Equipment Operator - Public Works

About the Department

Position Duties

The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment. 

*Infrastructure construction and maintenance

• Repair and maintain bituminous streets including milling, paving, hand patching, seal coating, crack filling, adjusting surface utilities (manholes) etc.
• Repair and maintain concrete streets, curbs, and sidewalks including joint re-sealing, spot repair, panel replacement, etc.
• Clean and repair sanitary and storm infrastructure; i.e. reconstructing pipes, reconstructing and cleaning manholes, catch basins, storm water structures
• Operate street sweepers, directional brooms and flusher trucks for routine sweeping and fall leaf sweeping.
• Repair and maintain structures in the right of way including street signs, mailboxes, guard rails, etc.
• Perform preventative maintenance and/or minor repair to City equipment; i.e. cleaning, greasing, etc.

*Perform snow and ice control

• Operate equipment to plow streets and sidewalks including application of snow/ice melt chemicals.
• Remove snow in the Central Business District as needed (this is generally completed during overnight hours to cause the least disruption to the public)
• Be available for call-in during off hours, weekends and holidays, in the case of inclement weather events.

*Construct and maintain flood and storm drainage facilities

• Remove sediment, debris, trees, etc from storm drainage facilities.
• Install rip rap, seed blankets, and other erosion control measures.
• Install, repair, and maintain storm sewer pipes.
• Install, repair, and maintain chain link fence, guard rails, grates, etc. around drainage structures.
• Mow, cut down and spray weeds and/or small trees around storm water facilities and/or right of way.

*Repair and maintain bridges and flood control structures

• Flush and clean bridge decks, sidewalks, medians, expansion joints, etc.
• Perform concrete repairs.
• Install, repair and maintain railings, fences, guardrails, etc.
• Remove obstructions from waterways, clear intake grates, clear outlet pipes, etc.

*Perform safety operations

• Set up and remove temporary traffic control according to regulatory standards.
• Inspect and maintain assigned equipment in accordance with proper safety requirements including DOT pre/post trip inspections.
• Perform flagging and traffic control operations.
• Log and report all unsafe conditions, maintenance needs, etc. to supervisor

*Miscellaneous duties and responsibilities

• Collaborate with supervisor on infrastructure maintenance needs.
• Wash and clean equipment and facility buildings.
• Assist with carpentry type work including mailbox repair, sign fabrication, guardrail repair.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

* ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years full-time equivalent employment experience operating and maintaining heavy construction equipment weighing over five tons

Licenses and Certifications
A Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brake and tanker endorsements is required within 90 days of hire as a condition of continued employment.

Desirable Qualifications
Five (5) years progressive experience in the highway construction field operating heavy equipment.
Three (3) years full-time experience constructing and repairing bituminous or concrete pavement.

Other Qualifications

*THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITY'S RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM
Employees in this position are required to use respiratory equipment and the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements in administering this program.

*THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITY'S HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Employees in this position are required to use hearing protection and the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements in administering this program.

*THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITY OF ROCHESTER DRUG TESTING POLICY
The drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures of the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements, including Minnesota Statutes 181.950 through 181.957; the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988; and/or the US Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

*Pre-employment and/or periodic testing may be required.

THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY PUBLIC WORKS' RESPONSE TIME REQUIREMENT:
Public Works employees currently in the position or individuals hired for this position must reside within an area which will allow them to report for work within thirty (30) minutes from the time notified. Those who do not currently meet this requirement shall be allowed no more that twelve (12) months after the date that they were hired to fill the position to meet this requirement. Promotions to positions may be withheld from employees who residence would prevent them from meeting the thirty (30) minutes response time.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in the operation of assigned equipment; capabilities of the equipment operated including the adaptations and specialized uses to which equipment can be put in meeting emergency or other unusual conditions; proper techniques and procedures for operating a blade, crawler, sweeper and related equipment; traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations involved in equipment operation; and practices, methods, tools, and materials used in the maintenance and repair of equipment.

Skill in: the care and use of tools and the operation of power equipment and construction equipment.

Ability to: perform a variety of maintenance, repair and construction assignments; follow oral and written instructions; operate power operated and motorized equipment; operate piping tools and a variety of hand and power tools; operate a motor vehicles in all weather conditions; and direct or coordinate the work activities of others.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:

Frequent demands: standing; walking; lifting; carrying; pushing/pulling; balancing; stooping; kneeling; crouching; crawling; twisting; bending; foot controls; fine dexterity; and simultaneous use of the hand, wrist and fingers.

Occasional demands: sitting; reaching; handling; and climbing.

Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, and touch.

Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include:
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
Noise (need to shout in order to be heard)
Vibration (exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities of whole body)
Exposure to dust/gas/fumes/steam/chemicals
Work outdoors (no effective protection from weather)
Walk on uneven ground (gravel, rocks, mounds, construction sites)
Working around moving machinery (fork-lifts, tractors, mowers)
Protective equipment required (respirator, mask, earplugs, gloves, eyewear, etc.)

Rochester is the county seat of Olmsted County and is the third-largest city in Minnesota. According to the United States Census Bureau, the estimated population in 2019 was 118,935. The city has been frequently recognized by Money Magazine, since the 1980's as one of the best places to live in the United States ranging from the best overall to the best in the Midwest (raedi). In 2017, the City also was recognized as a City of Compassion. The following year, the City of Rochester officially became the first American city to become an Intercultural City (ICC). Mission Statement: The mission of the City of Rochester is to provide a safe, attractive environment through the responsive, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of municipal services. The City will strive to enhance community pride by improving the physical, environmental, economic, cultural, and social quality of the community. Core Values: Customer Focus • Identify, plan for, and support customer needs. • Seek and consider input from our customers to continually improve services. • Treat every customer well. Respect • Treat customers in a personal and professional manner while being firm, fair, and compassionate. • Be an active listener to the customer. • Maintain a work environment that is free of disrespect and false information. Integrity • Provide equitable and honest treatment to all customers. • Follow through in a timely manner or as communicated. • Maintain privacy and confidentiality as applicable to Minnesota State laws. Safety • Employees act responsibly and take ownership of their actions. • Each department/area has documented safety procedures for employees and customers. • Communicate clearly when dealing with emergencies or safety concerns. Excellence • Be knowledgeable in my area of responsibility. • Be professional in my actions, manners, and appearance. • Meet or exceed customer needs for City services. Equal Opportunity Employer