Vehicle/Equipment Operator - #003320

Western Carolina University Inc; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 41,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC is seeking a skilled Construction Equipment Operator to support installation and maintenance of campus infrastructure. Primary duties include operating a backhoe and, as needed, a skid steer, loader, dozer, and other heavy equipment to install water, sewer, steam and electrical lines, as well as footing and slab work.

The role requires the ability to supervise a crew in the supervisor's absence and to respond to snow duties on short notice, including

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma and experience operating backhoes and maintaining equipment.
• CDL Class B license required or obtainable within 6 months.
• Ability to respond to campus for snow duty within 1 hour.

Responsibilities

• Operate backhoe and other construction equipment to install utilities.
• Support installation/maintenance of water, sewer, steam and electric lines.
• Supervise assigned crew in the absence of the supervisor.
• On-call snow crew leader during December–March.
• Perform general grounds maintenance tasks as needed.

Skills

Operate construction equipment

CDL Class B license

Supervise crew

Snow duty readiness

Education

High school diploma

5 years equipment operation experience

Job description

About Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. The primary responsibilities of this position are operation of construction equipment, primarily a backhoe, but also as required a skid steer, loader, dozer, grading tractor, trencher, dump truck, to support installation/maintenance of water, sewer, steam and electric lines; construction of footings and slabs; landscape installation. Also will be required to operate large grounds maintenance, snow and garbage collection equipment. Will also perform general grounds maintenance support tasks such as mowing, weedeating, leaf control, etc. on a routine basis. Position serves as the supervisor of assigned crew during the absence of regular supervisor. Position also serves as an on call snow crew leader on a rotating basis during the months of Dec-March after normal work hours, nights, weekends and holidays.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required

Ability to operate excavation and other construction equipment within the tight confines of below and above ground infrastructures/utilities in a campus environment. Ability to follow oral and written directions. Knowledge and ability to maintain construction equipment. Skilled in the use of transit/level. CDL class B driver’s license required or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment to operate large vehicles. Ability to effectively organize job schedules and supervise employees as required to complete tasks within a timely manner. Ability to operate and maintain large grounds maintenance equipment. Completion of high school and 5 years experience in effective operation of a backhoe and the general maintenance of the unit. Successful applicant must be able to respond to campus for snow duty or other emergency situations within 1 hour of notification of a need. Must have a valid NC drivers license.

Minimum Qualifications

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an ‘equivalent combination of education and experience.’ If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both.

Sufficient experience to operate assigned vehicles or equipment.

Additional Requirements: Must possess necessary licenses or certifications to operate assigned types of vehicles or equipment.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range $40,580

Position Type

Position Type Permanent Full-Time

Work Schedule

Number of Hours per Week 40

Number of Months per Year 12

Salary Band

Salary Band Range $35,175 - $66,443

Background / E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].

Open and Close Dates

Open Date 11/02/2026

Close Date 11/16/2026