Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator – Composting Facility

Solid Waste Division Full-time | Monday–Friday | 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hourly Rate: $24.23–$27.02

The City of Olathe is seeking a skilled and safety-focused Heavy Equipment Operator to support daily operations at the Olathe Community Recycling Center, located at Hedge Lane and 127th Street in Olathe, Kansas.

This position performs complex heavy equipment operation in support of composting and solid waste services. Equipment may include a CAT 963 track loader, horizontal grinder, large trommel screen, high-loaders, skid loader, tractor backhoe, brush-hog mowers, trucks, snowplows, salt spreaders, hand and power tools, lawn equipment, pumps, and other vehicles and equipment.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced equipment operator who takes pride in safe operations, teamwork, public service, and maintaining essential City services for the Olathe community.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have strong heavy equipment operation skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to safety. They will be comfortable working outdoors in varying conditions, interacting professionally with the public, and responding to operational needs, including emergency response and snow operations.

Work Environment

This position primarily works in an active composting facility and outdoor operations environment. Work may involve exposure to heavy equipment, noise, dust, odors, inclement weather, uneven terrain, and hazardous conditions. The position requires physically demanding work and adherence to established safety procedures at all times.

As a Heavy Equipment Operator with the City of Olathe, you will play an important role in delivering reliable solid waste and composting services to the community. City employees contribute to high-quality public services that support the health, safety, and quality of life of Olathe residents.

Benefits

The City of Olathe offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• KPERS retirement plan, if eligible
• 457 deferred compensation plans with up to 3% City match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Wellbeing Program
• Employee Assistance Program, EAP

To learn more about our benefits, click here.

For more details, review the full job details and requirements below.

The Heavy Equipment Operator oversees the daily activities and operations of the Solid Waste Division Composting Facility, performing skilled heavy equipment operation work.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs difficult and complex heavy equipment operation duties and provides oversight of other maintenance workers performing work in dangerous and hazardous conditions; coordinates the work of other assigned employees, providing training and guidance to ensure the effective completion of work assignments; provides leadership in the implementation and adherence of division safety practices.
• Operates a variety of equipment including bulldozer (D-8), track-loader (963CAT), 700hp horizontal grinder, large trammel screen machine, large high-loaders, tractor back-hoe & brush-hog mowers, trucks, snowplows, salt spreader, hand tools, power tools, lawn equipment, pumps, and various other vehicles and equipment.
• Responds to questions and concerns from the general public, contractors, and businesses; provides information related to the assigned work area; works with other staff to ensure the timely resolution of customer service requests.
• Participates in housekeeping duties, grounds and building maintenance.
• Performs on-call duties and overtime as required; assists; participates in and coordinates emergency operations including snow removal when required.

Qualifications

Experience: Three years of progressively responsible experience in construction, equipment operation or grounds maintenance activities is required.

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Licenses & Certifications: A valid driver's license and favorable driving record are required. A class A commercial driver's license is required within six months of employment. A certification in Composting Operations as provided by KDHE is required within six months of hire.