What are the responsibilities and job description for the Solid Waste Equipment Operator POS # 124000903 position at Cumberland County, NC?
Position Overview
The Equipment Operator in the Recycling Unit plays a vital role in supporting the Solid Waste Department’s mission of sustainability and environmental stewardship. This position contributes to the efficient handling, processing, and transportation of recyclable materials while ensuring safe and effective use of equipment. The role also supports departmental operations by maintaining facilities, assisting with collection services, and promoting smooth recycling workflows.
Examples of Duties
- Operate front-end loader to transport recyclable materials (cardboard, paper, aluminum, plastics) to the baler for processing and resale.
- Load recyclables and debris into roll-off containers and dump trucks for proper disposal or delivery to recycling facilities.
- Use forklift to load outbound bales onto tractor trailers for shipment.
- Drive recycling bus on scheduled routes to collect materials; deliver and retrieve collection boxes for county events as needed.
- Prepare electronics for recycling by stacking and shrink-wrapping daily.
- Assist route drivers with unloading trucks and processing incoming recyclables.
- Support landfill operations by maintaining site cleanliness and assisting with facility repairs, including concrete work, road maintenance, roofing, and fencing.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED and six (6) months of experience involving the operation of heavy equipment in a landfill or construction setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must meet industrial physical examinations such as sight, hearing, cardiovascular, pulmonary, chest x-rays, blood pressure, blood sugar and lead levels; chemistry profiles such as cholesterol and liver functioning, etc., prior to employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of heavy construction and stationary landfill equipment operations, including proper usage and maintenance requirements.
- Knowledge of landfill operations, including grading, drainage requirements, and regulations governing solid waste disposal.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety rules, and precautions associated with landfill environments and heavy equipment operation.
- Knowledge of county geography and roadside container site locations to support efficient waste management operations.
- Knowledge of ordinances and regulations related to solid waste disposal, ensuring compliance with local and state requirements.
- Skill in operating heavy equipment in accordance with established standards and procedures.
- Skill in developing proficiency with various types of landfill and construction equipment through training and experience.
- Skill in cleaning and maintaining assigned heavy equipment and related tools to ensure safe and reliable operation.
- Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions accurately.
- Ability to interact with the public using tact, courtesy, and professionalism.
- Ability to perform the physical labor and stamina demands required by landfill operations.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the public as required by work assignments.
Conditions of Employment:
Must obtain Landfill Operations Specialist certification within one year of employment (subject to Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) scheduling).
Driving is an essential function of this position. To be considered, you must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. If your driver's license is from another state, you will be required to obtain and show proof of a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire.
Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.
Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
