ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (CRANE OPERATOR)

Full Job Description

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The primary purpose of this position is to perform functions as cutting, moving, digging, grading, rolling earth, sand, stone, and other materials and construct, maintain, and repair rigid and flexible pavements, roads, and runways, and operate boom crane(s).

Will also place/remove asphalt and concrete and while operating heavy and light engineering equipment/hand tools.

In order to qualify, you must meet the quality level of experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook X-118C.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C for the WG-5700 Transportation/Mobile Equipment Operation Family.

Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying.

Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

The screen out element for this position is the ability to perform the duties of an Engineering Equipment Operator (Crane Operator) without more than normal supervision.

JOB ELEMENTS: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of engineering equipment such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, road rollers, excavators, dump trucks, concrete mixers, asphalt pavers and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments.

Knowledge of the different sets of controls and operation of equipment and attachments.

Skill in manipulating the controls to adjust asphalt spreaders, sprayers, post hole diggers, backhoes, moveable dozer blades, concrete screeds and vibrators, compactors, and front-end loading devices.

Knowledge of safety regulations, practices, and procedures. Knowledge of policies related to records maintenance and documentation.

Knowledge of operation, capabilities, and capacities of boom cranes and the crane's response to control changes.

Skill in the use of clutches, levers, brakes, and accelerator to raise and lower the boom, to position the revolving frame, and to raise and lower the hoist line with the load and to move the mobile base.

Ability to react quickly to hand and other signals from ground level personnel. Ability to use and maintain power tools, hand tools, and related equipment.

Ability to read and interpret instructions, blueprints, drawings, and sketches. Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Heavy physical effort is used by the operator in constantly reaching, bending, turning, and moving hands, arms, feet, and legs to handle different sets of controls, levers, clutches, and brakes to operate the equipment and attachments.

Considerable strain is caused by the constant vibration of the equipment and the jerking and jolting from operating over rough surfaces.

Work becomes increasingly strenuous because of the larger type of equipment handled and the requirement for more frequent adjustments under adverse operating conditions.

The employee frequently lifts, carries, and handles items. Occasionally moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Work requires frequent stooping, stretching, bending, kneeling, and working in tiring, uncomfortable positions for long periods.

In addition, work involves frequent movement and maneuvering of large, heavy equipment using hoists, holders, and pulleys, attaching and disconnecting tow bars, as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The employee works outside in all kinds of weather frequently exposed to dust and dirt. Works near moving parts of equipment and machinery.

Employee is regularly exposed to the possibility of cuts, scrapes, bruises, falls, falling material, or injury from equipment.

May be exposed to grease, fumes, solvents, high noise, vibrations, and exposure to critical injuries from the possibility of the equipment overturning.

The exposure to injury, overturning, noise, and vibration is increased when operating larger and more complicated equipment in more difficult circumstances.

May be required to wear protective clothing such as hard hats, steel-toed shoes, gloves, masks, and aprons.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

- Operates one or more types of heavy and light equipment to excavate, backfill, grade, or level earth to rough specifications on such projects as breaking new ground for trails, roads, airfields, or other construction sites.

- Operates boom cranes in a variety of outdoor areas where maneuverability is not limited and precise load placement is not critical. Operates boom cranes using special materials handling attachments.

- Plans the position of the crane to provide for maximum freedom of movement and the greatest possible lifting capacity.

Determines the weight of the load to be lifted or estimates the weight based on knowledge of weights of various materials.

- Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment.

Uses and assures proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing. - Uses and maintains tools and equipment.

Performs visual and operational checks of equipment prior to and during operation on a continuing basis and reports any discrepancies noted.

Operates motor vehicles with an approximate gross weight of more than 11,700 kilograms (26,000 pounds) and up to 14,400 kilograms (32,000 pounds), i.e.. dump trucks, platform trucks.