Municipal Sanitation and Equipment Operator

About The Position

The Town of Hillsborough is seeking a skilled Equipment Operator to support municipal public works operations, including sanitation and solid waste collection, trash-route collection, CDL driving work, and the operation of light- to heavy-duty equipment for grounds and street maintenance and repair. Work includes supporting street maintenance, right-of-way work, parks and facilities upkeep, storm response, and customer service activities.

Job Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are representative of this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Operates CDL-required vehicles on assigned municipal trash routes, including solid waste trucks, rear-loaders, automated side-loaders, grapple trucks, leaf trucks, and dump trucks.
• Collects residential refuse, yard waste, downtown trash receptacles, park litter, and facility waste; provides "back-door" service for qualified residents and delivers rollout carts; transports collected materials to the landfill.
• Performs asphalt maintenance and repair using hotbox equipment, cold-patch materials, and related tools.
• Performs town park facility maintenance (picnic shelters, restrooms, playgrounds and fields), trail maintenance, and stormwater facility upkeep.
• Performs emergency and safety operations for severe weather cleanup and routine maintenance, tree removal, and public right-of-way debris removal; serves on call for emergencies.
• Installs seasonal dcor; supports special events with delivery of recycling and garbage containers and barricades and litter collection; provides setup and clean up for town functions; provides maintenance for town clock.
• Conducts routine servicing and cleaning of trucks and equipment; ensures safe work zones and proper traffic control.
• Communicates with residents regarding routes, policies, code compliance, and service notices.
• Performs other duties as required.

Position Qualifications

Education, Experience and Career Progression:

High School Diploma/GED and 6 months of related experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Licensure, Certification, and Specialized Training:

• Required at hire: Class B Commercial Driver's License.
• Required within 6 months:
  1. Class A Commercial Driver's License
  2. Aerial Lift Truck certification
  3. National Incident Management System Certification levels 100, 700, and 800
• Preferred: NC LTAP Road Scholar and Advanced Road Scholar.

Certifications required for continued employment, including the Class A CDL, Aerial Lift Truck certification, and NIMS 100/700/800, are fully employer-funded . Training, coursework, and testing for these credentials are conducted on work time and associated fees are covered by the Town of Hillsborough . Training and coursework for career progression is also supported by the town.

Career Progression Path:

The Equipment Operator role is part of a structured, transparent pay-grade and development ladder. Career growth is based on demonstrated skill, certifications, performance, and experience.

Equipment Operator I: salary grade 4, range: $44,489.18 - $71,182.69

Equipment Operator II: salary grade 6, range: $48,816.03 - $78,105.65. Additional minimum training and experience: 1-year related experience and demonstrated ability to competently operate all Public Works equipment.

Equipment Operator III: salary grade 7, range: $51,137.79 - $81,815.67 Additional minimum training and experience: 3-years related experience, class A CDL, demonstrated ability to operate all equipment, NC LTAP Advance Road Scholar, and aerial lift truck certification.

Annual cost of living adjustments, performance evaluations, and periodic salary class and compensation studies conducted (subject to the Board of Commissioners approval).

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Must be physically able to operate a truck, tractor, and numerous small tools and equipment.
• Must be able to exert in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.; must be able to lift and/or carry weights of 10 to 50 pounds.
• Works in adverse environmental conditions, including exposure to heat/cold, wetness, humidity, dusts, dirt, machinery hazards, vibrations, noise, odors, smoke, electrical currents, and toxic agents.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge:

• Municipal public-works operations, including sanitation routes, street and stormwater maintenance, and right-of-way work.
• Safe operation and maintenance of heavy equipment, CDL vehicles, and small-engine tools.
• OSHA regulations, NC DOT standards, and town policies relevant to safety and field operations.
• Basic methods, materials, and tools used in drainage, pavement repair, grounds maintenance, and solid-waste collection.

Skills:

• Skillfully operate a wide range of heavy, light, and specialized equipment, such as dump trucks, solid waste collection vehicles, leaf vacuums, loaders, skid steers, backhoes, and mowing equipment.
• Perform routine equipment inspections, preventative maintenance, and safe vehicle operation.
• Use software and digital tools such as Microsoft 365, Utility Cloud, GIS, and basic mobile/field-service applications.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with residents, coworkers, and supervisors.

Abilities:

• Follow established safety procedures, maintain safe work zones, and respond effectively to changing conditions or emergencies.
• Work outdoors in extreme weather, performing physically demanding tasks including lifting, carrying, and operating equipment for extended periods.
• Read, interpret, and follow policies, route instructions, regulations, and technical materials.
• Work independently or as part of a team, manage time effectively, and maintain a high standard of work quality.
• Provide courteous customer service and represent the Town in a positive and professional manner.

A competitive benefits package is provided:

• 12 paid vacation days/year
• 12 paid sick days/year
• 12-13 paid holidays/year
• Bereavement leave
• Paid voting leave
• 6 weeks paid parental leave
• Employer-paid medical insurance for employee, up to an annual value of $11,363 (2026-27)
• Employer-paid dental insurance for employee, an annual value of $374 (2026-27)
• Employer-paid vision insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid short-term disability insurance
• Three retirement plans
  • Local Government Retirement System with 14-15% contribution by the town
  • 401(k) plan with 5% contribution by the town
  • 457
• Longevity pay plan
• Employee Assistance Counseling Program
• Skills training for career progression
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Student loan and college planning support
• Potential for relocation assistance
• Flexible work schedule (dependent on position and approval)