What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vehicle/Equipment Operator position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC.
The primary responsibilities of this position are operation of construction equipment, primarily a backhoe, but also as required a skid steer, loader, dozer, grading tractor, trencher, dump truck, to support installation/maintenance of water, sewer, steam and electric lines; construction of footings and slabs; landscape installation. Also will be required to operate large grounds maintenance, snow and garbage collection equipment. Will also perform general grounds maintenance support tasks such as mowing, weedeating, leaf control, etc. on a routine basis. Position serves as the supervisor of assigned crew during the absence of regular supervisor. Position also serves as an on call snow crew leader on a rotating basis during the months of Dec-March after normal work hours, nights, weekends and holidays.
Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
The primary responsibilities of this position are operation of construction equipment, primarily a backhoe, but also as required a skid steer, loader, dozer, grading tractor, trencher, dump truck, to support installation/maintenance of water, sewer, steam and electric lines; construction of footings and slabs; landscape installation. Also will be required to operate large grounds maintenance, snow and garbage collection equipment. Will also perform general grounds maintenance support tasks such as mowing, weedeating, leaf control, etc. on a routine basis. Position serves as the supervisor of assigned crew during the absence of regular supervisor. Position also serves as an on call snow crew leader on a rotating basis during the months of Dec-March after normal work hours, nights, weekends and holidays.
Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
Ability to operate excavation and other construction equipment within the tight confines of below and above ground infrastructures/utilities in a campus environment. Ability to follow oral and written directions. Knowledge and ability to maintain construction equipment. Skilled in the use of transit/level. CDL class B driver’s license required or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment to operate large vehicles. Ability to effectively organize job schedules and supervise employees as required to complete tasks within a timely manner. Ability to operate and maintain large grounds maintenance equipment. Completion of high school and 5 years experience in effective operation of a backhoe and the general maintenance of the unit. Successful applicant must be able to respond to campus for snow duty or other emergency situations within 1 hour of notification of a need. Must have a valid NC drivers license.
Minimum Qualifications
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an ‘equivalent combination of education and experience.’ If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both.
Sufficient experience to operate assigned vehicles or equipment.
Additional Requirements: Must possess necessary licenses or certifications to operate assigned types of vehicles or equipment.
If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
Sufficient experience to operate assigned vehicles or equipment.
Additional Requirements: Must possess necessary licenses or certifications to operate assigned types of vehicles or equipment.
If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
Anticipated Hiring Range
$40,580
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours per Week
40
Number of Months per Year
12
Salary Band Range
$35,175 - $66,443
Salary Grade
Posting Text
Open Date
11/02/2026
Close Date
11/16/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must apply online in order to be considered.
Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of three professional references (with complete contact information).
Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran’s Preference.
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
All new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR).
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Benefits:
Retirement Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Dental InsuranceSalary : $35,175 - $66,443