What are the responsibilities and job description for the Heavy Equipment Operator - Landfill position at City of Kearney?
Description
Under general supervision, operate heavy equipment and perform maintenance-related tasks at a senior level. Work varies; interpretive judgment within prescribed standards and procedures are required; adjust work methods to meet task requirements.
Essential Functions
Perform complex grading and landfill shaping. Operate landfill according to state and federal regulations. Stockpile dirt for covering trash using scraper, grader, and loader. Push and compact solid waste. Stockpile trees to grind into wood chips. Compost yard waste. Back up other employees in landfill as needed and performs other duties as assigned. Perform overtime as required; and perform other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS:
May serve as lead worker or assist new employees in routine work procedures.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public. (Daily)
Regular timely/punctual attendance. (Daily)
Assigned construction and maintenance projects are performed and completed properly and efficiently. (Daily)
Maintain and safely operate equipment. (Daily)
Apply and maintain knowledge of materials, equipment, safety and techniques of maintenance and construction. (Daily)
Effectively assign and supervise personnel. (Daily)
Assigned projects are performed properly and effectively. (Daily)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Work Type: Very heavy, exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects
Climbing/Balancing: Climbs inclines, uneven surfaces, balance required
Walking: Limited amount required
Stooping/Bending: Frequently
Stand/Sit: Sit about 50 percent of the time
Reaching: Frequent, overhead as well as horizontal
Vision: Adequate to perform essential functions
Color Vision: Adequate to perform essential functions
Hearing: Frequently perceive nature of sounds by ear
Speech: Occasionally express ideas by means of spoken words
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Sufficient to operate clutch operated vehicles, operate equipment at times using both hands and feet at the same time
Manual Dexterity: Sufficient to operate heavy equipment and to handle mechanic’s hand tools
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/EXPOSURES:
Inside/Outside: Work outside
Cold/Heat: Adverse conditions possible
Wet/Dry: Adverse conditions possible
Noise/Vibrations: Heavy construction noise
Hazards: Exposure to traffic safety and construction areas
Fumes/Dust/Odors: Exposure to dust
Infectious Diseases: Moderate exposure
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Ability to read and comprehend technically-written material.
Ability to listen to and apply information and instructions.
Ability to understand mathematical concepts to include basic arithmetic.
Qualifications
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of the eighth grade and five years of manual labor work including three years at the level of equipment operator. Must possess a valid Nebraska Commercial Class B Driver License.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Thirty (30) minute response time by way of the most direct route from the employee’s permanent residence to the employee’s assigned work site and within posted speed limits.
Supplemental Information
MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND WORK AIDS USED:
Pickup, dump trucks, salt spreaders, front loader, sweeper, motor grader, earth scraper, trash compactor, tractor mower, tractor loader, jackhammer, chain saw, weed-eaters, pumps, vibrators, hoses and street brooms.
REMARKS:
The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his/her duties.
Rates effective January 1, 2026 and are subject to change. Benefits are effective on the 1st day of employment.
Health and Dental Insurance: The City of Kearney Health Insurance Plans includes health, prescription, and dental coverage. The City offers two plans (traditional PPO and a high deductible option) Employee spouses’ who have health/dental coverage available through their own employer are not eligible to participate in the City’s health/dental insurance.
Health/Dental (4 Tiers) - Traditional PPO
- Single Coverage $ 92.20 biweekly
- Employee Spouse Coverage $196.62 biweekly
- Employee Dependents Coverage $156.73 biweekly
- Family Coverage $229.57 biweekly
- Single Coverage $ 81.50 biweekly
- Employee Spouse Coverage $174.03 biweekly
- Employee Dependents Coverage $138.56 biweekly
- Family Coverage $203.05 biweekly
HSA City Contribution: Individual - $750
Family - $1,200
Vision Insurance: EyeMed Vision coverage is available. Employee only - $3.32; Employee/Spouse - $6.30; Employee/Dependents - $6.64; Family - $9.76. All rates are bi-weekly payroll deductions.
IdentityForce: Identity Theft Protection available, Employee/Children (children 26 and under) $8.49; Family $14.49 per month.
Retirement: City contributes 6% if the employee contributes 6%.
Life Insurance: The City pays 100% of the cost of employee life insurance of $50,000, spouse coverage $10,000, and dependent children coverage $5,000. Supplemental life insurance available at a discounted group rate.
Cafeteria/Section 125: Can be used for medical and daycare expenses per IRS guidelines.
Deferred Comp: Voluntary deferred compensation program (457 & Roth IRA Plans).
EAP: Employee Assistance Program provides 6 free counseling sessions per issue for employees and dependents.
Long Term Disability: Long term disability insurance provided by the City.
Longevity: Annual payment of $300 after 5 years of continuous years of service with $50 increases every 5 years with a maximum payment of $550.
Vacation: Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner: 80 hrs years 1 - 4; 120 hrs years 5 – 14; 160 hrs years 15 . New employees receive 40 hours of vacation upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Vacation leave may accumulate to a maximum of 240 hours.
Medical Leave: Medical leave is accrued at a biweekly rate equal to 12 days a year. New employees receive 40 hours of medical leave upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Medical leave may accumulate to a maximum of 1,440 hours.
Parental Leave: 3 weeks paid leave.
Personal Leave: 2 personal days are provided on the first of every calendar year. Employees must be employed on January 1st to receive personal leave days. Unused personal leave does not carry over to the next year.
Holidays: Twelve paid holidays per year.
Military: Active members receive 120 hours of military leave annually. Military leave does not carry over to the next year.
Salary : $300