heavy equipment operator

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
CLEVELAND COUNTY

Self McNeilly Landfill

250 Fielding Rd

Cherryville, NC 28021

Requirements

N/A

Job Description
Comments From This Job Announcement

Summary:

Performs intermediate technical work operating medium to large, motorized equipment in the performance of a variety of public works and utility maintenance activities including the collection and transportation of refuse and recycling containers from the Cleveland County's Solid Waste/Recycling Collection Centers, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Solid Waste Operations Supervisor. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM and 2-3 Saturdays based on a rotation schedule. May have to work on a Holiday based on a rotation schedule. (Will not work more than 40 hours in a week)

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include:

Responsible for driving trucks over an established route in accordance with a collection schedule to collect containers from collection sites. Responsible for the completion of a variety of daily records on departmental equipment and activities including the transporting of refuse to a designated disposal site or processing center. Perform maintenance on all landfill equipment and trucks as required. Report equipment break down to Solid Waste Operations Supervisor and assist with repairs as needed. Maintain day to day contact with Solid Waste Operations Supervisor and/or staff in regard to operational changes and instructions to scheduling. Responsible to exercise a high degree of independent judgment in obeying all safe driving practices and traffic laws while in transit. Responsible for periodic surveying of sites and problem-solving day to day operational activities and report conditions to Solid Waste Operations Supervisor. Responsible for ensuring that unauthorized materials and hazardous waste are not collected or transported to the Cleveland County Landfill. Responsible for checking equipment and trucks for needed service or repairs daily including motor oil, hydraulic fluid, water or anti-freeze levels, tire pressures, batteries, belts, hoses, tires, lights, cables, turn signals, backup alarm and all instruments to determine if the equipment and truck is operational. Complete report for requested repairs or services as needed. Responsible for fueling equipment and trucks at the end of each shift. Responsible to ensure the cleanliness of both interior and exterior of the equipment and trucks on a daily and weekly schedule.

The responsibilities and duties outlined above are intended to provide a general outline and summary of this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed, with or without notice, to meet the needs of the department and county.

Education & Experience:

High school diploma or GED. One to three years' experience operating heavy motorized equipment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of effective public service and communication techniques. Considerable knowledge of solid waste/recycling programs and practices. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally. Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work. Semi-skilled in performing mechanical and preventive maintenance work. Knowledge of common types of solid waste authorized for disposal. Knowledge of prohibited and hazardous waste. Ability to work in an environment which may include exposure to noise, vehicle exhaust fumes, vibrations and variance in temperature, weather conditions. Ability to work a varied work schedule. The ability to be resourceful in day-to-day activities in planning and directing refuse Collection drivers in all phases of their task. Ability to be tactful in relations to supervision and public contact. Some knowledge of the principles and practices of operating and servicing refuse collection equipment. Knowledge of the traffic laws and regulations governing equipment operation. Knowledge of occupational hazards, and the safety precautions necessary to operate refuse collection equipment. Ability to make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees. Ability to solve problems within the scope of responsibility and ability to detect signs of mechanical failure.

Licenses & Certifications:

Must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 6 months of employment

Valid driver's license and insurable driving record

This position is subject to random drug screenings

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 50 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 100 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, climbing or balancing, tasting or smelling and repetitive motions, frequently requires pushing or pulling and lifting and occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts within arm's length, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to outdoor weather conditions, exposure to vibration and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment, frequently requires working in high, precarious places and exposure to extreme heat (non-weather) and occasionally requires wet, humid conditions nonweather) and exposure to the risk of electrical shock; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).

Work Location:

This role must work from the location identified at the time of hire with work travel required as needed. Any change of work location, even on a short-term or interim basis, must be reviewed by the Supervisor and HR for approval.

Additional information:

Individuals hired must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Cleveland County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Selection will be by structured interview. Applications will be reviewed to select the best qualified applicants for admission to a structured interview.

Cleveland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

How to apply for this job:

Click the 'checkbox' next to this job announcement then click the 'Apply & Continue' button.

$19.58/hr.-$23.89hr. **Compensation will be based on experience**

Salary Range

Contact Email

Full-Time

Job Type

SOLID WASTE

Job Category

10/16/2025

Posted

11/13/2025

Deadline

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