Operator lll (Primarily Drainage Focused)

The Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of Heavy Equipment while performing road rehabilitation and maintenance activities. Reporting to the Supervisor, Transportation, the Operator works independently and/or with a crew engaged in the maintenance of the County’s roads (paved or gravel) and assets (bridges, drainage ditches and signs), operating a variety of different equipment that they are deemed qualified to operate. When there is a requirement to operate equipment that the County uses to maintain its paved or gravel roads, or maintain drainage requirements, the County will provide training to individuals in the safe and effective operation of the equipment that an Operator is not yet trained or deemed qualified on. It is expected that a variety of equipment operation is required in this role and that individuals will undertake this training when provided.  

Operators undertake work in both the summer season (typically May to October) and the Winter season (typically November to April).

As an Operator, additional duties may be required to be performed from time-to-time, including all duties identified in the Labourer job description. This includes working independently or with a team to collect waste and garbage, signage and wayfinding, and an assortment of support duties related to the maintenance of the County’s paved or gravel roads, and assets such as bridges, drainage ditches, and signs. Other related tasks or duties may also be assigned as needed.

This position is expected to be able to operate one or more of the following: excavator, semi-truck, finishing grader and rubber tire backhoe, along with a tandem truck, dozer, grader, loader and reclaimer, packer, skid steer, single axle truck, and a tractor. The position requires a valid Alberta Class 1 driver’s license with Airbrakes (Q) endorsement and an acceptable driver’s abstract. As the position operates heavy equipment, it is considered a safety sensitive position.

The following duties are typical for the Operator III position. Incumbents may not perform all the duties listed and/or may be required to perform additional duties from those set forth below to address operational needs and evolving best practice.

Summer Operations (40%) 

• Paved Roads
  • Asphalt maintenance.
    • This operation repairs deficiencies in the surface and subgrade of existing asphalt roads in the County.
    • Involves the operation of a Grader in a finish capacity in addition to regular operation of a grader, excavator, backhoe, or semi-truck to remove, clean, place, shape and compact cold/hot asphalt or oil to complete repairs. GIS mapping required.
    • • • Finish grader work consists of placing material within precise grades/elevations as surveyed on site and mixing and laying out cold or hot mix asphalt for a final driving surface.
    • Also requires periodic support for Operator I, II and Labourer duties.
  • Dust Suppression
    • This operation provides dust suppression and road stabilization as required throughout the County.
    • Involves operation of semi-truck to haul and spread gravel as required for maintenance and preparation of dust suppression sites.
    • Also requires periodic support for Operator I, II and Labourer duties.
• Gravel Roads
  • Graveling program
    • Operation of a wheel loader to load gravel trucks.
    • Operation of highway tractor for the spreading of gravel on county roads
    • Operation of a tandem truck and pup combination to spread gravel on County roads.
• Drainage Operations
  • Provides periodic support for Operator 2, Operator 1, and Labourer duties.
  • Provides operation of Class 1 required heavy truck and trailer for the purpose of transporting heavy equipment and materials for projects.
  • Culvert replacements and disposal
    • Provides operation of excavator and loader backhoe to remove and replace culverts.
  • Ditch grading
    • Provides operation of excavator and loader backhoe to perform excavation roadside ditches and drainage channels.
  • Beaver dam removal
    • Provides operation of excavator and loader backhoe to clear beaver dams from drainage channels.

Winter Operations (40%) 

• Drainage Operations
  • Preventative Maintenance
    • Provides periodic support for Operator 2, Operator 1, and Labourer duties.
    • Provides flood prevention snow clearing with excavator or loader backhoe.
    • Provides operation of Class 1 required heavy truck and trailer for the purpose of transporting heavy equipment and materials.
    • Provides drainage channel maintenance including winter earthworks and vegetation removal with via the operation of an excavator or loader backhoe.
• Paved Roads
  • Snow Removal
    • This operation provides snow clearing and removal activities for County roads and facilities.
    • Performs Operator I and II duties involving the operation of tandem/tridem axle snowplows, loaders, graders, and snow blowers to clear and remove snow on all County roads and facilities. Hauling equipment as needed for snow dump maintenance and equipment and truck rescue. Also, operation of dozer for stockpiling and large snow clearing operations. GIS mapping required.
    • Requires periodic support for Operator I and Labourer duties.
• Gravel Roads
  • Performs Operator I & II duties, including:
    • Removes snow with the effective and safe use of Heavy Equipment.

All Season Operations (15%) 

• Loading, Unloading and Transportation of Materials and Equipment
  • Identifies existing and predictable hazards.
  • Restricts personnel on foot from loading zone.
  • Secures load.
  • Transports cargo.
  • Applies seasonal sanding.
• Equipment Maintenance
  • Performs pre-trip inspections and records/reports defects.
  • Performs post-trip inspections.
  • Maintains equipment records.
  • Performs basic service and maintenance of equipment.

Other Related Duties (5%) 

• Performs other related duties as required by the Supervisor, including those duties within the Operator l or ll and Labourer job description.
• Adheres to all of Sturgeon County’s policies, bylaws, procedures, and processes, as well as aligns work to the Sturgeon County values.
• Adheres to applicable responsibilities and accountabilities as outlined in the Sturgeon County Health and Safety Management System.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques in the maintenance and servicing of the equipment or vehicle expected to operate.
• Knowledge of approval methods of transporting, including loading, unloading, towing, and winching operations.
• Knowledge and understanding of the capabilities of the machines being operated, and how to operate equipment safely, including being able to avoid accidents.
• Knowledge in gradients and slopes.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Class 1 driver’s license with Airbrakes (Q) endorsement with an acceptable commercial driver’s abstract.

• Defensive Driving course certificate, or the ability to obtain prior to start date.
• Ground Disturbance level I certification or the ability to obtain,
• Standard First Aid and CPR.
• National Safety Code Cargo Securement Knowledge Certification or the ability to obtain.
• National Safety Code Orientation or the ability to obtain.
• National Safety Code Pre-Trip & Cargo Securement Orientation & Evaluation or the ability to obtain.
• National Safety Code Pre-Trip Knowledge or the ability to obtain.
• Flag Person Training Course.
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) training or certification.
• Fire Extinguisher, Overhead Powerline, Customer Service. 
• Chainsaw knowledge and orientation or ability to obtain.

• WHMIS.
• Ability to work in a team environment or independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally and politely verbally with others.
• Problem-solving skills to address day-to-day issues that may arise.
• Ability to safely operate various small power tools by taking precautions to avoid incident.
• Skill and ability to operate equipment safely and be able to avoid accidents.
• Initiative and good judgment in loading, hauling, and unloading all types and sizes of materials, supplies, machines, and equipment.
• Exhibit the knowledge and ability in the maintenance and servicing of the equipment or vehicle.
• Punctual, communicate openly, takes direction well. 
• Possess skills and abilities to assume higher level supervision.
• Considerable experience in the operation of heavy-duty equipment in road construction or maintenance.
• Experience in the maintenance and servicing of the equipment or vehicle being operated.
• Experience hauling equipment.
• Experience in tarping and tying down or securing loads.
• Knowledge of servicing the equipment assigned would be an asset.

• Field Maps experience, Microsoft Software (Outlook, Excel, Word)

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL EFFORTS

• This position works outdoors on Sturgeon County property in a variety of weather conditions and terrain.
• Work may be performed in extreme temperatures or high levels of noise and be exposed to outdoor conditions, dust, fumes, and working near equipment.
• Travel to and from various public and private property within Sturgeon County will be required, which will require individuals in this position to have access to a reliable vehicle.
• Availability to work overtime when required.
• Availability to participate in the afternoon shift rotation as required.
• Availability to participate in on call schedule if required.
• This is a safety sensitive position as it operates various equipment on County worksites.
• The position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 25 kilograms, as well as the ability to shovel, bend, twist, kneel, squat, and crawl.