Light Equipment Operator

Light Equipment Operator

Operates a variety of light motorized equipment and vehicles as part of the City's parks maintenance and construction program. Position functions outside with exposure to all traffic and weather conditions; frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals and contaminants, dust, fumes, noise, and vibration of electrical / mechanical equipment. Safety equipment is available and required to include safety shoes and ear protection. Position requires heavy physical work; frequent standing, walking, climbing, balancing, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, squatting, pushing / pulling, reaching from all levels, pushing / pulling, lifting, and carrying up to one hundred (100) pounds; visual acuity sufficient to perform essential job functions. Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

First consideration may be given to current City of Las Cruces employees who meet the minimum requirements. Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. This posting will be used to fill a full-time, regular; non-exempt; union-represented position within Parks and Recreation, but may be used to fill other full-time, part-time, temporary, contract, or other similar positions that become available in various City Departments.

Pay Grade : BC09

Duties and Responsibilities

• Loads, transports, and unloads various tools, parts, materials, supplies, and equipment to job sites; operates trucks, front end loaders, and backhoes to construct, repair, and maintain roads, properties, and structures in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures.
• Operates equipment to make repairs for utility cuts; organizes work orders to ensure critical issues are addressed and repairs made.
• Performs grounds upkeep and maintenance, mows, and fertilizes grass, and prunes trees to comply with established maintenance and care schedules and procedures.
• Uses dump trucks, front loaders, and backhoes to haul, load, and dispose of debris from various job sites and repair locations; supports chip sealing, paving, milling, and other work performed on City roads.
• Performs maintenance and minor repairs on small engines and equipment; sharpens lawn mower blades; welds and fabricates parts; identifies maintenance that needs to be performed by other shop staff to ensure safe and effective operation of equipment and vehicles.
• Operates various power tools; works with field crews to assist with upkeep, repairs, and maintenance; assists with preparation of special events and tournaments to complete the set-up, staging, and clean-up required.
• Performs storm drain locates; prevents damage to city storm drains and streets; responds to all locate tickets operating various equipment to accomplish work orders.
• Cleans, sweeps, and maintains the safety of roadways, sidewalks, and storm drains for the City.
• Coordinates and supports the purchasing, transport, and delivery of supplies as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

No specific educational requirement AND two (2) years of experience in light construction equipment operation, street construction, park maintenance, and / or landscaping. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses / Certification(s) Valid Class B commercial driver's license. Some positions may require Forklift operator certification within six (6) months of employment. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of : principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position. Ability to : perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives. Skills in : reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.

To view a summary of benefits offered by the City of Las Cruces, go to the benefits page.