Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary : $20.43 - $33.70 Hourly

Location : Gaston County Solid Waste & Recycling Center, NC

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 1572

Department : Solid Waste & Recycling

Opening Date : 02 / 03 / 2025

Closing Date : Continuous

FLSA : Non-Exempt

Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.

As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.

Description

The Solid Waste & Recycling Division is primarily responsible for the disposal of Municipal Solid Waste generated in the County as required by North Carolina State Law and in accordance with all applicable local regulations. Gaston County currently uses an integrated solid waste management plan consisting of sanitary landfilling, compost / mulch, recycling, and related waste reduction programs.

Examples of Duties

The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.

• Operates bull dozers, pans, graders, front end loaders, and heavy duty dump trucks; excavates and moves dirt and debris according to defined procedure.

Operates trash compactor in the compacting of garbage and general refuse within a sanitary landfill.

Performs visual inspections of equipment and performs routine maintenance of equipment.

Reports the presence of unsafe working conditions or hazardous materials.

Installs fencing and cuts trees and brush.

Provides general information to the public.

Removes rock from new construction areas.

Helps maintain haul roads

Hauls refuse and recyclables from County convenience sites which may require CDL License

Directs traffic into and out of the working face area.

Maintains safety procedures on site between County employees and all hauling vehicles.

Other related duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Eighteen years of age; completion of eighth grade or equivalent providing proof of ability to read, write, understand, and follow oral and / or written instructions AND a minimum of two and a half (21 / 2) years of experience in the actual operation of a variety of specialized heavy duty equipment.

Daily involvement with work that involves a chance of major injury or loss of life or prolonged exposure to hazardous working conditions or severe weather conditions. Exposure to unfavorable health or safety conditions is constantly present.

Must be willing to obtain the SWANA landfill operations specialist certification within six (6) months of hire.

Additional Information

Must be able to work varying work schedules between 6 : 00 AM - 6 : 00 PM, Monday through Friday, and some Saturdays as scheduled.

Must have a valid drivers license.

The candidate selected must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment.

At Gaston County, we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Gaston County will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Full-Time employees are eligible for the total compensation package which includes :

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Retirement Savings Plans

Pension

401K (with 5% county contribution annually)

Professional Development Opportunities

Discounted YMCA Membership

Part-Time employees are eligible for certain benefits as a part of employment with Gaston County such as :

Professional Development Opportunities

Local Government Retirement Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Half-Time employees are not eligible for benefits.

To learn more details about the many benefits we provide view our

Overall, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, Gaston County is the place for you.

Do you have valid driver's license?

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

Are you able to work varying work schedules between 6 : 00 AM - 6 : 00 PM, Monday through Friday, and some Saturdays as scheduled?

Do you have at least two (2) years of heavy equipment operation experience?

Are you willing to obtain your SWANA landfill operations specialist certification within six (6) months of hire?

Required Question

Salary : $20 - $34