06/01/91 G

This is the trainee level class in the Highway Equipment Operator Series for positions who are provided training in the operation of a variety of light duty highway equipment used for construction and maintenance projects. This class is distinguished from the Highway Equipment Operator A class by the latter’s responsibility for performing the full range of work activities associated with the operation of light duty equipment.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of routine difficulty, receiving training in the operation of light duty highway equipment such as 3-5 ton dump trucks, aerial bucket trucks, mowers with hydraulic extension, rollers, vibratory compactors, mobile drills, sand blasters, concrete mixers, asphalt kettles, air compressors and jack hammers. Positions in this class receive well-defined written and/or verbal instructions, and classroom and on-the-job training. Positions perform progressively responsible assignments such as driving, mowing, rolling, machining, work zone signing, patching, making minor adjustments and repairs to equipment, and pipe installation to enable the worker to gain skills and abilities in understanding and operating equipment controls and attachments; understanding terrain features which can hamper equipment mobility; and controlling and operating equipment safely in confined areas. The work is performed in all types of weather and may require physical effort in reaching and setting equipment controls. The operation of some equipment may require that the employee operate the equipment in awkward positions.

Supervision Given: Supervision is not a factor.

Supervision Received: Receives immediate supervision from a Transportation Maintenance Supervisor or Transportation Maintenance Superintendent who gives well-defined verbal and/or written instructions. The employee performs all new assignments in the presence of a supervisor until tasks have been successfully mastered. The supervisor formally documents the completion of all successful stages of development within individual employee training plans and discusses the employee's strengths and areas which need improvement.

Scope: Positions in this class are provided instruction on equipment operation from experienced equipment operators or crew leaders.

Impact of Actions: Effective job performance results in the incumbent’s progressively learning, controlling, and maintaining specific light duty highway construction and maintenance equipment.

Personal Contacts: Infrequent external contacts with the traveling public to give directions.

Knowledge: Some knowledge of light duty highway construction and maintenance equipment; and state laws and agency rules and regulations governing the operation of equipment on Virginia highways.

Skills: Some skill in the operation of brushing, rolling, grading, sandblasting, mowing, and mixing equipment.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to perform the work in accordance with established training guidelines and practices.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Valid Virginia Motor Vehicle Operator’s license and the ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's license.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent which demonstrates the ability to read and follow written and oral instructions.

Level and Type of Experience: None.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was developed by the Virginia Department of Transportation, effective June 1991.