Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator

The Orange County Solid Waste Management Department has an opening for a Temporary Heavy Equipment Operator. 

The work is primarily responsible for performing skilled work operating heavy equipment for Solid Waste Management. An employee in this class is responsible for operating heavy equipment and machinery, processing,  and loading recyclable materials and assisting residents with unloading materials.   

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Disposal Operations Manager with considerable leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work, and in making decisions regarding customer needs. Supervision over others is not required of this position. Position does related work as required.

Operates a variety of heavy equipment and machinery in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment and materials including but not limited to  horizontal grinder, dozer, wheel loader, skid steer, tractor, excavator, articulated dump truck, high-pressure washer, water truck and brine truck.

Performs daily inspections and conducts routine equipment maintenance work.

Monitors equipment and reports malfunctions.

Maintains daily records of equipment usage.

Answers questions from residents regarding Solid Waste department procedures and practices and explains proper access and use of the landfill to the public. 

Monitors recycling boxes for contamination and removes any unacceptable materials and  customer loads for unacceptable or banned materials and reports findings.

Ensures materials are placed in the correct recycling containers and assists customers unload items as needed.

Removes chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) material from white goods delivered to the landfill for recycling.

Loads or assists in loading a variety of bailed or loose materials to be transported off site by vendors, i.e. recyclables, tires, scrap metal, metals containing chlorofluorocarbon (CFC’s) and Freon.

Maintains structures and cleans work areas free of debris and litter.

Assists with small grading and construction projects, (i.e. maintenance and repair of storm water and drainage features and areas of subsidence.

Adheres to the departmental and manufacturer’s safety rules and regulations, and uses appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); ensures the safety of self, patrons and other employees.

Uses computer applications or other automated systems, calendar, e-mail, and database software in performing work assignments.

Adheres to the department’s safety rules and regulations.

Thorough knowledge of the operation of various heavy equipment such as dozers, articulated drum trucks, hydraulic excavators, balers, compactors, bulk containers, skid-steer, track and wheel loaders, horizontal grinders, farm tractors and implements, etc.

Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices, and the ability to apply these practices to assigned work.

Good knowledge of State and County laws, regulations and standards governing heavy-duty equipment operation.

Good knowledge of the principles and practices of heavy equipment operation.

Skill in the operation of several types of trucks and solid waste equipment.

Ability to drive and operate various types of heavy equipment and machinery.

Ability to coordinate control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, tools, etc.

Ability to clean and assist in minor repairs and adjustments to heavy equipment.

Ability to work independently without close supervision.

Ability to follow verbal, written and diagrammatic instructions.

Ability to effectively communicate verbally and with hand motions.

Ability to explain federal, state .  local and departmental  regulations pertaining to recycling.

Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with the public, management, co-workers, vendors and sub-contractors.

Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail, and database software to maintain records, prepare reports, and conduct correspondence related to the work.

Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, resourcefulness, accuracy, thoroughness, and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of a High School or General Educational Development (GED) equivalency AND two (2) years of work experience in the operation of heavy equipment used in landfills, recycling, construction or related operations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to work flexible schedules including evenings and weekends and assist with cleanup or other operations related to inclement weather conditions or emergencies.

All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of a background check, Fitness-for-Duty assessment, and pre-employment drug testing.