Solid Waste Equipment Operator I POS # Various

Solid Waste Equipment Operator I

Cumberland County is seeking a dedicated, safety-focused, and dependable professional to join our team as a Solid Waste Equipment Operator I. In this important role, you will help support the daily operations of the County's Solid Waste Division by ensuring waste and recyclable materials are transported, handled, and disposed of safely, efficiently, and in accordance with all environmental regulations and safety standards.

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community while working as part of a team committed to providing reliable and environmentally responsible solid waste services. Depending on operational needs, employees in this position may be assigned to work at either the Ann Street or Wilkes Road Solid Waste facilities, providing flexibility in supporting County operations across multiple locations.

If you enjoy working outdoors, operating heavy equipment, and contributing to the health, safety, and cleanliness of our community, we encourage you to apply and become a valued member of the Cumberland County team.

Examples of Duties

• Safely operate a variety of heavy equipment used in solid waste operations, including off-road dump trucks, bulldozers, rubber-tire loaders, compactors, and excavators, in accordance with established procedures and safety standards
• Use off-road dump trucks to haul cover soil and gravel for waste covering and roadway construction and maintenance
• Operate bulldozers, loaders, and compactors at MSW and C&D areas to move, load, compact, and manage materials in a manner that conserves airspace and maintains efficient working face sizes
• Operate excavators to dig and transport cover material, clean ditches, and load trucks as needed to support daily operations
• Conduct required pre- and post-operation inspections of assigned equipment; accurately complete inspection forms, equipment logs, and usage records; and promptly report mechanical or safety concerns
• Clean equipment and perform routine, non-mechanical maintenance tasks in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and departmental procedures
• Provide guidance and assistance to other equipment operators to support safe and efficient equipment operation, as workload and operational needs permit
• Assist with compliance efforts by following established policies, procedures, and standards, and reporting observed issues or hazards through appropriate channels

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED and six (6) months of experience involving the operation of heavy equipment in a landfill or construction setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must meet industrial physical examinations such as sight, hearing, cardiovascular, pulmonary, chest x-rays, blood pressure, blood sugar and lead levels; chemistry profiles such as cholesterol and liver functioning, etc., prior to employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the operation of heavy construction equipment and stationary landfill equipment Knowledge of methods of landfill operation including grading and drainage requirements and regulations relative to solid waste material disposal in landfill
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and applicable safety rules and precautions related to working in a landfill and operation of heavy equipment
• Knowledge of geography of the County and the location of roadside container sites
• Knowledge of ordinances and regulations related to solid waste disposal
• Ability to operate assigned equipment according to established standards
• Ability to develop skill in the operation of heavy equipment
• Ability to clean assigned heavy equipment and related equipment
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to exercise tact and courtesy in contacts with the public
• Ability to perform physical labor required of the position
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments

Conditions of Employment Must obtain Landfill Operations Specialist certification within one year of employment (subject to Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) scheduling).

Driving is an essential function of this position. To be considered, you must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. If your driver's license is from another state, you will be required to obtain and show proof of a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire. Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer. Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.