Rev 4/92

City of San José

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (3343)

CLASS PURPOSE
    Under general supervision, performs work of moderate difficulty in operating heavy motorized construction equipment requiring a high degree of skill in the maintenance of City streets and sewer lines and in the conduct of wastewater treatment operations. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Operates a 15-ton truck crane, 20-ton tractor and tilt trailer on grade-all.

• Operates a motor grader to set crowns for roads and streets, to finish grade bottoms, dry lagoons and to repair roads and dikes.

• Operates a chip spreader for sealing streets.

• Operates a backhoe to excavate for pipes and sewer line repairs; backfills excavated areas.

• Operates a bulldozer for cleaning fire trails and creek beds and for mixing and windrowing sludge to enhance solar drying.

• Operates a compactor, scraper, and roller to level and compact refuse at disposal grounds.

• Operates a loader with a one-ton or over capacity to pull out stumps, rip asphalt/concrete, load dirt into trucks, rough grade properties, load "chips", bury refuse, load sludge and do general cleanup.

• Operates a floating sludge dredge to remove sludge from storage lagoons when maximum efficiency levels are reached.

• Operates a conveyor to remove grit and debris from digesters.

• Performs minor field repair and service on assigned equipment.

• Observes and reports possible problems with utility lines and other obstructions that might be affected by the movement of earth.

• May collect samples of liquid and dried sludge according to standardized procedures in wastewater treatment operations.

• May work in confined spaces.

• Tests atmosphere for adequate oxygen and explosive conditions for safety while working in confined spaces.

• May provide lead guidance to assigned personnel.

• May work shifts.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
   Positions in this class report to a Maintenance Supervisor, Senior Maintenance Worker or Senior Plant Operator. The class differs from the next higher class in level of responsibility and scope of the job; it differs from other equipment operator classes in operating skill required and type of equipment operated.

QUALIFICATIONS
   Minimum Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the operation of heavy construction equipment, including bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, rollers, motor graders and related experience.

• Knowledge of minor equipment repairs and adjustments.

• Ability to utilize heavy equipment in grading, excavating, bulldozing, loading, compacting, moving of wastewater sludge and related applications.

• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

• Ability to read grade stakes, and construction plans.

Competency Knowledges, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures in the operation of heavy equipment and especially while working in confined spaces in wastewater treatment operations.

• Ability to prepare adequate records and reports.

• Ability to utilize operations manuals and manufacturer's specifications in operating specialized equipment specific to wastewater treatment operations.

Training and Experience
   Any combination of training and experience equivalent to completion of high school or possession of a General Educational Development (GED) certificate and three (3) years of experience operating heavy motorized equipment such as that used in the construction trades, or successful completion of the Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee program with the City of San Jose.

Licenses/Certificates
   Possession of a valid State of California Class A driver's license with applicable endorsements is required.

(4520P)