Solid Waste Technician III - Heavy Equipment Operator

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Please apply by: 3/5/26

Salary Range: $20 - $26 hourly

This is an non-exempt (hourly) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.

At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

This is NOT a driving position. This position will primarily be working onsite at the Hickory Grove Recycling Center. Its main duties will be Heavy Equipment Operation and Site Maintenance. An alternating Saturday work schedule is required for this role.

LUESA-Hickory Grove Recycling Center - 8007 Pence Road, Charlotte, NC 28215

Under general supervision performs skilled activities that may include operating and maintaining heavy equipment at solid waste management facilities, may include accepting and processing Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW) and may include direct customer service interactions. Incumbent may operate such equipment as Roll Off Trucks, Backhoes, Skid Steers, forklifts, powered carts, and similar equipment. Incumbent may also complete routine equipment inspections, fueling and preventive maintenance requirements;
This position will also require the knowledge of acceptable and non-acceptable waste types and familiarity with NC DEQ waste standards. This position will be working outdoors and may perform manual labor. The incumbent shall adhere to safety procedures at acceptance centers or landfill facilities to process Municipal Solid Waste, Household Hazardous Waste, Construction Demolition Debris, Yard Waste debris and Recyclable Materials.

• May operate large heavy equipment in the collection and disposal of recyclables, garbage, trash, and/or refuse
• Perform minor maintenance and related care of heavy equipment used in daily refuse processing
• Keep the work area clean and free of debris to prevent damage to incoming vehicles
• Assist with directing customers at solid waste centers or landfill
• Assist with cleaning and maintenance of trucks and tools
• Engage in safe working practices and comply with safety programs and guidelines
• Prepare daily Pre/Post trip inspections, fill out daily fuel logs
• May provide direction to temporary labor or community service workers engaged in general grounds keeping such as picking up trash and debris
• Report and monitor unsafe working conditions
• Monitor the safety of co-workers
• May operate solid waste vehicles that require a CDL
• May perform vehicle load inspections and monitor incoming loads for unacceptable materials
• May process HHW by separating items by material characteristics, ensuring that DOT labels are correctly made according to shipping requirements

Minimum of four years of directly related experience.

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted? Yes.

• Requires County Driving Privileges.
• Depending on the area of assignment, may require a Class A or B CDL with one or more of the following endorsements: H (Hazardous Materials), N (Tank Vehicle), P (Passenger Transport), S (School Bus/Passenger Transport), T (Double/Triples), or X (Tanker and hazardous Materials).
• Depending upon area of assignment, may require a Waste Management Operators Certificate (Landfill) or Compost Facility Operators Certificate (Mulch Processing) or Transfer Station Certificate, as required by State regulations and facility permit requirements.

Experience working in the waste management field and familiarity with the nomenclature of terms, job hazards, and standard limitations of material acceptance.