Equipment Operator, Lead

Salary:$39,024.00 - $48,780.00 Annually

Location: Columbia, SC

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number:202500079

Department: PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION

Division: SOLID WASTE

Opening Date:03/11/2025

Closing Date:4/11/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Pay Grade:107

Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, toxic/caustic chemicals; and involves heavy equipment and machinery that could result in bodily harm to co-workers or others. 

Essential Job Functions

• Operates heavy equipment to excavate and compact earth, load / unload materials, move / haul materials, maintain City properties, cut down trees, install pipe, construct roads, and perform other general or specialized functions of various City departments;
• Operates dump trucks and other trucks, excavators, cranes, motor graders, bulldozers, bobcats, front-end loaders, skid steers, bush hogs, backhoes compactors, trailers, tractors, low boys, trenchers, etc.;
• Loads / unloads materials onto vehicles;
• Uses hand and power tools in various manual tasks as required;
• Inspect equipment to ensure proper and safe working conditions; report defects or required maintenance to the supervisor;
• Performs routine maintenance and cleaning of assigned tools and equipment;
• Uses welding and cutting torches as needed in equipment maintenance;
• Performs all duties by applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety;
• Provides leadership to or assists co-workers with various duties as required;
• Maintains accurate and complete work records as required; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements to Perform Work

• High school diploma or GED;
• Three (3) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class B Driver’s License;
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of basic addition and subtraction, such as making change or measuring;
• Ability to compare or inspect items against a standard;
• Ability to provide information, guidance, or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;
• Ability to lead, operate, or repair complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as light or heavy construction / specialized equipment. Involves operations of limited scope;
• Ability to read simple sentences, instructions, or work orders; write simple sentences and complete simple job forms; speak simple sentences using basic grammar;
• Ability to perform semi-routine work following procedures with occasional problems; 
• Ability to perform clerical, manual, or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices but which may require computation, the use of several procedures, and the use of independent judgments with obvious choices; requires normal attention for accurate results; and
• Ability to make decisions, requiring a few decisions affecting a few co-workers; works in a stable environment with clear and uncomplicated written/oral instructions but with some variations from the routine.