Aerial Lift Operator

1.  Nature of Work:  Performs skilled work within the Lands and Natural Resources Department. Assists the Supervising Foreman/Aerial Lift Operator and in his/her absence assumes responsibility for the Lands and Natural Resources function.  Makes frequent contact with co-workers and residents requiring calm, clear and courteous communication.

2.  Supervision Received:  Works under the supervision of the Supervising Foreman/Aerial Lift Operator who assigns work, reviews performance for skill and efficiency, and assists in cases of difficulty.

3.  Supervisory Responsibility:  May provide supervision to others in performance of tasks as assigned.  

4.  Confidentiality:  Employee has regular access to confidential information of the department.  Confidentiality must be maintained with regard to this information in accordance with Department Policy and the Public Records Act.

5.  Accountability:  Consequences or errors, missed deadlines or poor judgment may include adverse public relations, monetary loss, legal repercussions, labor/material costs, personal injury, jeopardize programs, and danger to public health/safety.

6.  Judgment:  Guidelines may be given verbally, or through administrative or organizational policies, or directives.  Employee is expected to weigh efficiency and relative priorities in performing tasks.

7.  Complexity:  The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices and specialized techniques relating to custodial and maintenance work.

8.  Nature and Purpose of Public Contact:  Employee interacts frequently with Town employees and the public.  Customer service skills are required involving courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.

9.  Essential Functions:  The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

1. Uses extensive knowledge and skill in the operation of trucks, earth-moving equipment, and automobiles used in the various divisional work assignments.

2. Suggests modification to equipment for more efficient operation.

3. Removes and prunes trees, chips debris and performs tasks related to the care and maintenance of Town owned lands. 

4. Performs routine tasks in connection with care, upkeep, repair, marking and beautification of conservation land, highway and roads, such as but not limited to using and operating landscaping equipment and power tools, cutting grass, weeds and brush; cleaning culverts, catch basins, drains and ditches; loading and unloading trucks and cars; spreading sand, gravel and asphalt.

5. Operates aerial lift truck mounted equipment to facilitate access to high areas. 

6. Directs subordinate employees in the performance of tasks ensuring work is performed safely and efficiently.

7. Prepares and maintain operational and administrative reports as necessary.

8. Accept deliveries of supplies and equipment.

9. Trains new employees in performing assigned duties.

10. Assists with grounds maintenance work at all facilities including mowing, string trimming, chain sawing, leaf and brush removal. 

11. Participates in operation and ordinary maintenance of equipment, instructs employees in the correct and proper usage and keeps daily records of maintenance completed.

12. Manually climbs when equipment is inadequate.

13. Performs similar tasks as assigned, including functions of those in a lower classification.

14. Cross trains with other Department employees.

15. Is available for overtime and call backs in the event of emergencies.

16. Participates in town-wide snow and ice removal operations.

10.  Recommended Minimum Qualification

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent, three years of full time work experience and considerable, demonstrable knowledge and skill relative to practices, methods, and procedures regarding safety devices and equipment, such as chain saws, chippers and other related equipment.  Must have extensive tree and natural resources knowledge, physical ability, agility, tree climbing, rope use, chain saw, in the tree and proper harness skills as well as prior and demonstrable ability to supervise and motivate other employees, deal effectively with fellow employees, supervisors and the general public or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Special Requirements:  Must possess valid Massachusetts Driver’s and CDL Class B licenses. Hydraulics 2B license and climbing and aerial lift certification preferred.

11.  Knowledge, Abilities and Skill:

1. Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations pertaining to tree and grounds care/operations.

2. Considerable and demonstrable skill, including those required of subordinate employees, in the use of tools and the operation of equipment required in the performance of tree and grounds care/work.

3. Ability to deal appropriately and harmoniously with public officials, the general public, supervisors and co-workers.

12.  Work Environment:  The nature of duties may involve continuous presence of unpleasant or irritating elements, such as noise, odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold, oil, dirt, or grease.  Work is performed indoors and outdoors during inclement weather.

13.  Occupational Risks:  Duties regularly present potential risks of injuries from improper exposure that could result in loss of time from work.  Examples of injuries include muscular strains and falls from heights in excess of three (3) feet.  Special safety precautions, training, or protective clothing such as chaps, gloves, glasses, hats, helmets or boots will be required/provided.

14.  Physical and Mental Requirements:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

Physical Demands:  Work requires regular physical strength and effort daily, such as, lifting/dragging heavy objects up to 50 lbs. (or more in cases of emergency), carrying objects and stacking them.  In addition, pulling, pushing, standing, or walking for the full workday may be involved.

15.  Motor Skills:  Duties involve close hand and eye coordination and physical dexterity.  Manipulation and motor control may require extreme accuracy.

16.  Visual Demands:  Visual demands include reading documents for general understanding, routinely reviewing non-written materials such as machinery and the need for color vision.