Heavy Equipment Operator

State of Indiana•Gary, IN

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Heavy Equipment Operator works for the Indiana Department of Transportation in its Gary West Unit. The role operates a range of heavy and specialized equipment, including Gradalls, backhoes, dozers, Vactors, sweepers, SewerJets, loaders, skid steers, agricultural spreaders, pavers, and rollers. It also involves maintaining and repairing light and heavy equipment and hand tools, and supporting snow and ice removal and other highway maintenance activities. The position helps maintain, repair, and clean highways and rights-of-way; responds to emergencies; inspects and maintains equipment; documents work; and maintains or installs traffic signs, route markers, and pavement markings. Duties may vary based on assignment and can include asset inspections, bridge maintenance, contract inspections, herbicide application, or support for construction projects and materials testing. The position traditionally starts at $22.00 per hour, with pay potentially adjusted based on education and work experience. Employees with a current CDL and the endorsements required by the district receive an additional $1 per hour. Employees without a CDL have 90 days to obtain the required CDL and endorsements, after which they receive the additional $1 per hour. Onsite CDL training is provided by certified INDOT staff.

Requirements

Possess a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or obtain one within the first 90 days of employment.
Submit to and pass a drug test as a condition of employment.
Have general knowledge of federal, state, and local highway guidelines, laws, regulations, principles, and practices related to highway construction inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair.
Have broad knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Be able to read, interpret, and follow technical documents.
Be able to lift 50 pounds.
Be able to perform physical activities such as lifting, dragging, stooping, standing, and walking for long periods.
Be able to endure exposure to inclement weather.
For the Heavy Equipment Operator specialty, hold a valid Class A CDL and have six months of training or six months of experience operating heavy construction equipment.
For herbicide assignments, obtain and maintain a Core Herbicide and Class 6 Herbicide license.
For shared workforce assignments, complete Certified Highway Technician Construction Courses or Highway Technician Testing Courses, as applicable.
A degree is not required. A High School Diploma or High School Equivalency may be considered when accompanied by relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities from a similar role.
Be able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Comply with INDOT safety policies and procedures.
Operate highway maintenance and traffic equipment to maintain, repair, and clean highways and rights-of-way.
Perform winter operations, including snow and ice removal.
Perform emergency response activities, including cleanup, traffic control, bridge and lane closures, placement of signs, and erection of barricades.
Inspect equipment and perform routine maintenance, including minor repairs, preventative maintenance, refueling, and pre-trip inspections.
Complete job documentation, including entries in the Work Management System (WMS).
Maintain, repair, and install traffic signs, route markers, and pavement markings.
Coordinate assigned work with the Supervisor and ensure necessary materials and equipment are available.
Communicate and provide feedback to the Supervisor regarding employee issues.
Operate heavy and specialized equipment, including Gradalls, backhoes, dozers, Vactors, sweepers, SewerJets, loaders, skid steers, agricultural spreaders, pavers, and rollers.
Maintain and repair light and heavy equipment and hand tools, such as dump trucks, graders, forklifts, tractor-trailers, and chain saws.
Depending on assignment, inspect INDOT assets and operate equipment to assess small culverts.
Depending on assignment, maintain, repair, and inspect bridge structures; investigate bridge and large-culvert complaints and coordinate follow-up.
Depending on assignment, inspect maintenance contracts and complete related paperwork.
Depending on assignment, operate, calibrate, and set application rates for herbicide and pesticide equipment, maintain application records, and perform chemical application and landscape projects.
Depending on assignment, support construction projects, check contract compliance and work quality, and perform material sampling and testing.
Attend the assigned worksite(s) during the workday.