Public Works Operator I or II
Manhattan, KS • Public Works
Job Type
Full-time
Description

The Operator I

Pay Range: $21.30-$23.15

Position Summary: Operates construction equipment, maintenance equipment, other tools and equipment, and performs manual tasks needed to maintain roads, bridges, culverts, drainage structures and road rights-of-way in conformance with plans, specifications and procedures as directed, to assure that high quality safe public works facilities and infrastructures are properly maintained for use by the general public. Operator I’s are expected to complete work as directed.


Essential Functions:

  • Completes duties in accordance with County and Departmental policies and guidelines.
  • Assists in assuring time management on projects is sufficient. 
  • Operates road and bridge equipment - such as utility trucks, power brooms, tractors, compactors, crack filling machines, pothole patching equipment, air compressors, snow removal equipment, magnets, power tools such as chainsaws, concrete saws, skill saws, grinders, welders, torches, and any other tools or equipment used in the construction and maintenance of public works roads, bridges, and facilities. 
  • Transfers equipment to and from the job site.
  • Assists with the Construction and maintenance of surfaced and unsurfaced roads, metal culverts, concrete culverts, bridges, erosion control structures, stream channels, ditches, waterways, and other drainage structures.
  • Assists with the demolition of bridges and other structures.
  • Loads, hauls, and stockpiles aggregates and other materials.
  • Operates snow and ice removal equipment. 
  • Maintains daily labor, equipment, and material use records.
  • Tracks material used on projects and commodities used on equipment.
  • Assists in maintaining signs and other traffic control devices.
  • Operates computers and other electronic equipment. 


Secondary Functions:

  • Maintains facilities and storage yards, picks up trash, cleans facilities, and performs general maintenance.
  • Maintains a clean work area.
  • Attends and participates in staff meetings and related activities.
  • Attends workshops, conferences and classes to increase knowledge.
  • Performs light surveying.
  • Assists in inspecting equipment to ensure units are clean and maintenance is being performed.
  • Assists with dispatching, answering telephone and 2-way radio communications.
  • Performs basic carpentry, plumbing and electrical work.
  • Performs related work as required during and after regular hours, any day of the week, including holidays.
  • Works as required outside normal work hours including weekends, after hours and holidays.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

The Operator II

Pay Range: $22.95-$24.94

Position Summary: Operates construction equipment, maintenance equipment, other tools and equipment, and performs manual tasks needed to maintain roads, bridges, culverts, drainage structures and road rights-of-way in conformance with plans, specifications and procedures as directed, to assure that high quality safe public works facilities and infrastructures are properly maintained for use by the general public. This employee works under the direction of the supervisor in charge of the activity and is expected to carry out and complete work details as directed. Supervision is provided by the Supervisor through consultations and review of the work performed.


Essential Functions:

  •  Ensures duties are carried out in accordance with County and Departmental policies and guidelines.
  •  Ensures time management on projects is sufficient. 
  •  Provides for regular and punctual attendance and fosters a cooperative work environment.
  •  Operates road and bridge equipment necessary to carry out their daily activities.
  •  Transfers equipment to and from the job site.
  •  Constructs and maintains surfaced and unsurfaced roads such as asphalt roads, gravel roads, dirt roads, road entrances and intersections. 
  •  Paves, patches, crack fills, and seals asphalt roads.
  •  Assists with construction and maintenance of surfaced and unsurfaced roads.
  •  Assists with the construction and maintenance metal culverts, concrete culverts, bridges, and erosion control structures.
  •  Assists with the demolition of bridges and other structures.
  •  Constructs and maintains stream channels, ditches, waterways, and other drainage structures. 
  •  Loads, hauls, and stockpiles aggregates and other materials.
  •  Maintains equipment assigned and clears a snow removal route as assigned.
  •  Helps maintain traffic control devices and performs traffic control in work zones in conformance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
  •  Maintains daily labor, equipment, and material use to report time worked and equipment used.


Secondary Functions:

  •  Maintains signs and other traffic control devices such as regulatory, warning, guide, service, school, pedestrian, road name, hazard, and work zone signs in conformance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Places temporary striping and centerline tabs on new asphalt paving and sealing projects. 
  •  Performs daily operator maintenance to fuel, lubricate, and clean equipment.
  •  Maintains facilities and storage yards, picks up trash, cleans facilities, and performs general maintenance.
  •  Periodically inspects equipment assigned to ensure units are clean and maintenance is being performed adequately.
  •  Performs light surveying and other work associated with the lay out of road surfaces, shoulders, ditches, back-slopes, and structures.
  •  Assists with dispatching, telephone and 2-way radio communications. 
  •  Operates computers and electronic equipment such as laser levels, distance measuring equipment, underground utility locators and GPS locators.
  •  Inspects paved and gravel surfaced roads for condition, road hazards, traction, and other safety considerations and initiates corrective actions.
  •  Performs carpentry work constructing small office projects, setting concrete forms, and making wood deck repairs. 
  •  Participates in staff meetings, safety meetings and other related activities.
  •  Position may require occasional overtime that will be outside normal work hours which may include weekends.
  •  May be required to perform related work as required during and after hours, any day of the week, including holidays.
  •  Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements

The Operator I  

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Vo-Tech training preferred. Valid Class C Driver’s License required, Class B Commercial Driver’s License is preferred. Knowledge of equipment maintenance and storage. Knowledge of road construction and maintenance techniques. Knowledge of workplace safety and procedures. Knowledge of truck and equipment safety.


Experience: 1 year experience in operating equipment for general construction work required. 1 year experience in asphalt and concrete construction and maintenance required. 2 years’ experience using basic computer software (i.e. Microsoft Office) required. Experience with proper use of materials, methods, techniques, tools, and equipment used in highway construction required. 


Skills: Good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills required. Ability to follow oral and written instructions and communicate clearly. Ability to acquire knowledge of materials, equipment, methods, and practices essential to County road maintenance. Must be able to work independently with minimal or no supervision, analyze and solve problems, and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other agencies, and the public. Ability to perform mathematical computations, use hand and power tools including portable and self-propelled equipment, and make minor equipment repairs and adjustments to maintain assigned equipment. Ability to read basic engineering plans and drawings and maintain daily labor and equipment records required. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions. 


Operator II

Education: High school education or equivalent. Vo-Tech training preferred. A Class A Commercial Driver’s License and tanker endorsement shall be obtained within the first 90 days of employment in this position.


Experience: 5 years’ experience operating equipment for general construction work required. 2 years’ experience in concrete construction, asphalt maintenance, or earth grading required. 2 years’ experience using basic computer software (i.e. Microsoft Office) required. Experience in carpentry, including setting concrete forms, placing steel, and finishing concrete, preferred. Knowledge of materials, equipment, methods, and practices essential to the maintenance and construction of county roads required. Knowledge of general practices, laws, and regulations related to the care and safe operation of heavy-duty construction and maintenance equipment required. Familiarity with applicable work safety rules and procedures required. Knowledge of asphalt properties, application rates, and production timing, as well as concrete properties, quantity calculations, finishing techniques, curing rates, and production timing, required.


Skills: Good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills required. Ability to follow oral and written instructions and work independently with minimal supervision required. Must be able to deal tactfully with others and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other government agencies, and the general public. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills required, along with the ability to make mathematical computations. Must be able to use hand tools, power tools, small portable and self-propelled power tools, and perform minor repairs and adjustments to assigned equipment. Ability to read basic engineering plans and drawings and maintain daily labor and equipment records required. Ability to operate heavy equipment and train others in its safe and efficient use is also required. 

Salary Description
$21.30-$24.94