Heavy Equipment Operator- Landfill

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on August 23, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on August 23, 2026.

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator- Landfill

Department: Landfill

External Hiring Range: $21.04 - $25.32

Compensation Grade: 2004

Posted Internally and Externally

Our Solid Waste Department is hiring a Heavy Equipment Operator for our Landfill at 85 Panther Branch Road come join the team of 7 operators. This position will have an assigned Saturday that they must work then be off the next two.

Please indicate on your application what type of License you have, if you have any questions please reach out to recruiting at View email address on click.appcast.io

Additionally, Buncombe County has a very rich benefits package, including an 8% contribution to our 401(k), which is a free contribution, not a match. We also have a state pension, to which Buncombe County contributes about 11%, and has a 5-year vesting period. In addition we have first-in-class health insurance and generous paid time off plan including 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave that roll over each year, and vacation accruals starting at 10 days per year which increases with service.

Other resources, services, and opportunities for appreciation, engagement, and support:

• No-cost physical therapy
  
• Employee & Family Health clinic
  
• Buncombe County University internal training program
  
• Free preventive screenings for employees and family members on the health insurance plan
  
• Employee Assistance Program
  
• Financial resources
  
• Lunch and learn series
  
• Financial Fridays - Learn about everything from best practices for car buying to debt management
  
• Employee Spotlights
  
• Annual employee service awards
  
• Lake Julian Festival of Lights employee appreciation night
  
• Up to eight weeks of paid parental and family care leave
  
• 16 hours of Community Service Leave
  
• 2 annual PTO days with the opportunity to earn two additional days by joining our voluntary wellness program
  

Purpose of the position:

The purpose of this position is to perform specialized skilled work in the operation of a variety of complex motorized heavy equipment used in the disposal of refuse at the Landfill.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): High School or equivalent with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the operation of heavy motorized equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Training and Experience: SWANA Operator training required within the first twelve months of hire.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina; CDL-A license.

Essential Functions of the position:

• Operate a variety of complex units of motorized heavy equipment involved in the construction and maintenance of landfill sites such as a front-end loader, compactor, bulldozer, scraper, and motorized pan.
  
• Construct and prepare new and undeveloped areas for future landfill sites, Grade sites according to regulations.
  
• Install drainage pipes at new and completed sites to ensure proper drainage.
  
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on equipment such as checking and filling fluid levels, greasing, and replacing belts and hoses as necessary.
  
• Operate trash compactor; monitor loads for hazardous materials and handle them according to established standards.
  
• Operate roll off truck to empty dumpsters.
  
• Direct customers and traffic.
  
• Complete inspection forms.
  
• Perform grading, seeding, and policing sites for erosion control and beautification purposes.
  
• Mow sites with excavator and bush hog; perform weed eating; Clean roads with sweeper.
  
• Maintain supplies.
  
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Abilities:

• Knowledge of the operation and minor maintenance of motorized equipment at the County landfill.
  
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and the proper safety precautions involved in operating heavy equipment.
  
• Skill in the use of various motorized heavy equipment, power, and hand tools.
  
  
• Ability to make minor repairs and operating adjustments to assigned equipment.
  
• Ability to follow oral instructions.
  
• Ability to work effectively in an unpleasant working environment.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
  

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.