MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No.5114
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND
Grade 11

CLASS SPECIFICATION

 

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR APPRENTICE


DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is entry-level semi-skilled work involving the use of hand tools, small gasoline power equipment and the operation of 26,000 - 35,000 GVW dump trucks to perform basic highway construction and maintenance related tasks. Contacts are generally limited to the crew to which the position is assigned and typically encompass receiving instructions and exchanging work information. The work may entail some public service and/or assistance, but it is incidental to the primary duties and responsibilities of the class.
An employee in this occupational class typically works as part of a crew and uses hand tools (shovels, rakes, lutes, picks, mattocks, tampers, etc.); operates power equipment (gasoline powered push and commercial walk behind mowers, tractor mowers, weed cutters, edgers, plate tampers, chain saws, pole saws, air compressors, jack hammers, paint sprayers, concrete mixers, concrete saws, trenchers, etc.); and operates gasoline and/or diesel powered vehicles that require a Class "B" Commercial Drivers License (CDL) to perform various highway maintenance and construction related tasks. The nature of the equipment used in the work requires instruction and practice to safely perform the assigned duties. The procedures for performing the work are well established and the employee exercises some judgment in the selection and use of the equipment used in performing the work. Moderate physical effort is required to perform manual labor tasks that include pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds, as well as occasionally transporting heavy loads over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces, or intermittently pushing, pulling, and lifting objects weighing up to 100 pounds. Employees must work in severe weather conditions, and are regularly exposed to hazards such as grease, dirt, asphalt and other bituminous products, noxious or malodorous fumes, high levels of dust, as well as risks from moving vehicles, machinery, heavy equipment, and other traffic and construction hazards. The work requires the use of safety equipment and strict observance of established safety regulations to protect the employee's wellbeing.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)
Operates and performs daily maintenance on gasoline powered push mowers, commercial walk behind mowers, tractor mounted mowers, and other similar power equipment; plants shrubs and other vegetation; loads and unloads work materials; and provides assistance in trench excavation.
Assists in snow removal operations by mounting snow blade and abrasive distribution attachments to vehicles; filling sand barrels; directing yard traffic during loading operations; shoveling snow from walkways; and working as a helper on snow removal vehicles.
Works as a "leafer" raking leaves into a truck mounted vacuum.
Under the supervision of a licensed CDL driver, operates 26,000-35,000 GVW dump trucks.
Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: None
Education: Ability to read and write and carry out oral and written instructions.
Equivalency: None.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of baseline characteristics of assigned vehicles/equipment and ability to effectively and safely operate and perform operator-level general inspections and preventive maintenance tasks on them.
Knowledge of and ability to use power take-off to safely transfer power to the various working aspects of the equipment's components and to ably use the levers, buttons and pedals to smoothly control them.
Knowledge of applicable Motor Vehicle Administration and highway regulations for safe, legal operation of the vehicles/equipment used.
Knowledge of and ability to legally, effectively and safely load, secure and transport cargo to prevent shifting/departing.
Knowledge of and ability to legally, effectively and safely rig vehicles, loads and products for towing.
Ability to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions.
Ability and willingness to perform work for prolonged periods in severe weather and under adverse road conditions.

LICENSE:
At Time of Employment Application:
Must possess a valid Class "B" Commercial Driver's License or an Instructional Permit for a Class "B" Commercial Driver's License issued by state of residence.
First Day of Employment:
Must possess either a Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or an Instructional
Permit for a Class "B" Commercial Driver's License issued by state of residence.
Upon Completion of Probationary Period:
Must possess a valid Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) from state of residence
with endorsements required by Maryland State Motor Vehicle Administration Regulations to successfully complete apprenticeship program.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Individuals appointed or promoted to this class will be required to serve a probationary period of six (6) months, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. An employee may not remain in this classification for longer than 12 months and will be non-competitively promoted to the Equipment Operator I classification upon attaining the required Class B CDL licensure and satisfactorily demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the class.

MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Core Exam II with drug and alcohol screen

Class Established: July 2005
March 2006 (M)