3/26/75 G

Operates and maintains heavy duty highway equipment on state force construction and maintenance of highways.

The duties involve operation of equipment unusually complex in either its mechanics or application. The opportunity for causing injury to workmen and damage to equipment is greater than in other classes of equipment operation and maintenance work. Constant mental and visual coordination is required due to the necessity for attention to and concentration on the work area while physically manipulating the equipment. This equipment considerably affects the programs of highway operations; it demands quick and effective manipulation and sufficient mechanical knowledge to make running repairs to the machine. Fine work performed by the equipment requires mere engineering skill of the operator than is typical of machinery specified in the Highway Equipment Operator A and B classes. Assignments involve operation of selected equipment for the majority of the time while the remainder of the time may be spent operating other equipment, supervising a group of operators or laborers or occasionally performing manual labor tasks, all of which require considerable knowledge of maintenance and construction techniques.

Incumbents of positions allocated to this class must comprehend and use simple road and bridge plans. Work assignments are received orally and performed independently. Work is rarely reviewed upon completion by a supervisor for completeness and conformance to highway standards. Instruction is provided to others in the use of the equipment.

Examples of duties characteristic of positions in this class:

1. Uses heavy-duty highway equipment to accomplish tasks related to snow removal, preventive and corrective maintenance, and construction of highways. These tasks include excavation and grading to close tolerances. Types of equipment used include heavy graders required in fine grading or critical sloping, power shovels and cranes.
2. Makes minor adjustments and repairs to equipment; aids in making major repairs; cleans and services equipment and makes out equipment rental cards.
3. Occasionally, when not operating equipment specified in this class, operates other equipment, or supervises a group of laborers. Supervision and occasional performance of manual labor tasks may include difficult carpentry layout work, the setting of complicated forms and concrete finishing.

Two years of experience in the operation of highway equipment, at least six months of which must have involved the operation of equipment specified for Highway Operator B; a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license and a Virginia Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) if required by Virginia law according to the equipment operated and ability to pass a performance test on selected equipment specified in this class.

Considerable working knowledge of the operation, maintenance and repair of power driven highway equipment; ability to direct and supervise major mechanical repairs to equipment; thorough knowledge of safety rules and safe practices for heavy equipment; considerable knowledge of the state laws and agency regulations governing equipment operation; ability to instruct others in the use and maintenance of the equipment; and successful completion of prescribed physical examination by a qualified physician.