Solid Waste Heavy Equipment Operator I POS # Various

Cumberland County; Fayetteville (NC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Cumberland County seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator I for its Solid Waste team. This role involves operating heavy machinery to manage waste at the Ann Street Landfill, assisting in road construction, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Candidates should possess a high school diploma, relevant experience, and a commitment to environmental protection.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience operating heavy equipment in landfill or construction.
• Must pass industrial physical examinations before hire.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment for landfill management and maintenance.
• Conduct routine inspections and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Track equipment usage and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Knowledge of heavy construction equipment

Ability to follow safety rules

Ability to perform physical labor

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Help keep Cumberland County clean and sustainable—join our Solid Waste team at the Ann Street Landfill as a Heavy Equipment Operator I! In this essential role, you’ll operate powerful machinery like bulldozers, dump trucks, loaders, and excavators to manage, compact, and cover waste, assist with on-site road construction, and contribute to safe and efficient landfill operations. You'll also maintain equipment, track key data, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. If you’re ready for a hands-on career that makes a real impact, this is your opportunity to grow in the field of waste management and environmental protection.

Learn more about our Solid Waste Department: Solid Waste Management – Cumberland County

• Support landfill operations by operating and maintaining heavy machinery essential for the proper disposal, compaction, and coverage of refuse; receive training in the operation of various types of motorized equipment used in landfill management.
• Conduct routine inspections, cleaning, and maintenance of equipment to ensure optimal performance and longevity; maintain accurate daily records of equipment usage.
• Operate heavy equipment, including off-road dump trucks for waste coverage and road construction, bulldozers, rubber tire loaders for loading trucks, excavators, and track hoes, to facilitate efficient landfill operations.
• Assist in enforcing compliance with established landfill policies, procedures, and safety standards to ensure regulatory adherence.
• Monitor landfill activities and report any violations of solid waste ordinances to maintain environmental and operational integrity.

High school diploma or GED and six (6) months of experience involving the operation of heavy equipment in a landfill or construction setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must pass industrial physical examinations such as sight, hearing, cardiovascular, pulmonary, chest x-rays, blood pressure, blood sugar and lead levels; chemistry profiles such as cholesterol and liver functioning, etc., prior to employment.

• Knowledge of the operation of heavy construction equipment and a variety of stationary landfill equipment
• Knowledge of the hazards and applicable safety rules and precautions in the operation of heavy motorized equipment
• Ability to clean and assist in minor repairs to heavy equipment and related sanitation equipment
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions
• Ability to exercise tact and courtesy in contact with the general public
• Ability to consistently perform physical labor required of the position under varying weather conditions

Conditions of Employment:

Must obtain Landfill Operations Specialist certification within one year of employment (subject to Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) scheduling).

Driving is an essential function of this position. To be considered, you must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. If your driver’s license is from another state, you will be required to obtain and show proof of a valid NC driver’s license within 60 days of hire.

Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.