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Job Description

LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

JOB CODE 72200

Effective Date:	Rev. 2/99A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to operate specialized light and medium construction equipment in the construction and maintenance of landscaped areas. A variety of equipment is operated including dump trucks with capacities ranging between two and ten yards, trailers, water trucks, and wheeled tractors with a variety of attachments. Work involves such projects as grading and sloping the terrain of new or existing landscaped areas; trenching and augering soil to excavate water/irrigation lines and to plant trees; and clearing debris and preparing the soil according to user needs. Employees in this classification frequently direct the work of Gardeners and Groundskeepers engaged in landscaping and gardening tasks. This class is differentiated from Gardeners and Groundskeepers in that equipment operation is a primary duty and not merely incidental to other landscaping functions, and is differentiated from other Equipment Operator classes by the use of specialized landscaping equipment and attachments and primary assignment to landscape construction and maintenance duties. Initial instructions are received from a Parks Foreman I or II and work is normally subject only to occasional review and inspection.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Operates dump trucks with capacities ranging between two and ten yards, various sized trailers, and single- and dual-axle water trucks in the performance of landscape construction and maintenance activities;
• Operates a wheeled tractor with a small bucket and a variety of attachments including a box scraper (Gannon box), auger, rotary mower, backhoe, tiller, furrow and rock rake;
• Inspects and services equipment as necessary to maintain proper operating and safety standards;
• Leads and participates in various work activities associated with job assignment including gardening and manual labor tasks;
• Loads equipment on trailers and transports to the job site;
• Levels athletic fields and incorporates sand into the existing soil by using a tractor and Gannon box in order to create safe playing conditions;
• Operates equipment at a higher or lower level, such as backhoes, sandblasters, and lawn mowers;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of automotive equipment operation.
• Traffic laws, ordinances, blue stake requirements, and rules involved in equipment operation.
• Types and care requirements of various trees, shrubs, groundcovers, annuals, and lawns that grow in City parks.
• Types and varieties of rock materials and soil amendments.
• Types and installation requirements of various irrigation systems.

Ability to:

• Work in different weather conditions with exposure to the elements.
• Operate the trucks and equipment assigned to positions in this class in a skillful and safe manner and according to traffic laws and regulations.
• Attach and disconnect equipment attachments.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Use graphic instructions, such as field drawings, blueprints, layouts, or other visual aids.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material.
• Observe and monitor objects to determine compliance with prescribed operating and safety standards.
• Make fine, highly controlled muscular movements to adjust the position of control mechanisms.
• Coordinate the movement of more than one limb simultaneously, such as operating a clutch and accelerator.
• Bend or stoop repeatedly over time.
• Travel over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces.
• Move objects between 20 and 50 pounds short distances (20 feet or less).
• Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the general public.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. In addition, individuals may be required to pass an Arizona Department of Transportation physical exam and possess the appropriate commercial driver's license (CDL). Pre-employment drug testing is required for CDL positions. Employees in CDL positions will be subject to unannounced alcohol and drug testing as a condition of continued employment. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Some positions require the employee to obtain certification in Pesticide Application from the State of Arizona.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
(1) Completion of a departmental training course (certified by Personnel) for equipment being tested; OR, (2) be qualified for "out-of-class" pay as a Landscape Equipment Operator; OR, (3) log 120 hours on equipment being tested for; OR, (4) have a minimum of 2 years of experience operating commercial equipment under 2 tons, 6 months of which must be in constructing and maintaining landscaped areas or at the level of Landscape Equipment Operator; AND, 2 years of experience in the care and maintenance of lawns, gardens, and other landscaped areas or at the level of Gardener. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.