Operator - Columbia, MO

Job Purpose

The Operator is responsible for working with power construction equipment to move materials, earth, and heavy objects at construction sites. Clears and grades land to prepare it for asphalt, concrete, buildings, bridges, roads, runways, dams, levees, and power generation facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Use machines to dig up or smooth out earth.
• Pick up heavy objects with machines.
• Dig trenches.
• Lay and repair sewer lines.
• Spread asphalt and concrete.
• Operate excavation and loading machines equipped with scoops, shovels, or buckets that dig sand, gravel, and earth.
• Load materials onto trucks or onto conveyors.
• Drive and control industrial trucks and utilize forklifts, booms, or hitches.
• Operate and maintain air compressors, pumps, and other power equipment.
• Smooth concrete for roadways.
• Spray on curing compounds.
• Perform maintenance and minor repairs on machinery.
• Operate according to safety standards.
• Take cues from an assistant on the ground.
• Cut expansion joints.
• Turn valves to regulate the temperature and flow of asphalt onto the roadbed.
• Dig trenches.
• Repair sewers and lay pipe.

Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Key Duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Education and Experience. This position typically is not an entry-level job, as it requires demonstrable previous experience as an Operator. A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred. Must be able to understand work directions and communicate effectively with job site supervisors and fellow employees.

Other Functions

• Safety support and planning work with Health and Safety Personnel.
• Assist in plan & specification writing and interpretation.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working Conditions

• Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Work environment periodically exposes the employees to high levels of noise, grease, and dust that is typically associated with a construction project.
• Employee regularly works near heavy equipment and moving machinery.
• Work may involve a variety of substances commonly found on construction sites such as form oil, grease, curing compounds, gasoline, diesel fuel and ready mixed concrete

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Constant physical effort, including standing, is required during a regular work shift of at least eight hours per day. Employee must be able to stand for extended periods of time, and to stoop, bend, and crouch as required to perform Key Duties.
• Work is often performed at heights up to 80 feet, requiring the employee to climb ladders, scaffolds and stair towers, often with narrow steps and passageways.
• Frequently work with hands extended overhead, sometimes in conjunction with the operation of hand power tools.
• Ability to lift and carry, on a frequent basis, at least 50 pounds personally, and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Manual dexterity to hand-carry generators, lumber and other construction materials, forms, power tools, and hand tools.
• Maintain constant alertness to the multiple concurrent activities of the construction site, including the activities of other employees and contractors, the operation of stationary equipment, and the movement of mobile equipment.
• Frequently walk on uneven surfaces, including natural ground in varying weather conditions.
• Capable of being certified to enter confined spaces, including climbing into and out of excavations, using ladders.
• Sufficient skill and visual acuity, under varying degrees of light, darkness, and weather conditions, to provide direction and flagging for operators of cranes with rated capacities of up to 500 tons.
• Capable of safely and productively operating a man-lift.
• Ability to maintain balance while working on water craft or other surfaces