Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title

The County of Siskiyou is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer We welcome applicants of any race, religion, or ancestry. THIS POSITION IS FOR THE YREKA TRANSFER STATION ONLY.

Job Description

Under general supervision, this position involves operating various heavy equipment and specialized machinery, such as a yard tractors, excavators, loaders, forklifts, and other tools at a transfer station, with recycling facilities. The primary purpose is to safely and effectively transfer, load and compact solid waste. This classification is for cause, non-exempt position. This role represents the journey-level classification for Heavy Equipment Operators. The position requires advanced skill in operating heavy equipment and specialized machinery within a transfer station environment. Tasks require precision in manipulating hand and foot controls and accuracy in moving materials to exact specifications. Assignments may include work at different locations as needed.

Examples Of Duties

Essential Functions

• Operate a variety of heavy equipment, including yard tractors, loaders, excavators, forklifts, and backhoes, to perform transfer station duties.
• Compact trash in transfer trailers.
• Identify and manage hazardous materials appropriately.
• Conduct pre-shift and post-shift safety checks and maintenance inspections to ensure equipment safety.
• Use tools and equipment safely and efficiently; request repairs or replacements as needed; ensure proper storage of tools and equipment.
• Maintain adherence to Federal and State laws and regulations.
• May operate a two-way radio.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Safety protocols to maintain a secure work environment.
• Problem-solving techniques.
• Procedures, tools, and materials used in transfer station operations.
• Identification and containment of hazardous materials.
• Operation and routine maintenance of heavy equipment such as yard tractors, loaders, backhoes, excavators, and forklifts.
• Following oral and written instructions.
• Customer service principles and practices.

Desired skills:

• Operate heavy equipment and specialized machinery efficiently and effectively.
• Perform a range of skilled and semi-skilled equipment operations and repairs at the transfer station.
• Conduct basic equipment maintenance and repairs.
• Read and interpret equipment manuals.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Adapt and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

Typical Qualifications

Training and Experience: Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying. A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

• Two (2) years of full-time experience operating heavy equipment, including loaders, backhoes, excavators, etc.
• A current and valid forklift certification (preferred).

Special Requirements :

• Must have a valid driver license and clean driving record.
• Applicants must pass a DOT pre-employment physical examination and drug test. NOTE : This job classification is required to participate in the County of Siskiyou Drug and Alcohol Testing program as mandated by the Department of Transportation. Applicants will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-duty drug test. This position will also be subject to random drug and alcohol tests once employed by the County.

Supplemental Information

Typical Physical Requirements

• Sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crawling, crouching, and climbing.
• Normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• Lifting and moving objects up to 50 pounds.
• Normal hearing and vision (with correction if necessary).
• Operating a variety of vehicles.

Typical Working Conditions

• Work is typically performed outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Exposure to loud noises, noxious odors, smoke, gases, hazardous waste, and fumes.
• Potential hazards include moving machinery parts.
• Continuous contact with other staff and customers.