Grader/Heavy Equipment Operator

Position Details

• Position: Grader/Heavy Equipment Operator
• Reports to: Department Head Director of Public Works Supervisor Working Foreman

Job Summary

Under the direction supervision of the Director of Public Works and day-to-day work direction from the Working Foreman, the Grader/Heavy Equipment Operator operates the grader and other heavy equipment to provide a variety of services including road maintenance, road construction and winter control.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Operate grader to maintain gravel surfaced roads.
• Operate grader on shouldering, deberming and reshaping ditches as well as maintenance of easements.
• Spring grading in conjunction with the application of dust suppression.
• Final grading for application of surface treatment or hard surface equivalent.
• Perform Truck Driver and Labourer duties as required.
• Operate chainsaws, chipper, steamer and other equipment for various maintenance activities.
• Roadside brushing and tree removal.
• Installation of cross culverts and entrance culverts.
• Cold patching and hot mix patching.
• Operate other heavy equipment such as but not limited to backhoe, excavator, loader and roadside power unit as required.
• Performing daily safety and maintenance pre-trip maintenance.
• Perform routine mechanical inspection of grader, report malfunctions, equipment breakdowns, maintenance problems or defects to Chief Mechanic and/or Supervisor. Maintains vehicle log and daily activities book.
• Maintain equipment by performing such tasks as washing, cleaning, replacing blades, greasing and oil changes and filters.
• Ensuring that the equipment is safely and securely stored when not in use.
• Advise the Director of any delays, unsafe situations, or accidents.

Job Specifications

• Grade 12 education and three (3) years related experience.
• Valid Class “D” licence with a “Z” endorsement.
• Experience to safely and professionally operating heavy equipment.
• Ability to obtain Chainsaw Operator Safety Certificate and Propane Safety Certificate.
• Ability to complete WHIMIS training.
• Required to often work without direct supervision once specific task or project has been defined.

Working Conditions

• Requires excellent physical condition with ability to handle physical effort and exertion.
• Physical requirements include standing, walking, bending, sitting when driving, routinely lifting up to 100 lbs/45 kgs with assistance, getting in and out of a cab of a vehicle. Proper PPE is provided and shall be worn at all times.
• Good depth perception and hand-eye co-ordination are requirements of the job.
• Use of hands, finger dexterity for manipulating the controls while operating equipment is required.
• Exposure to inclement weather conditions.
• Required to work overtime and unusual hours to handle emergency and poor weather conditions.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Key Competencies

• Knowledge and ability to operate a variety of heavy equipment in a safe manner over a variety of terrain, road condition and weather.
• Ability to understand grades/elevations for road construction including shoulder restoration and ditching.
• General knowledge of road construction, maintenance and safety activities is required.
• Ability to understand verbal and written instruction from the Supervisor.
• Good English verbal communication skills that allow for clear communication and information exchange to Supervisor, public works employees and occasionally the general public.
• Ability to perform all job functions required in a safe manner to avoid personal injury, injury to others and equipment or property damage.
• Being accountable for own actions, punctual and organized on the job, ensuring that work is conducted at a steady and efficient pace.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail.
• Accountable for proper maintenance of equipment and road.
• Ability to establish and maintain respectful relationships with others, and to manage conflicts that may arise in a respectful, inclusive and calm manner, ensuring a positive attitude is employed in day-to-day operations.
• Written communication skills to properly maintain daily activities, and vehicle logs.