Backhoe Operator

OVERVIEW/PURPOSE

A backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all operator must be capable of operating tracked or rubber-tired heavy equipment with attachments to: (1) excavate trenching, pipe and other materials, (2) prepare excavated trenches for purpose of placing and covering underground materials and equipment, and (3) raise, lower and off-load heavy materials and supplies as needed.  A backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all operator must also be capable of operating equipment to prepare level surface areas for the placement of concrete structures, concrete forms and aggregate materials.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to operate (1) crawler or rubber-tired tractor equipment with backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all attachments, and (2) backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all equipment safely and effectively on open highway, unpaved and uneven construction sites, in populated areas and in congested traffic environments.
• Past experience, two years preferred, and/or comparable training in the operation of a backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all.
• Ability to operate backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all equipment to safely excavate trenching, pipe and other materials in accordance with OSHA and other excavation and trenching requirements.
• Ability to operate backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all equipment to raise and lower heavy materials as needed, including pipe, supplies and equipment.
• Ability to operate backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all equipment to prepare level surface areas for the placement of concrete structures, concrete forms and aggregate materials as required by applicable specifications.
• Adequate range of motion and ability to manipulate hand and foot controls for moving backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all equipment and attachments.
• Ability to fuel, oil, grease, and otherwise service, repair and make normal operational adjustments to equipment during a scheduled work day.
• Ability to assist in excavation, and trenching operations including digging and sloping trenches and lowering pipe for proper placement.
• Ability to operate backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all equipment to cover laid pipe with excavated or other material after installation.
• Ability to load and unload aggregate or other materials into and from trucks, waste piles or stockpiles.
• Ability to comply with supervisory instructions concerning OSHA excavation and trenching requirements.
• General knowledge of and ability to recognize underground utility and cable locates/markings prior to excavation, including sufficient ability to report such locates/markings to appropriate public and private authorities as necessary.
• Ability to operate backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all equipment safely and effectively to excavate and trench at and around underground utilities and cables.
• Adequate knowledge of and ability to work in compliance with safety guidelines and limitations concerning the operation of boom arm equipment in and around overhead utility lines.
• Adequate range of motion and peripheral vision necessary for the safe and effective operation of backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all equipment.
• Ability to hear and distinguish horns and other traffic noises necessary for the safe and effective operation of backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all equipment.
• Ability to climb in and out of backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all equipment using handholds and footsteps as necessary.
• Sitting during equipment operation for up to four (4) consecutive hours at a time.
• Operation of backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all equipment on unpaved and uneven construction sites and in congested working environments.
• Ability to load and unload equipment from flatbed carriers.
• Ability to lift up to an estimated 50 pounds.
• Adequate range of motion and ability to perform inspection of backhoe/excavator/trackhoe/grade-all equipment and attachments, including necessary squatting, bending, stooping, kneeling, walking, lifting, pushing, pulling, and turning as required.
• Ability to meet weekly attendance requirements often averaging 8 to 12 hours per day, with normal start and stop times varying with job site needs.
• Ability to meet other attendance requirements, including overtime hours, weekend work, holiday work, night work, and shift assignments as necessary.
• Ability to withstand various environmental conditions, including but not limited to, normal summer outside temperatures with a heat index occasionally in excess of 100 degrees, the combined effect of heat and humidity during outside summer work, possible low winter outside temperatures, and routine rain.
• Ability to effectively communicate with other workers at and around job sites.
• Ability to walk and maneuver on even and uneven surfaces at the plant and construction sites.
• Ability to withstand various airborne particles located at and outside construction sites, including dust, sand, dirt and pollen.
• Ability to withstand various gases, vapors and fumes within acceptable OSHA/EPA limits produced by construction equipment, solvents and asphalt located at outside construction sites.
• Ability to perform timely and productive execution of tasks and assignments.
• Ability to withstand loud and continuous noises from various construction equipment within acceptable OSHA limits.
• Ability to work effectively with fellow workers and the public.
• Compliance with safety rules, including the use of personal protective equipment as required.
• Ability to set up barricades and/or traffic control devices to establish lane closures, as necessary.
• THIS IS NOT AN ALL INCLUSIVE LISTING OF THE DUTIES.

MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Attendance at staff and safety meetings.
• Ability to shovel, sweep and perform general “housekeeping” at and around work areas.
• Possession of a valid and current Florida driver’s license.
• Ability to assist in the flagging and signaling of traffic at and around construction sites.
• Ability to qualify as a “competent person” as defined by OSHA regulations for the monitoring and enforcement of OSHA trenching and excavation standards.