Area Grader Operator (Hartline Area)

Job Description

Position Summary
Performs skilled operation of a motor grader and other complex equipment as assigned, to grade, shape, and plow assigned roadways according to Department standards for quality and efficiency.

Grader Operator positions are recognized as the most advanced of equipment operators in the Public Works Department. Their work involves precision in grading and shaping surfaces by eye and to exactness of survey stakes and markers. In addition, they are expected to be skilled in operation of most of the other heavy equipment used in road maintenance operations such as backhoes, front-end loaders and dump trucks. Incumbents are assigned to an area within one of three road districts within the County.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following examples of duties and accountabilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position. Employee must comply with all County and department policies, procedures, WAC’s, or other regulatory bodies.

• Equipment Operation: Incumbents operate motor graders to shape the contours and surfaces of roadways and related surfaces such as drainage ways and culverts. They also operate other heavy equipment for moving and transporting gravel and other materials. In winter, incumbents use graders to remove snow and ice from road surfaces.
• Equipment Maintenance: This accountability requires incumbents to perform daily preventive maintenance on their equipment including routine lubrication and monitoring fluid and lubricant levels. From time to time incumbents may be assigned temporarily to assist Shop Managers and mechanics in an area repair shop.

Education, Experience, and Licensing
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Any combination of education and experience may be substituted as long as it provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required

1. Minimum 4 years of experience in operation of heavy road maintenance equipment, or an equivalent of a combination of relevant experience and/or training;
2. Washington State Class ‘A’ Commercial Driver’s License required endorsements of double or triple trailer and tank vehicle (liquid/gases) and air brake endorsement.
3. Valid Driver’s License with proof of automobile insurance.
4. Background Check: Must have an acceptable background record.
5. Driving Abstract: Must have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred

1. Hazardous materials endorsement;
2. Tank endorsement;
3. Experience working in Government/Public Sector.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Teamwork & Leadership – Provide guidance, assistance, or training to others where appropriate. Demonstrate the ability to interact with others in a cooperative and effective manner.
• Communication – Summarize and present observations and interpretations to others inside and outside the team.  Uses existing networks to communicate information across discipline.  Discusses issues within teams.
• External Communication – Requires presentation or exchange of information involving ongoing relationships with outside agencies, clients and the public.
• Guidance Required – Assignments are received in the form of results expected and due dates; general procedures and standards are available to follow.  Frequently has the freedom to decide on procedures to follow.
• Impact of Decisions – Decisions typically impact other jobs within the employees work group or the daily routine of others.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Work is performed in the field in a variety of weather conditions including the potential for severe winter weather. Incumbents may be on 24-hour call for emergencies or severe weather.

The physical abilities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, write, hear, speak, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, go up and down a ladder and/or step stool to retrieve/file away files, and lift up and/or move up to 50 lbs. of unequal weight.   The position requires the employee to stand and/or sit for 8+ hours per day, 5 days per week. Occasional computer keyboard work is required. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distant vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other
Union Representation

This position is represented by the Grant County Public Employees’ Association (GCPEA) and a member of the Public Works bargaining unit.

Employee Benefits

Grant County offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Leave: Vacation, Sick, Paid Holidays
• Retirement through Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Supplemental Retirement/Deferred Compensation
• Supplemental Life & AD&D, LTD Insurance

Disclaimer

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Application Special Instructions
A complete application must have the following documents attached: a current resume and a cover letter.