Heavy Equipment Operator

Yakima County

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Heavy Equipment Operator provides skilled work in the safe and efficient operation of heavy equipment with complex controls utilized in the proper disposal of municipal solid waste at one or more Yakima County solid waste disposal sites. There are multiple positions with the Yakima County Public Services-Solid Waste Division. The mission of Yakima County Government is to provide accessible, responsive and responsible public service through leadership and teamwork committed to understanding and meeting public needs. Our Values: Integrity Common Sense Innovation Accountability.

Requirements

High School or (G.E.D.)
Six (6) years equipment operation experience.
Class A, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Ability to learn to operate all pieces of solid waste equipment within one (1) year of employment.
Consent for queries of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to comply with Federal Regulations (49 CFR Part 382).
Knowledge of Road and facility maintenance techniques.
Knowledge of mathematical calculations sufficient to determine slopes and grades.
Knowledge of preventative and equipment maintenance techniques including troubleshooting.
Knowledge of safe equipment operation procedures.
Knowledge of safety precautions related to waste disposal.
Knowledge of surveying principles.
Knowledge of customer service techniques.
Demonstrated application of safety procedures.
Demonstrated ability to respond to on-site situations.
Demonstrated ability to identify potential on-site hazards.
Skills in performing activities related to operation of heavy equipment.
Skills in applying a working knowledge of possible exposure to biological and/or chemical contaminants.
Skills in using surveying instruments.
Skills in driving equipment within landfills amidst heavy traffic.
Skills in determining a course of action if needed related to potential contamination.
Skills in setting a grade.
Skills in reacting quickly and correctly in emergency situations such as a landfill fire.
Skills in interacting with the public, businesses, contractors and city haulers.
Skills in applying customer service techniques.
Skills in establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels and with the public.
Skills in both oral and written communication sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Nice To Haves

Air brakes, tanker and hazardous waste endorsements.
Experience in landfill construction and maintenance.
Certification from the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA).

Responsibilities

Operate a D-8 Dozer or similar for the grading excavating, backfill and pushing waste.
Operate a refuse compactor to achieve appropriate compaction of waste.
Operate a wood waste grinder for the grinding of materials.
Operate other equipment to include but not be limited to front end loader, water truck, bin truck, and waste truck and walking floor trailers.
Apply knowledge of driving laws and proper use of equipment, road building materials, basic survey principles, construction safety principles and environmental regulations related to landfill work.
Identify potentially hazardous or unacceptable materials at the job site and coordinate proper disposal.
Responds to inquiries and complaints from the general public; interacts with the public to ensure safety within the landfill, transfer station and recycling areas; explains policies and ordinances related to the Solid Waste Divisions.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Monitor, control and direct activities at the job site; control flow and sequence of truck dumping, direct customers to appropriate areas.
Respond to on-site accidents, emergencies including fires and explosions and hazardous spills to assess immediate concerns and to respond to them with equipment.
Perform visual safety inspections of equipment; checking fluid levels and tire pressure, refueling equipment, maintain vehicle cleanliness and perform pre-trip (walk around) inspections.

Benefits

Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)
Retirement Benefits
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave
Medical, Dental, Prescription and Vision Coverage
Basic Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Health Reimbursement Account (HRA- VEBA)
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Voluntary Benefits – vision, term life, critical illness, disability and other insurance plans
Washington State Retirement Plan (DRS)
457 Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)