Municipal Sanitation and Equipment Operator

Town of Hillsborough • Public Works, NC

8d

About The Position

The Town of Hillsborough is seeking an Equipment Operator to support municipal public works operations, including sanitation and solid waste collection, trash-route collection, CDL driving, and operation of light- to heavy-duty equipment for grounds and street maintenance and repair. Work also supports street and right-of-way maintenance, parks and facilities upkeep, storm response, and customer service.

This position operates CDL-required vehicles on municipal trash routes and collects and transports residential refuse, yard waste, downtown receptacle waste, park litter, and facility waste. Other work includes asphalt repair, park, trail, and stormwater facility maintenance, emergency cleanup, tree and debris removal, special-event support, and routine servicing of vehicles and equipment. The employee communicates with residents about routes, policies, code compliance, and service notices, and serves on call for emergencies.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED and six months of related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A Class B CDL is required at hire. A Class A CDL, Aerial Lift Truck certification, and NIMS certifications 100, 700, and 800 are required within six months. The Town funds required credentials, training, coursework, and testing, which are conducted on work time. Preferred qualifications include NC LTAP Road Scholar and Advanced Road Scholar. The role has a structured progression path through Equipment Operator I, II, and III, with progression based on skills, certifications, performance, and experience.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and six months of related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Class B Commercial Driver's License required at hire.
• Class A Commercial Driver's License required within six months.
• Aerial Lift Truck certification required within six months.
• National Incident Management System certifications at levels 100, 700, and 800 required within six months.
• Knowledge of municipal public-works operations, including sanitation routes, street and stormwater maintenance, and right-of-way work.
• Knowledge of safe operation and maintenance of heavy equipment, CDL vehicles, and small-engine tools.
• Knowledge of relevant OSHA regulations, NC DOT standards, and town safety and field-operation policies.
• Knowledge of basic methods, materials, and tools used in drainage, pavement repair, grounds maintenance, and solid-waste collection.
• Ability to operate heavy, light, and specialized equipment; perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance; and operate vehicles safely.
• Ability to use Microsoft 365, Utility Cloud, GIS, and basic mobile or field-service applications.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with residents, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Ability to follow safety procedures, maintain safe work zones, and respond effectively to changing conditions and emergencies.
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather and perform physically demanding work, including lifting, carrying, and operating equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow policies, route instructions, regulations, and technical materials.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team, manage time effectively, maintain work quality, and provide courteous customer service.
• Ability to operate a truck, tractor, and numerous small tools and pieces of equipment.
• Ability to exert in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, in excess of 50 pounds frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds constantly to move objects; ability to lift and/or carry weights of 10 to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in adverse environmental conditions, including heat, cold, wetness, humidity, dust, dirt, machinery hazards, vibration, noise, odors, smoke, electrical currents, and toxic agents.

Nice To Haves

• NC LTAP Road Scholar.
• NC LTAP Advanced Road Scholar.

Responsibilities

• Operate CDL-required vehicles on assigned municipal trash routes, including solid waste trucks, rear-loaders, automated side-loaders, grapple trucks, leaf trucks, and dump trucks.
• Collect residential refuse, yard waste, downtown trash receptacles, park litter, and facility waste; provide back-door service for qualified residents; deliver rollout carts; and transport collected materials to the landfill.
• Perform asphalt maintenance and repair using hotbox equipment, cold-patch materials, and related tools.
• Maintain town park facilities, including picnic shelters, restrooms, playgrounds, and fields; maintain trails and stormwater facilities.
• Perform severe-weather cleanup and routine maintenance, tree removal, and public right-of-way debris removal; serve on call for emergencies.
• Install seasonal décor and support special events by delivering recycling and garbage containers and barricades, collecting litter, and setting up and cleaning up for town functions.
• Provide maintenance for the town clock.
• Routinely service and clean trucks and equipment, maintain safe work zones, and provide proper traffic control.
• Communicate with residents regarding routes, policies, code compliance, and service notices.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• Required certifications, training, coursework, and testing are fully funded by the employer, conducted on work time, and associated fees are covered by the Town of Hillsborough.
• The Town supports training and coursework for career progression.
• Annual cost-of-living adjustments, performance evaluations, and periodic salary class and compensation studies, subject to Board of Commissioners approval.

What This Job Offers

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