Seasonal Equipment Operator

Position Details

• Position: Equipment Operator
• Department: Public Works and Environmental Services
• Division: Outdoor Operations
• Reports to: Supervisor of Roads

Purpose and Scope

The Equipment Operator is responsible to ensure the municipal road system and related municipal properties are maintained in a safe and reliable manner. This consists of performing transportation services, day-to-day general operations of roads, equipment operations, maintenance, operating light and heavy equipment and following all safety procedures, legislation and municipal policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Carry out the operation of heavy trucks and snow plows, city vehicles, and other municipal equipment according to applicable legislation, policies and procedures in a safe and conscientious manner, including performing all required pre-use and daily safety inspections, maintenance checks and equipment log books including, but not limited to circle checks.
• Operate equipment as assigned: Sidewalk Plow, Grader, Loader, Backhoe, Street Sweeper, Excavator.
• Operate small equipment and hand tools such as chainsaw, air compressor and attachments, steam jenny, post hole auger, weed eaters, grinder, portable compactors, portable water pumps, portable hand sprayer, wood chipper, etc.
• Perform general labour and maintenance duties including tree and brush cutting, road and sign maintenance, gravel and cold patching operations, guardrail or sidewalk repair, and shop maintenance.
• Assist in day to day maintenance and compliance operations on City roads in an effective, efficient, safe and environmentally responsible manner.
• Understand City and Provincial road standards; report anomalies to Supervisor and maintain necessary records.
• Provide winter control, storm drain and ditch maintenance under the direction of the Supervisor.
• Provide traffic control duties; install and maintain traffic control infrastructure as per plans approved by Supervisor.
• Provide roadside maintenance including litter, pickup of dead animals and other debris.
• Complete required reports, daily records and documentation such as injury reports, vehicle accident and vehicle incident reports as required; update as necessary.
• Record, document and report any issues to Management.
• Keep electronic daily time sheets, equipment log sheets, hours of work log sheets for Supervisor review and approval.
• Perform daily maintenance of equipment and provide insight to mechanics on possible causes of equipment failures or poor operation.
• Ensure full compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements to reduce corporate liabilities and mitigate risk.
• Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, WHMIS, applicable legislation, regulations, statutes and departmental policies/procedures/practices, JSA, SOP, SOG and operational guidelines and perform safe work practices.
• Provide courteous assistance to the public and provide general information in regards to roads maintenance issues.
• Good interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Contacts

The position will have direct contact with:

• Internal: Manager of Outdoor Operations, Supervisor of Roads, City Staff.
• External: General Public.

Education and Specialized Training

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Possess and maintain a valid Ontario Class D Driver's Licence with Z endorsement and a clean driver’s abstract.
• Proven competence to safely operate both heavy truck (5 tonne) and snow plow in addition to demonstrated competence operating any three (3) of the following pieces of heavy equipment: sidewalk plow, grader, loader, backhoe, street sweeper or excavator.
• Driving experience of a minimum of four (4) winter control seasons (twelve (12) months of winter control) operating a tandem, single or tri-axle plow truck with wing and sander, within the last five years; over any specified road type is required.
• Availability to quickly access, take control and respond to call in, after-hours and emergency response.
• Perform both light and heavy lifting.
• Ability to work independently or as an effective member of a team.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative consistently with commitment to quality improvement, sharing process improvement initiatives with management.
• Basic computer skills involving data entry/inquiry using corporate standard software and department, division or task specific software.
• Ability to read maps and plans.
• Excellent skills in public relations, customer service, communication, analytical and problem solving to deal effectively and courteously in all aspects of the position to manage relationships with members of the public, and all levels of staff.
• Comprehensive understanding of current legislation as it pertains to hours of work legislation, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Highway Traffic Act Regulations, especially relative to signage and pavement markings, Minimum Maintenance Standards, City policies, Operational Guidelines, and other legislation and laws as applicable.

Nice to Have

• Experience with tractor and attachments such as mower, front-mounted rotary broom, self-propelled roller.
• Knowledge of road maintenance and repairs, both hard top and gravel.
• Comprehensive knowledge of municipal urban, semi-urban and/or rural infrastructure matters.
• Training and certification in the following: Valid First Aid and CPR Certification, WHMIS training, Traffic control, chain saw and confined space entry certifications, Working at heights.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of experience in a municipal transportation environment operating multiple pieces of heavy equipment is required. Experience in municipal urban, semi-urban and/or rural infrastructure matters including equipment utilized.