Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027.

Under general supervision, operates a variety of heavy equipment at the County landfill facility; makes minor mechanical adjustments in the field; maintains on-site roads and landfill surfaces; cleans and maintains equipment; performs grounds maintenance tasks; and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives general supervision from the Landfill Operations Supervisor or designee. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

This is the journey-level classification in the Heavy Equipment Operator series. Positions at this level perform the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Heavy Equipment Operator in that the latter provides technical and functional direction over lower-level staff.

Examples of typical job functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Performs skilled work in the operation of assigned heavy equipment and machinery to move and cover refuse and materials.
• Operates a variety of power-driven equipment in the performance of construction, maintenance, and repair tasks.
• Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment; cleans equipment.
• Identifies and reports mechanical defects or equipment requiring maintenance.
• Grades on-site roads and landfill surfaces using heavy power-driven equipment.
• Directs users to proper disposal areas and answers inquiries from the public.
• Performs routine grounds maintenance tasks.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility.
• Operation, care, maintenance, and minor adjustment and capabilities of heavy power-driven equipment.
• Methods of tools, materials, and equipment used in the maintenance of a landfill facility.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Safely operate heavy equipment.
• Operate heavy to light power-driven equipment safety and efficiently.
• Detect the need for major mechanical maintenance.
• Perform routine adjustments and maintenance on equipment used.
• Perform other skilled and semi-skilled construction and maintenance tasks.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures and standards relevant to work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; and

Three (3) years of experience in the operation of similar heavy equipment used at the County landfill.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class A driver's license.

Physical Demands:

• Mobility to work in the field; to sit, stand and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.
• Strength and stamina to perform medium to heavy physical work; to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to inspect and operate equipment.
• Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.
• Finger dexterity to operate and repair tools and equipment.

Working Conditions:

• Field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, biologic/infectious agents, vermin, insects, and parasites, dust and air contaminants.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Equipment and Tools Utilized:

• Equipment utilized includes bulldozer, compactor, excavator, grader, roller, forklift, backhoe, water truck, and standard office equipment.

Disaster Service Worker:

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.