Heavy Equipment Operator

Lee County Government; Fort Myers (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Lee County Government in Fort Myers, FL is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to support the Solid Waste Processing team. The role involves operating a variety of heavy equipment, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring safe, compliant waste handling.

You will work Monday–Friday with possible Saturdays, supervise vehicle traffic, and assist with emergencies. A CDL permit and a 16-Hour MRF certification are required or achievable within six months.

Qualifications

• High School graduation or GED equivalent.
• One (1) year of heavy equipment operation or closely related experience.
• Valid Class B CDL Permit with the ability to obtain a Class B CDL within six months of hire.
• Ability to obtain 16-Hour MRF/Transfer Station Operator Certification within six months of hire.
• Experience operating wheel loaders, excavators, backhoes, or skid steers is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment including front-end wheel loaders, excavators, skid steers, backhoes, and other equipment used in solid waste operations.
• Load municipal solid waste into transport vehicles and containers in a safe and efficient manner.
• Screen, sort, and segregate waste materials to support recycling and processing operations.
• Identify and remove prohibited items from the waste stream and ensure proper disposal.
• Direct and manage customer and contractor traffic by spotting, staging, and spacing vehicles.
• Conduct routine safety inspections of equipment and report malfunctions or repair needs.
• Perform light preventative maintenance including fueling, greasing, topping off fluids, replacing hydraulic hoses, and washing equipment.
• Inspect and maintain solid waste facilities, grounds, and work areas in accordance with FDEP regulations and permit requirements.
• Utilize hand tools and equipment necessary to complete operational and maintenance tasks.
• Complete daily work logs, inspection reports, and other required documentation accurately and timely.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, customers, contractors, and County personnel using electronic devices and communication tools.
• Assist with emergency response and other departmental operations as required.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety-minded

Mechanical inclination

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma or GED

CDL Permit (Class B)

16-Hour MRF/Transfer Station Operator Certification

Job description

Ready to operate the equipment that keeps our community clean and sustainable? Lee County is looking for a skilled and safety-focused Heavy Equipment Operator to support the daily operations of our Solid Waste Processing team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys operating heavy equipment, working outdoors, solving operational challenges, and being part of a team that provides essential services to our residents and businesses.

We are looking for someone who is dependable, safety-minded, mechanically inclined, and eager to learn. If you take pride in operating equipment efficiently, maintaining a clean and safe work environment, and working collaboratively with coworkers and customers, this could be the perfect role for you.

What You Will Do

• Operate heavy equipment including front-end wheel loaders, excavators, skid steers, backhoes, and other equipment used in solid waste operations.
• Load municipal solid waste into transport vehicles and containers in a safe and efficient manner.
• Screen, sort, and segregate waste materials to support recycling and processing operations.
• Identify and remove prohibited items from the waste stream and ensure proper disposal.
• Direct and manage customer and contractor traffic by spotting, staging, and spacing vehicles.
• Conduct routine safety inspections of equipment and report malfunctions or repair needs.
• Perform light preventative maintenance including fueling, greasing, topping off fluids, replacing hydraulic hoses, and washing equipment.
• Inspect and maintain solid waste facilities, grounds, and work areas in accordance with FDEP regulations and permit requirements.
• Utilize hand tools and equipment necessary to complete operational and maintenance tasks.
• Complete daily work logs, inspection reports, and other required documentation accurately and timely.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, customers, contractors, and County personnel using electronic devices and communication tools.
• Assist with emergency response and other departmental operations as required.

Minimum Requirements

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to:

• High School graduation or GED equivalent
• One (1) year of heavy equipment operation or closely related experience

Licensing Requirements

• Valid Class B CDL Permit with the ability to obtain a Class B CDL within six (6) months of hire

Certification Requirements

• Ability to obtain a 16-Hour Material Recovery Facility and Transfer Station Operator Certification (UF TREEO or equivalent) within six (6) months of hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating wheel loaders, excavators, backhoes, or skid steers
• Experience in solid waste, recycling, construction, landfill, transfer station, or related operations
• Knowledge of equipment safety inspections and preventative maintenance practices

Safety-Sensitive Position

• This is a safety-sensitive position and is subject to Drug and Alcohol Workplace Testing under DOT regulations (49 CFR Parts 40 and/or 382).

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:30 am - 6:00 pm. Saturdays as needed. Shift hours may vary depending on assignment

Why Join Us?

As a Heavy Equipment Operator with Lee County, you will play a vital role in supporting waste processing, recycling, transfer station operations, and environmental stewardship efforts throughout Lee and Hendry Counties. You'll work alongside a dedicated team, operate a variety of heavy equipment, gain valuable industry certifications, and contribute directly to services that protect public health and keep our communities clean. In return, you'll enjoy competitive pay, excellent benefits, a strong retirement plan, and meaningful public service work.

About the Department

The Solid Waste Processing workgroup provides essential waste processing, recycling, transfer, and facility support services for Lee and Hendry Counties. Operations include the Construction & Demolition Recycling Facility, Waste-to-Energy Transfer Station, Hendry County Transfer Stations, Tire Processing Pad, and facility support activities. Collectively, the team processes and manages more than 223,000 tons of material annually while supporting safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible solid waste operations. The workgroup operates a diverse fleet of equipment and works closely with regulatory agencies, contractors, and community partners to deliver critical services that support sustainability and environmental compliance.

About Lee County

Lee County is located in beautiful Southwest Florida and is home to over 800,000 residents. We are dedicated to serving our community with high-quality services and a focus on sustainability and innovation. Join us in making Lee County a great place to live, work, and visit. Find out more about Lee County at Lee County Government.