Heavy Equipment Operator

Position will remain open until filled.

Starting hourly wage: $24.50 - $29.16, DOE

General Statement of Duties

Performs skilled operation of heavy equipment in maintenance of County landfill; performs related work as required.

Classification Summary

The primary function of an employee in this class is to operate heavy equipment and perform skilled maintenance in the County landfill. The employee may be assigned to specific areas or be given specific maintenance assignments. This position includes working supervision of Hazardous Waste Screeners. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Landfill Supervisor. The principal duties of this class are performed in an outdoor environment and include working in adverse weather conditions and dangers involving the use of heavy equipment and hazardous materials.

Examples of Work (Illustrative Only)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work cooperatively and constructively with fellow workers and members of the public to provide public service of the highest quality and quantity;
• Performs scheduled and assigned maintenance at County landfill;
• Operates heavy equipment including, but not limited to, backhoe, compactor, bulldozer, scraper, sand truck with plow, and water trucks according to landfill rules and regulations;
• Buries and compacts waste and grades and waters roads;
• Maintains sprinkler irrigation systems;
• Performs landfill perimeter maintenance, building repair, welding and other assigned duties;
• Directs customers to appropriate dump sites;
• Provides customer service including giving directions, answering questions, and providing explanations;
• Ensures hazardous materials are disposed of properly;
• Performs maintenance checks and minor service work on equipment utilizing hand and power tools;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County and Department policies, procedures, and safety practices.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Extinguishes landfill fires, which may include exposure to toxic fumes, explosions, and hazardous materials;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, procedures, and standard practices of safe heavy equipment operation in a landfill environment, and related duties;
• Heavy equipment operation and basic maintenance;
• Current customer service skills;
• Emergency procedures and practices related to landfill environment;
• Hazardous waste rules and regulations and related safety practices;
• County landfill rules and regulations;
• Equipment and tool operation and maintenance practices;
• Federal (OSHA) and state regulations and County policies regarding safe work practices relating to use of hand and power tools, slopes, heavy equipment and landfill operations.

Ability to:

• Follow written and oral instructions;
• Operate heavy equipment, including but not limited to, compactors, graders, dump trucks, backhoes, bulldozers, and related equipment as assigned;
• Maintain sprinkler irrigation systems, buildings, fences, and other landfill property as assigned;
• Operate hand and power tools safely;
• Supervise the safe dumping of materials;
• Instruct the public in safe dumping methods according to landfill rules and regulations;
• Assist screeners as necessary;
• Perform basic maintenance and repair on heavy equipment;
• Identify hazardous material and dispose of properly;
• Work a rotating schedule including 10-hour days and weekends;
• Respond on-call, as needed;
• Operate a motor vehicle, including a dump truck and water truck;
• Communicate effectively with the public and other employees including in sensitive situations.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• High school diploma or GED equivalency is required; and
• Three (3) to five (5) years experience operating and using heavy equipment; landfill experience and equipment maintenance experience is preferred; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Special Qualifications

• Idaho drivers license with Class B CDL endorsement;
• Must successfully complete a background investigation.

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate with the public, discern verbal instructions, and discern alarm and warning systems, including backup alarms;
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to supervise the safety of co-workers and the public, safely operate heavy equipment, identify hazardous materials and wastes, and comprehend written work instructions and work orders;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to drive a motor vehicle, operate heavy equipment, operate a variety of power and hand tools, and to make adjustments to equipment;
• Sufficient personal mobility, stamina, flexibility, agility, and balance to lift/move up to 50 pounds; operate heavy equipment safely; perform maintenance and repair operations that require bending, stooping, kneeling, stretching, and other physical exertions in an outdoor environment, frequently in extreme temperatures and conditions including wind, rain, and snow; and work in a landfill environment.

EOE Statement

Canyon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions related to recruitment and selection are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.