Heavy Equipment Operator

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 Job Duties 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. Qualifications You Bring Demonstrated (2 years, preferred) experience safely operating heavy equipment such as: Large Dozer D-9 Back-Hoe Push/Pull Scraper Refuse Compactor Sweepers Slope Mowers Front-end Loaders 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. 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. Equal Employment Opportunity 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. Benefits 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr King County, WA