Equipment Operator III - Solid Waste/Highways

St Mary's County Government; Leonardtown (MD); On-site; USD 53,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus $1,500

Job summary

St. Mary's County Government is seeking a skilled equipment operator to support Solid Waste and County Highway projects. The role involves operating a range of heavy equipment and maintaining public safety along county roadsides, with on‑call duties possible.

The position offers a starting salary of $57,873 per year, with a full range of $52,873 to $91,041. A $1,500 sign‑on bonus is available and safety testing is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Five or more years of related experience; three years at journey level.
• Valid Maryland Commercial (Class A) Driver’s License.
• Equivalent training, education, and/or experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate tractor tailers and dump transfer trailers; dump and roll-off trucks.
• Operate a wide variety of heavy equipment for drainage, site work, and road prep.
• Perform routine repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Follow safety regulations and ensure public safety near roadsides.
• Communicate with Supervisors and staff; possible on-call duties.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety compliance

Public safety awareness

Communication skills

Flexible schedule

Education

High school diploma or GED

Maryland Class A CDL

Related training/experience

Job description

ELIGIBLE FOR $1,500 SIGN-ON BONUS

Performs a variety of manual tasks and operates a wide variety of heavy equipment in support of Solid Waste and County Highway projects including the maintenance and upkeep of County roadsides and roads while ensuring public safety; performs other duties as assigned.

The hiring salary for this position is $57,873; full salary range for this position is $52,873 - $91,041

1. Operates tractor tailers and dump transfer trailers; dump and roll-off trucks;
2. MAY:
   • Operate a wide variety of heavy equipment, including loaders,, dozers, backhoes, shoulder machines, graders, and rollers; gradall, bucket truck, vacuum truck;
   • Operate heavy equipment for installation of drainage pipes, excavation, site work, and preparation of sediment pits and parking lots;
   • Operate heavy machinery to grade areas for access to roads, or to prepare gravel roads for newer/renovated buildings and structures;
3. Maintains working knowledge of the safe operation practices of heavy equipment and the accompanying traffic regulations;
4. Complete routine repairs, adjustments, and preventative maintenance on various equipment;
5. Performs other duties as assigned.

1. Ability to gain working knowledge of St. Mary’s County Government policies and procedures;
2. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and various heavy equipment;
3. Broad knowledge of machinery and vehicle maintenance;
4. Knowledge of safety regulations, traffic control, and established procedures for operating equipment, as well as for ensuring public safety;
5. Ability to effectively communicate with immediate Supervisor(s) and other staff;
6. Ability to work Monday through Sunday, regular and evening shift work, as may be required.

1. High school diploma or G.E.D.;
2. Five (5) or more year of related experience; with three (3) years at journey level;
3. Valid Maryland Commercial (Class A) Driver’s License;
4. Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience.

Additional Requirements:

1. Must successfully complete a pre-employment physical to determine ability to perform job‑related functions;
2. May be required to provide on‑call emergency services, if available;
3. Position is classified as safety‑sensitive and shall be subject to drug and alcohol testing as required under federal regulations.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Work demands occasional strenuous effort. For example, handling moderately heavy tools, equipment, or materials of 30 to 60 pounds.

Work involves risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g. working around moving parts, or machines. Employees will be required to use protective gear such as boots and gloves; may require working in adverse weather conditions.