Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary: $48,448.31 - $58,864.20 annually

Location: Landfill, NC | Full-time

About the role

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for daily compaction and cover of waste within the County Landfill. This position will be a team member within the Landfill department, ensuring that safety is a priority and regulations are followed. The candidate will be expected to be dependable and a team player, working to accomplish daily goals in a productive manner.

Responsibilities

• Operates core equipment (bulldozers, compactors, excavators, articulated trucks, loaders, graders) to push, compact, grade, load, or haul waste or dirt for proper grading and compaction in the landfill.
• Performs daily equipment inspections to ensure proper working condition.
• Inspects contents of waste to ensure compliance with recycling bans and exclusion of hazardous or prohibited items.
• Advises and educates landfill users on state, federal, and local recycling and disposal rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Enforces landfill rules, regulations, and procedures for all users.
• Performs daily cover of the MSW working face to prevent exposed trash.
• Operates water truck for dust control as needed.
• Performs spotter duties for traffic control and safety at the landfill.
• Conducts daily groundskeeping, including picking up wind-blown refuse and maintaining vehicular access.
• Performs housekeeping duties in the Maintenance building (cleaning workstations, breakrooms, bathrooms, and storage areas).
• Performs other job-related duties as trained and assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required; Associate's Degree or further education preferred.
• At least 1 year of heavy equipment operating experience; landfill experience preferred.
• Basic to intermediate computer skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

Skills & Abilities

• Accountability and ability to accept responsibility.
• Accuracy in work and record-keeping.
• Analytical skills for data and reporting.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong oral and written communication.
• Customer-oriented approach while following procedures.
• Ethical conduct and integrity.
• Good judgment in interpreting policies.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-solving and proactive work habits.
• Relationship-building with customers and coworkers.
• Safety-minded with risk management focus.
• Time management and meeting deadlines.

Physical Demands

• Constant standing, walking, talking, hearing, and seeing.
• Frequent manual manipulation, reaching outward, bending, lifting/carrying 11-50 lbs, and pushing/pulling 13-100 lbs.
• Occasional climbing, crawling, squatting, kneeling, and lifting/carrying over 50 lbs.
• Vision requirements: near, distance, and peripheral.

Work Environment

Outdoor environment with exposure to all weather elements, noise, dust, fumes, and unpleasant odors.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Full-time employees are eligible for medical/health benefits (Cigna Insurance) after 30 days of employment. Three plan options are available: 2 Standard PPO plans and a High-Deductible Health Plan with HSA.
• Dental Insurance: One Delta Dental plan offered at no cost to full-time employees, effective after 30 days.
• Vision Insurance: Voluntary Superior Vision plan available for full-time employees, effective after 30 days.
• Voluntary Benefits: Includes Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (with employer contribution), Short/Long Term Disability, Cancer Protection Plan, and Group Critical Care Insurance.
• Life Insurance: Basic term life insurance (1x annual salary, up to $70,000) provided; additional coverage available for purchase.
• Retirement Benefits: Membership in the NC Local Government Employees Retirement System (NCLGERS) required for full-time and regular part-time employees (working over 1,000 hours annually). Employees contribute 6% of annual compensation pre-tax.
• Time Off:
  • Vacation: 10-25 days annually, based on years of service.
  • Sick Leave: 12 days per year.
  • Holidays: Follows the State of North Carolina holiday schedule.
• Wellness Benefits:
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for stress, anxiety, depression, chemical dependency, relationship issues, legal/financial counseling, and dependent care. Free and available 24/7.
  • Employee Health Center: Available to employees, spouses, and dependents (18+) covered under Alamance County Insurance. Services include treatment for illnesses/injuries, chronic condition monitoring, health education, and referrals. Retired employees under 65 are also eligible.
  • Additional Benefits: Bereavement pay, Paid Parental Leave, Wellness Leave, Volunteer Time Off, and professional certification pay.
• Employee Fitness Center: Open 6:00 AM–9:00 PM daily for all employees, featuring weight training, cardio equipment, aerobics room, restrooms, and lockers.