Driver/Operator

Introduction

Operates pickup trucks, carryalls, automobiles, jeeps, station wagons, etc, having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) up to 10,000 pounds to transport cargo and passengers to and from incident sites and other locations.  Vehicles may have up to four forward gears and are equipped with the normal array of driving controls.

Duties

• Operates assigned vehicles on and off roads, through all kinds of traffic, terrain (e.g., from highway and interstate speeds to narrow mountainous roads), and weather to transport cargo or passengers.
• Loads and unloads the vehicles and ensures that cargo is properly and safely loaded, protected, and secured.
• Ensures proper operator maintenance, vehicle servicing, and record keeping (e.g., completes trip ticket forms following each assignment).
• Delivers personnel, supplies and equipment to and from the fireline, base, spike camps, and airports.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

• Must possess a valid operator’s license.
• Basic knowledge of any governing Federal and State highway laws.
• Ability to operate assigned vehicles under a variety of conditions (e.g., interstate highways, urban and rural areas, mountainous terrain, adverse weather conditions during the day and night).
• Ability to successfully complete respective license renewal requirements (e.g., non-sensitive background check, written and skills tests, medical/physical examinations).

Supervisory Controls

The supervisor provides individual assignments by indicating generally what is to be done, limitations, quality and quantity expected, deadlines, and priority of assignments.

The incumbent uses initiative in carrying out previously performed assignments independently without specific instructions.  Deviations from these types of assignments, problems, or aspects of unusual assignments not covered by general instructions are referred to the supervisor for decision or assistance.

The supervisor assures that finished work and methods used are technically accurate and in compliance with instructions.

Guidelines

Procedures for performing the work have been established and, for the most part, specific guidelines are available.

The number and similarity of guidelines and work situations require the incumbent to use judgment in selecting the most appropriate procedure(s) or approach in specific cases (e.g., when enroute, or when overseeing or loading of cargo).

Situations to which the existing guidelines cannot be applied are referred to the supervisor.

Complexity

The work consists of various clear-cut related duties.  Generally, the incumbent has little choice in deciding what needs to be done due to the existence of the previously established, specific guidelines and procedures.

Decisions regarding what needs to be done require the incumbent to recognize the differences between a few easily recognizable situations.

Actions to be taken differ according to the differences between the various specific tasks to be performed.

Scope and Effect

The work involves the execution of specific routine procedures.

The service provided facilitates the work of others.

Personal Contacts

Contacts are generally with incumbents of the same work unit (i.e., those incumbents associated with the incident).

Purpose of Contacts

The purpose of contacts is to obtain, clarify, or give facts or information about the assignment.

Physical Demands

The work requires some physical exertion such as required for over-the-road assignments, and some lifting of moderately heavy items.

Work Environment

The work environment involves moderate risks and discomfort.