***Application Deadline: April 24, 2026 OR CLOSES AFTER RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 150 APPLICATIONS***
Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.
DEFINITION:
Under general supervision, operates a variety of light to moderately heavy equipment in the performance of tasks involved in the construction, maintenance, or repair of City facilities; makes minor mechanical adjustments in the field; performs other related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Equipment Operator is the journey level class responsible for performing skilled tasks involved in the operation of the assigned heavy and light equipment. Incumbents in this class are assigned to the Public Works Department and may be required to assist in the performance of other skilled to unskilled maintenance work. This classification is distinguished from the classification of Street Maintenance Worker III by its primary tasks involving operation of assigned equipment.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:
Receives general supervision from the Street Maintenance Supervisor. Incumbents in this class do not routinely exercise supervision.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)
Performs skilled work in the operation of the assigned moderately heavy equipment according to work schedule and general instructions; reads and interprets plans to determine task requirements; performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.
Operates skip loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, and various other power-driven equipment in the performance of construction, maintenance, and repair tasks.
Operates trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, materials, and supplies, such as mechanized broom, back-hoe, digger-derrick, man-lift, dump truck, and inductor truck.
Works with and assists the line crew in digging ditches, pole holes, hoisting material, tools, equipment, transformers, and any related work with a backhoe or digger derrick.
Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor; cleans equipment.
Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, State/local agencies, City management and staff, and the public.
OTHER DUTIES: (include but are not limited to the following)
Serves as a ground-person on the line crew as required and assigned.
Assists in the installing and maintenance of traffic control devices.
Controls traffic at work sites by flagging to guide traffic through work areas, as required or assigned.
May be exposed to confidential and privileged information during the course of duties, which should be maintained as such.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned heavy and light equipment. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The incumbent may use cleaning and lubricating chemicals, which may expose the employee to fumes or airborne particles, and the incumbents may be exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, and often work with constant interruptions. The incumbent may be required to respond to after hours emergency call-outs and perform routine standby duties.
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)
Education and/or Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for an Equipment Operator. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of one year of experience operating similar, moderately heavy equipment.
License/Certificate:
Must have a valid Class B California driver's license. Must maintain DL 51A health certification and possession of California endorsements required to operate applicable City vehicles and/or equipment. Some assignments may require possession of a Class A California driver's license.
KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)
Knowledge of:
Mechanical operation of the assigned power-driven equipment; codes and regulations governing operation of equipment in City streets; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; modern office procedures, practices, methods, and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation; proper English, spelling, and grammar; and occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Ability to:
Operate heavy to light power-driven equipment safely and efficiently; learn and follow street/alley routes; detect the need for major mechanical maintenance; perform routine adjustments and maintenance on equipment used; use and care of hand tools in making minor adjustments and performing routine maintenance of the assigned equipment; prepare routine records; work effectively in the absence of supervision; follow verbal and written instructions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Skill to:
Safely and effectively operate a variety of light to heavy construction equipment, power and hand tools, and to perform other skilled and semi-skilled construction and maintenance tasks.Medical:
Applicants will be required as a prerequisite to employment to successfully pass a
physical examination, including a drug screen, the cost of which will be paid by the City.
Selection/Exam Process: The person selected will be expected to perform all the functions of the position. Based on a review of the applications and the supplemental applications received, the candidates appearing to be the most qualified and meeting the City's particular needs will be invited in writing to the exam process. A candidate must achieve a passing score on each exam to proceed to the next exam.
Exam Information: (Dates to be determined.)
Panel Oral Interview: 60%
Performance: 40%
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of Whittier is an Equal Opportunity Employer
