Public Works Equipment Operator - Lead Hand
Summary
The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock is seeking a Public Works Equipment Operator - Lead Hand to provide construction, maintenance, repair, and emergency response services. This role involves maintaining Township roads, public lands, and property to ensure public safety and convenience. The Lead Hand will work under the Public Works Foreman, adhering to municipal standards and policies. Key responsibilities include discussing construction procedures, keeping records of daily activities, conducting road patrols (including early morning and night patrols), and performing other assigned duties. In the Foreman's absence, the Lead Hand will provide leadership, ensure safe work practices, distribute work, conduct inspections, handle ratepayer concerns, purchase supplies, and respond to emergencies. The position requires operating Township vehicles and equipment safely and effectively, with a strong emphasis on occupational health and safety. Emergency response duties include standby for storms, floods, and accidents, snow plowing, sanding, salting, and clearing roads during emergencies. Construction responsibilities involve carrying out assignments according to plans, cooperating with contractors, and performing top soiling, seeding, and sodding. Maintenance tasks include road upkeep, paving, patching, hauling gravel, culvert work, cleaning catch basins, ditch maintenance, weed and dust control, tree trimming, and fence/sign repair and installation. The role also involves maintaining vehicles and equipment, using initiative and judgment, advising the Foreman on operational issues, and maintaining polite relations with the public. The position involves exposure to physical hazards, extreme weather, machine heat, unpredictable traffic, and potential public frustration. Hours are 40 per week, with standard hours from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and summer hours (6:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday-Thursday) in effect from after Victoria Day until after Labour Day. The role requires a "DZ" driver's license, mechanical and technical skills, knowledge of equipment, good judgment, public works experience, and good physical condition. A secondary school education is required, with post-secondary education or practical experience in equipment operation preferred. Errors in this role can lead to costly delays, safety risks, injury, liability, and negative public relations.