Vehicle​/Equipment Operator

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.

Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.

Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

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, weed eating, 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.

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…