Heavy Equipment Operator / Landfill

Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County • Athens, GA

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About The Position

The Heavy Equipment Operator operates heavy equipment in support of landfill operations. The role involves handling and moving waste, recycling materials, hauling landfill leachate and refuse, and assisting with landfill infrastructure, maintenance, inspections, and traffic direction. Other duties may be assigned.

This is a non-exempt, safety-sensitive position in the Personnel System and requires satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period. The position reports to the Landfill Administrator and is subject to random drug testing under the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; work on religious holidays may be required. Regular and predictable attendance and cooperative work with others are required.

Newly hired candidates for positions requiring a CDL may receive a one-time hiring incentive, paid in increments after satisfactory performance at 3, 6, and 12 months of service, subject to funding and Manager approval. The stated incentive is $1,500 for a valid driver’s license or $3,000 for a Class A or Class B CDL. The valid-license incentive is not available again after obtaining the required CDL.

Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of heavy equipment operator experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A valid driver’s license is required, and the employee must be able to obtain a Georgia CDL within six months of hire. A Tanker Endorsement is preferred.

The work requires operation of a variety of heavy machinery and equipment and physical capacity for heavy work, including exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently. ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and one year of heavy equipment operator experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain a Georgia Commercial Driver’s License within six months of hire.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment and machinery used in the position.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and staff.
• Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
• Ability to perform required mathematical calculations.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize assignments and work activities.
• Ability to understand and apply departmental regulations and procedures.
• Ability to read logs, designs, blueprints, architectural drawings, instructions, and procedures, and prepare reports using prescribed formats.
• Ability to operate a telephone and two-way radio.
• Physical ability to operate machinery and equipment, perform the listed movements, and exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Regular and predictable attendance and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Nice To Haves

• Tanker Endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Operate landfill trash compactors and other earth-moving equipment to excavate and compact deposited waste.
• Operate a grinder and loader to recycle leaves and limbs.
• Use a track hoe, articulated dump truck, and front-end loader to load and move dirt and cover refuse.
• Use a track hoe, backhoe, and bulldozers to construct roads, drainage ponds, ditches, dumping trenches, and dirt walls.
• Prepare newly cultivated areas for planting vegetation.
• Assist with daily operational checks of landfill leachate collection, pumping, and storage operations.
• Operate a semi/tractor-trailer to haul landfill leachate and refuse trailers.
• Assist in achieving proper grade and performing compaction checks.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance checks and services on equipment, including checking oil, water, hydraulic systems, leaks, and fluid levels.
• Visually inspect trash loads for prohibited waste.
• Direct vehicle traffic using radios.
• Perform litter control.
• Operate tractors to haul a fuel trailer and conduct bush-hog operations.
• Operate a hook-lift truck to haul roll-off containers containing refuse and recycling to proper disposal areas.
• Assist in inspecting landfill monitoring points and fences for security.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED