Heavy Equipment Operator

King County Water and Land Resources Division -WA; Maple Valley (WA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

King County's Solid Waste Division is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator for the Cedar Hills Landfill in Maple Valley. The role involves safe operation of large equipment, including dozers and scrapers, with duties in dumping, site control and hazard response.

Priority is safe, productive work and teamwork. Candidates may need to obtain a WA CDL Class A/B within six months of hire; union representation applies and overtime is possible.

Qualifications

• 2 years preferred experience safely operating heavy equipment.
• Ability to identify on-site hazards and respond to safety situations.
• Proficient with basic PC usage for timesheets and communications.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as dozers, loaders and scrapers safely.
• Manage truck dumping and direct customers at the landfill site.
• Respond to on-site accidents, emergencies and hazardous spills.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Team & independent work

Oral & written communication

Tools

D-9 Dozer

Backhoe

Push/Pull Scraper

Refuse Compactor

Sweepers

Slope Mowers

Front-end Loaders

Graders

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary
$41.75 - $50.68 Hourly

Location
Cedar Hills Landfill - 16645 228th Ave SE, Maple Valley, WA

Job Type
Career Service (Exec)

Job Number
2026JM27774

Department
DNRP-Natural Resources & Parks

Division
SWD -Solid Waste

FLSA
Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit
Y1 : IUOE L302-Equip Operators

Full- or Part-Time
Full Time

Summary

The Operations Section of King County's Solid Waste Division (SWD) is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO). If you are a Heavy Equipment Operator who has experience operating heavy equipment with spreading, loading, compacting and digging in an efficient, productive and safe manner, this is your dream job! (SWD will be considering applicants who currently do not hold a Class A or Class B CDL but who are willing/able to obtain it within 6 months after hire.)

This recruitment will fill one (1) Career Service position and be used to create a list of candidates to fill either Career Service, Term-limited temporary or Special Duty Assignment for eligible internal candidates within the next six (6) months.

About the Role:

This role is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at the Cedar Hills Landfill and possibly other King County Solid Waste facilities. It also involves performing safety procedures with heavy equipment, identifying on-site hazards, and responding to safety situations, accidents, emergencies, and hazardous spills. Additionally, the role includes monitoring, controlling, and directing job site activities, managing truck dumping, and directing customers. While you may get opportunities to work overtime and earn more wages, the working conditions for this union-represented job allow you to prioritize your life after work.

About the Team:

This is a very dynamic working environment that demands high energy and diversified experience with an emphasis on "TEAM". You’ll join experts committed to excellence, guided by a supportive supervisor to advance your career. You will work both independently and as part of a team so expect to communicate a great deal while applying your interpersonal skills.

Commitment to Equity Racial and Social Justice:

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.

Job Duties

What You Will Be Doing:

• Operate a large dozer D-9 or similar in grading, excavating and back-filling.
• Operate a refuse compactor at the County landfill site.
• Operate a push/pull scraper of twenty-five yards covering compacted solid waste and excavating and moving soil.
• Operate other equipment such as sweepers, slope mowers, cranes, front-end loaders and graders.
• Apply knowledge of driving laws and proper use of equipment, road building materials, basic survey principles, construction safety principles, and environmental regulations related to landfill work.
• Respond to on-site accidents, emergencies, and hazardous spills to assess immediate concerns and possible equipment use
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Qualifications You Bring:

• Demonstrated (2 years, preferred) experience safely operating heavy equipment such as:
• Large Dozer D-9
• Back-Hoe
• Push/Pull Scraper
• Refuse Compactor
• Sweepers
• Slope Mowers
• Front-end Loaders
• Graders
• Basic skills using a Personal Computer and modern technologies (i.e. software applications, laptops, smartphones, etc.) for timesheet entry, email communication, virtual training and meetings (Note: You may be tested on this skill).
• Demonstrated ability to identify potential on-site hazards
• Experience in responding to on-site safety situations
• Ability to work in a team and independently
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills

Physical Requirement:

This position requires the ability to work with heavy equipment and machinery on uneven slopes, surfaces, grades and terrain in heat/cold, wet/humid, inclement weather and other adverse conditions such as odor, high volume noise, dust and heavy traffic.

Competencies You Bring:

• Situational Adaptability – Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Values Differences – Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Instills Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Plans and Aligns – Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Interpersonal Savvy - Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.

Required Licenses:

• Valid Washington State Driver's License upon hire
• Valid Washington State Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License upon hire (CDL) with current Medical Card upon hire OR the ability to obtain such License within six (6) months after hire.
• Current Washington State Department of Transportation Medical Card

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Experience in landfill construction and maintenance

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:

Work Location: Cedar Hills Landfill, 16645 228th Avenue SE, Maple Valley, WA.
Work Schedule: This position's shifts/work schedule may vary depending on shift bids and operational needs. Scheduled shifts include 5/8 and 4/10. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible.
Union Representation: This position is represented by International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 302.