Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary: $41.75 - $50.68 Hourly
Location : Cedar Hills Landfill - 16645 228th Ave SE, Maple Valley, WA
Job Type: Career Service (Exec)
Job Number: 2026JM27774
Department: DNRP-Natural Resources & Parks
Division: SWD -Solid Waste
Opening Date: 08/27/2026
Closing Date: 9/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Y1 : IUOE L302-Equip Operators
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time


Summary
The Operations Section of King County's Solid Waste Division (SWD) is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) . If you are a Heavy Equipment Operator who has experience operating heavy equipment with spreading, loading, compacting and digging in an efficient, productive and safe manner , this is your dream job! (SWD will be considering applicants who currently do not hold a Class A or Class B CDL but who are willing/able to obtain it within 6 months after hire.)


This recruitment will fill one (1) Career Service position and be used to create a list of candidates to fill either Career Service, Term-limited temporary or Special Duty Assignment for eligible internal candidates within the next six (6) months.


About the Role:
This role is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at the Cedar Hills Landfill and possibly other King County Solid Waste facilities. It also involves performing safety procedures with heavy equipment, identifying on-site hazards, and responding to safety situations, accidents, emergencies, and hazardous spills. Additionally, the role includes monitoring, controlling, and directing job site activities, managing truck dumping, and directing customers. While you may get opportunities to work overtime and earn more wages, the working conditions for this union-represented job allow you to prioritize your life after work.


About the Team:
This is a very dynamic working environment that demands high energy and diversified experience with an emphasis on "TEAM". You'll join experts committed to excellence , guided by a supportive supervisor to advance your career . You will work both independently and as part of a team so expect to communicate a great deal while applying your interpersonal skills.


Commitment to Equity Racial and Social Justice:
King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at


Apply now for a rewarding career at the Solid Waste Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks. Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits , and growth opportunities.
Job Duties
What You Will Be Doing:
• Operate a large dozer D-9 or similar in grading, excavating and back-filling.
• Operate a refuse compactor at the County landfill site.
• Operate a push/pull scraper of twenty-five yards covering compacted solid waste and excavating and moving soil.
• Operate other equipment such as sweepers, slope mowers, cranes, front-end loaders and graders.
• Apply knowledge of driving laws and proper use of equipment, road building materials, basic survey principles, construction safety principles, and environmental regulations related to landfill work.
• Respond to on-site accidents, emergencies, and hazardous spills to assess immediate concerns and possible equipment use
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Qualifications You Bring:
• Demonstrated (2 years, preferred) experience safely operating heavy equipment such as:
o Large Dozer D-9
o Back-Hoe
o Push/Pull Scraper
o Refuse Compactor
o Sweepers
o Slope Mowers
o Front-end Loaders
o Graders
• Basic skills using a Personal Computer and modern technologies (i.e. software applications, laptops, smartphones, etc.) for timesheet entry, email communication, virtual training and meetings ( Note: You may be tested on this skill.)
• Demonstrated ability to identify potential on-site hazards
• Experience in responding to on-site safety situations
• Ability to work in a team and independently
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills

Physical Requirement: This position requires the ability to work with heavy equipment and machinery on uneven slopes, surfaces, grades and terrain in heat/cold, wet/humid, inclement weather and other adverse conditions such as odor, high volume noise, dust and heavy traffic.

Competencies You Bring:
• Situational Adaptability - Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Values Differences - Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Instills Trust - Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Plans and Aligns - Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Interpersonal Savvy - Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.


Required Licenses:
• Valid Washington State Driver's License upon hire
• Valid Washington State Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License upon hire (CDL) with current Medical Card upon hire OR the ability to obtain such License within six (6) months after hire.
• Current Washington State Department of Transportation Medical Card


It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:
• Experience in landfill construction and maintenance

Supplemental Information
Working Conditions:

• Work Location: Cedar Hills Landfill, 16645 228th Avenue SE, Maple Valley, WA.
• Work Schedule: This position's shifts/work schedule may vary depending on shift bids and operational needs. Scheduled shifts include 5/8 and 4/10. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible.
• Union Representation: This position is represented by International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 302.

Application Instructions: We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives, and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.


Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in a (same day) skills test and panel interview.


To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Optional Resume (will be reviewed if submitted)
• Optional Cover Letter (will be reviewed if submitted)

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Discover More About DNRP : Visit our website , explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , LinkedIn , TikTok , Instagram , YouTube and Keeping King County Green News


Sign up for to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.
Are you ready to make a difference? dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Application Process

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County's vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Jemima McMahon at View email address on click.appcast.io .

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here .

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our


This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.


NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.


For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
01


Please check if you have a minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated recent experience safely operating the following heavy equipment. Check all that apply. NOTE: Your application work history must demonstrate experience in these areas.

• Large Dozer D-9
• Back-Hoe
• Push/Pull Scraper
• Refuse Compactor
• Sweepers
• Slope Mowers
• Front-end Loaders
• Graders
• None of the above

02


If you selected one or more types of heavy equipment above, please provide the heavy equipment, specific dates and employer of when you operated. Do not write "see application", as it will be considered an incomplete response. (If you selected "None of the above," type in NA.)
03


Briefly describe your experience using a Personal Computer and modern technologies (i.e. software applications, laptops, smartphones, etc.) for timesheet entry, email communication, virtual training and meetings.
04


Briefly describe your experience identifying potential on-site hazards.
05


Briefly describe your experience responding to on-site safety situations.
06


Are you applying to this position as an eligible Priority Placement Program Participant who is a current or previous King County Employee impacted by layoff? ANDIs this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? ANDDo you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

• Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
• No.

07


If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided:1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff
Required Question