This is skilled work in the operation of heavy duty earth-moving equipment utilized by the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department.

Employees in this class operate large diesel-powered vehicles used in varied maintenance and construction tasks. Duties include the operation of equipment with complex control systems requiring a high degree of manipulative skill and dexterity. Incumbents are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the equipment and for performing routine pre-operational checks and routine preventive maintenance. Supervision is received from a field supervisor who inspects work in progress and upon completion for effective equipment operation and compliance with engineering standards.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Operates an excavator used for major pipeline installation and repairs; properly places sheeting and shoring necessary to safely allow workmen to be in the trench area; sets pumps and well points.

Operates combination backhoes used for minor and major pipeline installation and repairs of various size pipe lines; works in confined or restricted area; excavates around underground utilities; cleans up previously excavated debris and properly backfills excavations; loads dump trucks and safely transports equipment.

Operates front end loaders used for major pipeline installation and repairs including the movement of large amounts of debris and loading of dump trucks and the restoration of roadways and the spreading of asphalt.

Operates trenchers used to cut wide trenches in hard rock areas for pipeline installation.

Operates ditchers used in the installation of small water service lines.

Operates a skid steer loader to clean up in very confined working zones and for placing sod.

Operates a power broom used to clean up construction site areas.

Operates a mobile hydraulic crane or sidelift used in pipeline installation.

Operates a dump truck used for the hauling of various types of materials from job sites.

Operates a lowboy used to transport heavy equipment to and from job sites.

Operates a water tank used for the watering down of construction sites to minimize dusty conditions and water freshly planted sod.

Operates large diesel powered, heavy-duty pay loader used in the loading of raw wastewater solids, such as grit grease, rags, and plastic material.

Operates large diesel powered machines specifically designed to turn cake sludge on asphalt drying beds used to dry this material for the purpose of removing as much moisture as possible before disposing.

Operates large diesel powered screening equipment used to screen dried sewage sludge resulting in a finished end product of Class "AA" sludge for sale to an outside market.

Operates diesel powered vactor machines to clean sewer lines at plants and clean floating debris from treatment process tanks.

Operates tractor and broom to empty grit bins at plants and street clearings; maintains the drying beds by removing weeds; clears roadways; performs the jetting of sewer lines; cleans debris from treatment tanks.

Performs pre-operational checks and routine preventive maintenance on equipment; completes paperwork detailing work activities.

May serve as a crew leader over a small field crew of equipment operators and laborers.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of the operating characteristics of heavy duty earth-moving equipment.

Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable to the operation of construction equipment.

Knowledge of basic maintenance requirements of heavy construction equipment.

Knowledge of different soil types and conditions and the digging techniques required by each in order to excavate safely.

Ability to detect malfunctions while operating heavy construction equipment.

Ability to make adjustments and to perform minor maintenance to heavy equipment.

Ability to perform earth work according to engineering specifications.

Ability to operate equipment in confined or restricted areas.

Skill in the operation of large earth-moving equipment.

NEW 2/28/2007