Operator

Vacancy Announcement

We are accepting applications for: Operator
Date Posted: April 28, 2025
Closing Date: Open until filled. First review of applications is May 19, 2025.

About the Position and Department: An Operator works for the Road Department under the direct supervision of the Road Superintendent. The Road Department constructs, repairs, and maintains roads in Fallon County. This is a full-time, permanent, fifty (50) hours a week position, which includes ten (10) hours of overtime.

Position Overview: This position will primarily operate a motor grader, as well as other construction equipment, in the construction, repair, and maintenance of roads in Fallon County. This work extends to the installation and maintenance of road signs, mowing ditches as well as general care and maintenance of equipment. This position will perform manual labor and/or operate equipment labor in a variety of inclement weather conditions.

Required Education and Experience: Employment with Fallon County requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and possess a valid Montana Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and current medical examiner’s certificate. Experience operating a motor grader is required.

Preferred Education and Experience: One (1) year of construction equipment operation or completion of heavy equipment school is preferred.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse: Fallon County is committed to adhering with all Federal and State statutes and regulations; we have therefore registered as an employer with the FMCSA Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse). In fulfilling our requirements as an employer, all applicants whose position requires a Commercial Driver License (CDL) must be a registered driver in the Clearinghouse and consent to a pre-employment query of the Clearinghouse.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: This position requires a Montana Class A Commercial Driver License and is subject to pre-employment controlled substance testing and a pre-employment motor vehicle driving history review. Upon employment, this position will undergo random, on-going alcohol and controlled substance testing and an annual motor vehicle driving history review.

Benefits: We are proud to offer an excellent benefit package to our employees including health insurance, ten (10) paid holidays per calendar year, sick leave, vacation leave, and an Employee Assistance Program. This position requires enrollment in the Public Employees Retirement System with an established contribution rate for both the employee and the County.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

How to Apply: Applications and a complete job description are available at the Human Resources office, 10 W. Fallon Avenue, Baker, Montana or online at www.falloncountymt.gov. You may submit your application online on our website; or via mail to: Human Resources Manager, PO Box 846, Baker, Montana, 59313; or email to [email protected]; or stop by the Human Resources office in the Courthouse. Questions may be directed to Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent 406-978-2015 or to Julie Straub, HR Manager 406-778-8164.

Fallon County Job Description

Fallon County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, genetic information, pregnancy, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Human Resources.

Job Overview
This position will primarily operate a motor grader, as well as other construction equipment, in the construction, repair, and maintenance of roads in Fallon County. This work extends to the installation and maintenance of road signs, mowing ditches as well as general care and maintenance of equipment. This position will perform manual labor and/or operate equipment labor in a variety of inclement weather conditions.

 The following essential functions are representative of typical work performed but are not necessarily limited to these specific tasks/areas.

Essential Functions
Road Work – Operates a motor grader in the maintenance of County roads, ensuring proper grades and pitch are maintained. Builds and excavates land surfaces. Maintains gravel and scoria pits using a crawler; hauls gravel and scoria using end dump trucks and tractor trailers. Operates a snowplow truck to remove snow from County roads. Utilizes loaders to fill trucks with gravel and load culverts onto trailers. Installs and cleans cargates, installs culverts utilizing a backhoe, laser level, and manual shoveling. Operates a chipper, packer, and road sweeper in conjunction with chip & seal work. Mows ditches with a road mower. Utilizes a chainsaw and weedeater to ensure roadways are free of hanging tree branches and bridge guard rails are clear of excessive vegetation. Sets roadside signs and supporting posts; maintains other traffic control markings. Uses a variety of hand and power tools. Maintains a daily record of work performed.

Maintenance of Equipment – Performs maintenance on equipment to prevent breakdown or deterioration such as but not limited to changing oil, checking tire pressure, lubricating parts, washing equipment, and completing walk around inspections. Ensures a clean and safe workspace by performing general cleaning duties such as but not limited to sweeping the shop, organizing, and cleaning tools.

Competencies
The knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics to perform this work include but are not necessarily limited to: Accountability, Active Listening, Adaptability, Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Dependability, Flexibility, Initiative, Integrity, Interpersonal Relationships, Map Reading, Mechanical, Operation of Motor Grader, Operation of Construction Equipment, Oral Comprehension, Oral and Written Expression, Problem Solving, Professionalism, Routine Manual Labor, Safe Work Practices, and Teamwork. 

This position requires considerable knowledge of and experience operating a motor grader. Will also operate construction equipment in a variety of activities including road maintenance. Skilled in the operation of specialized equipment including but not limited to a motor grader, snowplow truck, dump truck, tractor trailer, loader, crawler, packer, chipper, mower, and vehicle lift. Requires knowledge of manual labor including the use of shovels, weedeaters, chainsaws, and other tools as provided for the construction, repair, and maintenance of roads, cargates, culverts, and road signs. Ability to read maps to determine road locations. Knowledge of manual labor including the use of tools utilized in the maintenance, operation, and repair of a variety of equipment. Attention to detail when operating equipment and using tools. Adhere to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the County and various regulatory agencies. Integrate safe work practices and uses required PPE in all tasks. Maintain a clean and orderly workplace. Ability and willingness to demonstrate dependability and reliability to ensure continuity of services for the department.

Possess excellent customer service and interpersonal skills to resolve questions and concerns using good judgment and discretion. Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Maintain an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Must listen actively to ensure effective and correct communication; able to interact with a variety of personalities and the demands of the public. Respond to requests for service and assistance with courtesy and respect. As part of our workforce, maintains consistent communication with all County employees, our customers/patrons, and the public via County owned communication systems including but not limited to email, office phone, work cell phone, text, and SMS/IM. Ability to follow instructions, respond to management direction, and take accountability for own actions. Able to adapt to changing work routines and demands. Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Accurate writing skills, utilizing appropriate grammar and spelling. Act with common sense and good judgment. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Fallon County employees and staff from outside agencies. Must work as a team member for the betterment of the road department and Fallon County.

Safety
Safety is a primary duty and a personal responsibility. County employees are responsible for reading, understanding and following safety rules and procedures as identified within County Policy, our Safety Program as well as at each department/work location/JSA. This position is responsible for wearing PPE as identified in the JSA or when working in areas where there is danger of injury.  Responsible for wearing suitable work clothes as determined by the Road Superintendent. Reports all injuries, hazards and/or near misses utilizing established reporting forms and procedures. Knows the location of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and other safety devices. Attend all safety meetings including annual training. This position will not perform potentially hazardous tasks or use any hazardous material until properly trained.

Safety-toe boots are required for this position.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment
This position performs work in the operation of a variety of heavy equipment. May perform work in a shop setting as well as outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

Required Education and Experience
Employment with Fallon County requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and possess a valid Montana Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and current medical examiner’s certificate. Experience operating a motor grader is required.

Preferred Education and Experience
One (1) year of construction equipment operation or completion of heavy equipment school is preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
This position requires a Montana Class A Commercial Driver License and is subject to pre-employment controlled substance testing and a pre-employment motor vehicle driving history review. Upon employment, this position will undergo random, on-going alcohol and controlled substance testing and an annual motor vehicle driving history review.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
Fallon County is committed to adhering with all Federal and State statutes and regulations; we have therefore registered as an employer with the FMCSA Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse). In fulfilling our requirements as an employer, all applicants whose position requires a Commercial Driver License (CDL) must be a registered driver in the Clearinghouse and consent to a pre-employment query of the Clearinghouse.

Compensation
Our Fiscal Year 2024-2025 compensation schedule for an Operator is as follows:
Operator (at hire):                             $27.08 per hour
Operator 1 (completion of year 1): $27.68 per hour
Operator 2 (completion of year 2): $28.28 per hour
Operator 3 (completion of year 3): $28.89 per hour
Operator 4 (completion of year 4): $29.49 per hour
Operator 5 (completion of year 5): $30.09 per hour

This schedule is reflective of and will be adjusted for a Cost-of-Living Adjustment as approved by the Fallon County Commission.

After completion of the first year of employment, an employee becomes eligible to receive Longevity. Longevity is $0.15 per hour every year, with $0.25 per hour every five years.

Benefits
We are proud to offer an excellent benefit package to our employees including health insurance, ten (10) paid holidays per calendar year, sick leave, vacation leave, and an Employee Assistance Program.

This position requires enrollment in the Public Employees Retirement System with an established contribution rate for both the employee and the County.

This position is eligible to receive a safety reimbursement of up to $200.00 for safety-toe boots and/or safety glasses per Fallon County policy requirements.

Position Type/Hours of Work
This full-time, non-exempt, permanent position typically works fifty (50) hours per week, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, however, working beyond a (forty) 40-hour work week may be dependent upon the needs of the Department. In accordance with County policy, hours worked in excess of forty (40) within our established work week are compensated at time and a half. There may be occasions which require an employee to work on weekends, or extended hours during the week.

Physical and Environmental Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk on uneven surfaces, sit, bend, and reach with hands and arms. May be required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. May be required to lift up to seventy-five (75) pounds. Specific vision abilities include close and distant vision. Exposed to loud noise and various forms of pollution. Will work in a variety of weather conditions. Must utilize required personal protective equipment such as but not limited to safety glasses, steel-toed boots, gloves, and ear plugs/muffs.