Lee County, FL

Backhoe Operator

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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.