Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Job at Jackson County (MN) in Jackson

Overview

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the operation of heavy motorized equipment used for maintenance of roads, public property, and ditch and tile systems in the County. During winter weather, the primary focus is snow removal and sanding operations. The operator may perform other highway maintenance, ditch and tile maintenance, or park duties as needed, and may perform general labor or respond to emergency events. Assignments may rotate among departments and areas.

The incumbent is responsible for the quality, timeliness, and safety of their own work. Equipment is high value; errors could cause costly damage. Work is performed independently under general supervision, with potential direction to a helper when two workers are required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain gravel roads to ensure passability for emergency vehicles and optimal driving conditions, perform general road and right-of-way maintenance, and operate a variety of equipment for highway construction, maintenance, and repair.
• Visually inspect roads to assess surface or shoulder work needs; report problems to the supervisor (e.g., washout, sign replacement, gravel needs).
• Maintain gravel roads and crown/shoulders, including seasonal reshaping and material handling; clean ditches and perform back-sloping; patch blacktop and properly compact materials.
• Perform manual highway maintenance tasks (graveling, blacktop, frost boil repair, drainage obstructions removal, rock picking/digging); clear brush/trees, maintain clear roadside zones, and apply herbicide as needed.
• Perform bridge maintenance and culvert/tile repairs related to road rights-of-way; conduct erosion repair and seeding as required.
• Prepare, install, and maintain traffic signs; assist with sign studies and inventory; install temporary traffic control zones and detours; ensure 911 rural addressing signs are maintained; set up traffic count devices as needed.
• Rotate to ditch duties as assigned, operating tiling and ditching equipment, using laser surveying for tile/ditch work, maintaining drainage systems, and managing erosion control and restoration efforts; maintain logs and collect data for tickets.
• Perform routine and preventative maintenance on trucks, loaders, and other equipment; conduct safety and mechanical inspections, fueling, lubrication, oil/filters changes, parts replacement, welding/fabrication, and assist higher-level maintenance staff.
• Perform maintenance on facilities, shops, and yards as required.
• Clear roads of snow and ice with graders, plows, sander-equipped trucks, and other equipment; remove snow from bridges and apply brine where appropriate; optimize salt/sand usage.
• Rotational assignments to parks maintenance: park upkeep, equipment operation to maintain road passability, park facility maintenance, safety patrols, sign/policy enforcement, and coordination with law enforcement when needed; assist with camping services and weather-related notices.
• Rotational assignments to parks duties: assist patrons, operate the Park Contact Station, coordinate with campers, enforce park policies, and monitor for safety issues; manage park firewood to prevent pests and cooperate with law enforcement during park activities.
• Maintain knowledge of current construction and maintenance methods related to safety, materials, and equipment; keep daily logs of time, equipment, and location; perform other related functions as assigned.

Qualifications

This job requires a high school diploma or GED. A Class A (CDL) driver’s license (or have passed the Class A CDL written exam at hire) is required; the CDL must be obtained by the end of the first six months of employment.

• Ability to operate various machinery including tandem trucks, motor graders, mower tractors, backhoes, dozers, excavators, skid loaders with attachments, pay loaders, shoulderers, seeding machines, rollers for patching, distributors, and sprayers.
• Ability to safely operate mowers, chainsaws, tractors, power tools, hand tools, and light power equipment; ability to operate with electronic controls.
• Ability to obtain a tanker and hazardous materials licensure endorsement.
• Working knowledge of survey techniques, ability to read ditch maps, and knowledge of highway construction processes.
• Knowledge of sign maintenance, safety work practices, and ability to research and implement standards; effective communication, teamwork, and public service skills.
• Safety training, CPR and first aid certification, severe weather training, and Competent Person training.
• Commitment to creating a positive, inclusive work environment and promoting teamwork; maintain professional boundaries.