Heavy Equipment Operator Sr

Heavy Equipment Operator Sr

Salary

$53,400.00 - $80,100.00 Annually

Location

Solid Waste Services 630 Beacon Lake Drive, Raleigh, NC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00595

Department

Solid Waste Core Services

Opening Date

09/01/2026

Closing Date

9/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Work Hours

Monday - Friday; 5:30 am - 4:30 pm schedule may vary

Hiring Range

$53,400.00 - $66,800.00

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Would you like an opportunity to join one of the many teams dedicated to maintaining high-quality public services within a city that has been ranked one of the best places to live year over year? If so, the City of Raleigh Solid Waste Services Department is seeking a highly resourceful, adaptable, multi-tasker with solid critical thinking and communications skills for our Senior Heavy Equipment Operator position.

The Senior Heavy Equipment Operator position supports the Core Services and Special Services divisions within the Solid Waste Services Department. Depending on the assignment, this position drives a fully automated truck and operates a mechanical arm which picks up the residential garbage and/recycling containers. The Senior Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for dumping the contents of the truck at the appropriate dump site. This position may be required to drive other types of trucks and/or equipment as needed.

About Us:

Solid Waste Services is responsible for the collection and processing of residential garbage, recycling, and yard waste materials along with several specialized collection services. Our department is committed to providing high-quality waste management, disposal, and recycling services for all our valued customers. As an essential and critical service, we take great pride in our role in the preservation and protection of the community's natural resources and sustainable growth.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Drives assigned vehicle on designated route within municipality to pick up and load recycling, garbage, and/or yard waste materials into truck

• Supports assigned solid waste service routes and crews by performing skilled equipment operations and assisting coworkers as directed by the Foreman or Supervisor

• Assisting with training of new hires

• Reviews routes with Equipment Operator Foremen during a shift to balance the workload and mitigate vehicle breakdowns or accident

• Responds to missed collections as needed

• Uses appropriate in-vehicle technology to safely complete daily work assignments

• Provides courteous customer service along assigned routes by responding to routine questions and promptly reporting customer complaints or concerns to the Foreman or Supervisor for appropriate follow-up

• Responds to vehicle accidents, spills, and personal injuries and assists with the reporting and investigative process

• Transports load to the appropriate disposal facility to unload

• Inspects their assigned vehicle at the start and finish of the route (pre- and post-trip inspection), completes the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report for any damage or malfunction, and submits the report to their supervisor

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience

High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalency; 3 to 5 years experience in medium to heavy construction equipment operation or related work

OR

Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted

Licenses or Certifications

• Valid North Carolina Class C Drivers License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire
• Valid North Carolina Class A OR Class B Commercial Drivers License with a satisfactory driving record or the ability to obtain within 90 days of hire

Additional Information

Knowledge Of:

• Heavy equipment operation and maintenance
• Occupational hazards and applicable safety principles and practices
• Uses and properties of supplies and equipment
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations
• Computer documentation software/modern office technology

Skill In:

• Customer service
• Attention to detail to perform tasks accurately
• Supports daily operational readiness by reviewing assigned routes, equipment needs, and work instructions established by Foremen, Supervisors, and Management

Ability To:

• Complete required operational documentation and prepare accurate, concise reports of work performed
• Work effectively as part of a team and coordinate tasks with coworkers
• Recognize potential hazards, and maintain high standards of quality and safety
• Maintain high standards of work quality
• Collaborate with management

ADA and Other Requirements:

Work Environment and Physical Effort:

Very Heavy: Exerting more than 100 pounds of force occasionally, more than 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or more than 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Work Environment:

Work is typically performed in an outdoor environment, construction site, or in a vehicle. Employees may occasionally work in confined spaces, warehouse environment, or shop environment.

Work Exposures:

There is frequent exposure to extreme cold (below 32 degrees), extreme heat (above 100 degrees), moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and loud noises. Employees may occasionally be exposed to individuals who are hostile or irate, communicable diseases, and toxic or caustic chemicals or substances.

City of Raleigh is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.

When you join the City of Raleigh's work family as a full-time employee, your benefits are an important part of your "total rewards". Your benefits impact many aspects of your life including your health, your finances, and the protection of your family. The City provides a comprehensive benefits package as part of our total rewards program to support you through important events in your life, to enhance your life outside work, and to help you plan and prepare for the future.

To find out about the Citys benefits package, and other programs, please visit our Employee Benefits page: https://raleighnc.gov/services/jobs-and-volunteering/pay-and-benefits

The City employs temporary and seasonal employees who generally are scheduled to work on a short-term basis. However, if you are hired as a temporary or seasonal employee, or as an intern, you are not eligible for the City of Raleigh's benefits.

01

Please select your highest level of education completed.

• Some high school
• High school diploma (or GED)
• Some college
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree
• PhD or other professional degree

02

How much relevant or comparable work experience do you have in this field?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to less than 2 years
• 2 to less than 3 years
• 3 to less than 4 years
• 4 to less than 5 years
• 5 to less than 6 years
• 6 to less than 7 years
• 7 to less than 8 years
• 8 to less than 9 years
• 9 to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

03

Have you ever been terminated or forced to resign from a position?

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered "yes" to being terminated or forced to resign, please provide an explanation and the date.

05

Do you have a valid North Carolina Drivers License Class C or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire?

• Yes, I currently have a valid NC Drivers License.
• I do not currently have a valid NC Drivers License, but I can obtain one within 60 days of hire.
• No, I do not currently have a valid NC Drivers License and NO, I cannot obtain one within 60 days of hire.

06

Do you have a valid North Carolina Class A (CDL) Commercial Drivers License or the ability to obtain within 90 days of hire?

• Yes, I currently have a valid NC Class A Drivers License.
• No, I do not currently have a valid NC Class A Drivers License, but I can obtain one within 90 days of hire.
• No, I do not currently have a valid NC Class A Drivers License and NO, I cannot obtain one within 90 days of hire.

07

Do you have a valid Class B Commercial Drivers License (CDL) or the ability to obtain within 90 days of hire?

• Yes, I currently have a valid NC Class B Drivers License.
• No, I do not currently have a valid NC Class B Drivers License, but I can obtain one within 90 days of hire.
• No, I do not currently have a valid NC Class B Drivers License and NO, I cannot obtain one within 90 days of hire.

08

Are you willing to work weekends, holidays, and other irregular work schedules as needed?

• Yes
• No

09

This is a field work position that involves exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, inclement weather conditions, and working around heavy equipment. How many years of field work experience do you have?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to less than 3 years
• 3 to less than 6 years
• 6 to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

10

How many years of experience do you have in waste management, recycling, or yard waste collection?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to less than 3 years
• 3 to less than 6 years
• 6 to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

11

Do you have experience working in a municipal operation? If so, how many years?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to less than 3 years
• 3 to less than 6 years
• 6 to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

12

Please provide a brief description of your experience in waste management, recycling, or yard waste collection.

Required Question

Employer City of Raleigh North Carolina

Address 222 W. Hargett St.

Raleigh, North Carolina, 27601

Website https://raleighnc.gov