performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the operation of medium and heavy equipment and vehicles used in the maintenance, repair, and construction of County roads and related infrastructure. Positions are filled at the I, II, or III level based on experience, certifications, and demonstrated competencies. Duties increase in complexity, responsibility, and leadership as the level advances.

Essential Functions:

Operate a variety of medium and heavy equipment and vehicles in support of road maintenance, repair, and construction activities.

Perform road maintenance activities including tarring, patching, painting, grading, dumping, and spreading gravel, tar, and fine stone.

Haul materials, supplies, and equipment needed for road repair and maintenance.

Identify and respond to road, drainage, and pipe-related issues; maintain ditches to ensure proper drainage.

Perform snow and ice removal operations using assigned equipment.

Remove trash, debris, and vegetation from roadsides and rights-of-way.

Provide landscaping and roadside maintenance services using hand tools and equipment.

Inspect roads, bridges, and related infrastructure to identify safety concerns and needed repairs.

Perform manual labor such as digging ditches and assisting with emergency repairs.

Maintain assigned equipment and perform routine maintenance and minor repairs.

Engage in traffic control, detours, and emergency response situations as required.

Interact professionally with the public regarding road conditions, safety issues, and service requests.

Maintain required daily logs, records, and reports.

At higher levels, train other employees and provide work direction or oversight to a small crew.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Supervision:

The position reports to the Roads Crew Leader and does not supervise staff.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:

Knowledge of safe operation practices for medium and heavy equipment.

Mechanical aptitude and ability to perform basic equipment maintenance and repairs.

Understanding of roadway safety, traffic control, and applicable State traffic laws.

Strong attention to detail in a high-risk, outdoor work environment.

Ability to solve problems, assess conditions, and respond appropriately.

Effective communication skills and ability to interact calmly with the public.

Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, schedules, and emergency conditions.

Ability to organize work and manage multiple tasks efficiently.

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or GED required.

Experience requirements vary by level:

MEO I: Entry-level with limited related experience or training.

MEO II: Minimum of two years of experience operating trucks and maintenance equipment.

MEO III: Minimum of three years of experience as a Motor Equipment Operator, including at least one year at the MEO II level.

Experience operating a bucket truck, snow plow, front-end loader, loadall, chainsaw, chipper, truck rollers, and other construction-related equipment required.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

Valid Maryland Driver’s License and an acceptable motor vehicle record.

CDL License or equivalent within six months of hire.

Forklift operator license and safety certificate

Certification in flagging, tree trimming, and herbicide application is required.

Emergency response experience required.

Must pass DOT physical and required medical examinations.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
• Work is conducted in a variety of outdoor settings that can expose the employee to occasional discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperatures and air conditions. The position routinely requires lifting and moving of heavy items, such as equipment, boxes (up to 80 pounds), and/or very long periods of walking on a routine basis, and/or standing for long periods of time, and/or frequently requiring stooping and bending.
• The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of outdoor work.

Benefits

• Vacation, Sick, and Personal Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Long-Term Disability & Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Kent County Government provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.