Heavy Equipment Operator - Full Time

Full-time position working 32+ hours per week. Schedule generally consists of four 10-hour shifts, Monday–Thursday.

About the Role

The Heavy Equipment Operator operates heavy construction and agricultural equipment to maintain Biltmore Estate roads, complete construction projects, manage field mowing, and perform snow and ice removal. The role also involves assisting other departments with grading, hauling materials, digging utility trenches, and supporting landscape renovations.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy construction equipment, including backhoe, excavator, motor grader, front-end loader, roadway roller, bulldozer, dump truck, tractor, and rotary brush hog mowers for maintaining roads, trails, lake dams, and open fields.
• Operates agricultural equipment for wildlife food plot programs, such as tractors, planters, disks, plows, sprayers, harrows, and rotary mowers.
• Maintains roads, walk/bike trails, storm drains, and asphalt surfaces; places stone and performs repairs as needed.
• Operates trucks with snow plows and spreaders; applies sand, salt, and brine to roadways during winter conditions.
• Hauls soil, stone, brush, and other materials for departmental and interdepartmental projects.
• Assists electricians and other trades by digging trenches for utility lines (electric, water, sewer, telephone, fiber optic).
• Operates small equipment, including weedeaters, backpack blowers, backpack sprayers, and hand/power tools.
• Maintains and stores equipment, vehicles, tractors, mowers, trucks, and tools; organizes tool sheds and garages.
• On-call 24/7 for flood cleanup, water line repairs, and addressing travel concerns.
• Repairs livestock waterers and maintains perimeter security fences.
• Ensures compliance with OSHA and safety regulations.
• On-call 24/7, including weekends, for snow removal and applying materials to ensure safe travel for guests and staff.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Two-year college degree in turf maintenance, horticulture, construction project management, or heavy equipment operation (strongly preferred).
• At least two years of related experience; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• Prior experience operating heavy equipment (backhoe, excavator, bulldozer, dump truck) in a similar environment or guest service setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to world-class internal and external guest service.
• Strong knowledge of equipment safety and operational protocols, as well as ability to identify flora and related issues.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, planning, organizational, and time/project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to become WPS certified within 10 days of hire and obtain a NC Commercial Pesticide Applicators license within one year.
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods; kneel, stoop, bend, and reach below/overhead.
• Ability to lift 25–50 lbs frequently and 50–100 lbs occasionally.
• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding as needed.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including temperature fluctuations and airborne particulates (dust, pollen, smoke).
• Class A North Carolina commercial driver’s license (CDL) or ability to obtain one; must be at least 21 years old with a clean driving record.

Schedule

Four 10-hour shifts per week, typically Monday–Thursday. On-call 24/7 for emergencies, including snow removal and flood cleanup.