Equipment Operator

Job Title

Performs intermediate skilled trades work operating a variety of medium to heavy automotive and construction equipment, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the assigned supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Operates a variety of medium equipment such as leaf truck, sanitation truck, street sweeper, dump truck, and similar motorized vehicles and small equipment in the collection and transportation of solid waste, and/or construction, maintenance, and repair projects.
• Drives sanitation truck over prescribed routes to collect refuse and trash, and to transport it to established disposal areas; operates a packer truck equipped with a hydraulic mechanism to compact and dump refuse.
• Ensures completion of assigned work in a timely manner and takes adequate safety precautions.
• Operates large tractor mower cutting vacant and overgrown lots, drainage ditch banks, and road shoulders.
• Drives dump truck hauling sand, gravel, cold patch, rocks, dirt, wood, and brush; operates asphalt roller.
• Operates front-end loader to load and unload trucks.
• Assists drainage maintenance crews; clears drainage pipes; lays pipe in ditches.
• Operates backhoe to dig ditches and cut streets.
• Operates chipper, chainsaw, and stump grinder.
• Performs minor maintenance work on equipment such as changing brushes, greasing equipment, washing the inside of equipment daily, etc.
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections; checks fluids, belts, tires, bolts, etc. for safety prior to operating.
• Performs a variety of construction maintenance and repair tasks when not operating equipment.
• May be required to work outside normal working hours in stand-by, on-call, or emergency situations.

Typical Qualifications

High school diploma or GED and minimal experience in the operation of motorized and automotive equipment with experience in the operation of heavy equipment preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid commercial driver's license in the State of North Carolina, or the ability to obtain within six months of hire. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of operating medium construction equipment; thorough knowledge of the traffic laws and regulations governing equipment operation; thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards involved and the safety precautions necessary to the proper operation of varied construction and maintenance equipment; skill in the use of equipment to which assigned; ability to understand and follow oral and written directions; ability to make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment; mechanical aptitude; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires standing, walking, tasting or smelling and repetitive motions, frequently requires speaking or hearing, climbing or balancing, reaching with hands and arms and pushing or pulling and occasionally requires sitting, using hands to finger, handle or feel and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires exposure to wet humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to outdoor weather conditions and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment and occasionally requires working in high, precarious places, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and exposure to vibration; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).

This full-time position qualifies for benefits, which include; Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, 401k and NC Retirement.

Employer: Shelby (NC)

Location: Shelby, NC

Salary: $18.35 Hourly

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Public Works

Division: Sanitation

Opening Date: 10/10/2025

FLSA: Non-Exempt