Heavy Equipment Operator

Note:

Current Employees must use the Workday Job Hubs career section to apply for this position.

The mission of Yakima County Government is to provide accessible, responsive and responsible public service through leadership and teamwork committed to understanding and meeting public needs.

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Solid Waste Heavy Equipment Operator-J23-U13-HRegular

Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime)
Overview:

Job Description Summary Pay Rate: $30.12 - $38.20 per hour (AFSCME 2264 Pay Plan, B25 Step 1-13)
Hiring Rate: $30.12 - $31.97 per hour (AFSCME 2264 Pay Plan, B25 Step 1-4 DOQ)
Job Closing Date: 11/5/2026

There is one vacancy with the Yakima County Public Services-Solid Waste Division for a Heavy Equipment Operator. The Heavy Equipment Operator provides skilled work in the safe and efficient operation of heavy equipment with complex controls utilized in the proper disposal of municipal solid waste at one or more Yakima County solid waste disposal sites.

Benefits included in position:

-Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)-Retirement Benefits-Paid Vacation-Paid Holidays-Paid Sick Leave This is a Teamsters Local 760 Bargaining Unit Position.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within 90 days of the closing of this position. (This excludes Yakima County Sheriff's Office and Department of Corrections)
Responsibilities:

Solid Waste Heavy Equipment Operator-J23-U13-HEssential Duties:
Operate a D-8 Dozer or similar for the grading excavating, backfill and pushing waste. Operate a refuse compactor to achieve appropriate compaction of waste. Operate a wood waste grinder for the grinding of materials. Operate other equipment to include but not be limited to front end loader, water truck, bin truck, and waste truck and walking floor trailers.

Apply knowledge of driving laws and proper use of equipment, road building materials, basic survey principles, construction safety principles and environmental regulations related to landfill work. Identify potentially hazardous or unacceptable materials at the job site and coordinate proper disposal.

Responds to inquiries and complaints from the general public; interacts with the public to ensure safety within the landfill, transfer station and recycling areas; explains policies and ordinances related to the Solid Waste Divisions. Performs other duties as assigned. Monitor, control and direct activities at the job site; control flow and sequence of truck dumping, direct customers to appropriate areas.

Respond to on-site accidents, emergencies including fires and explosions and hazardous spills to assess immediate concerns and to respond to them with equipment.

Perform visual safety inspections of equipment; checking fluid levels and tire pressure, refueling equipment, maintain vehicle cleanliness and perform pre-trip (walk around) inspections.

Experience and Training:

High School or (G.E.D.) AND six (6) years equipment operation experience.(

Note:

Applicants with equivalent education and/or experience must provide a detailed explanation.)

Required:

Class A, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Ability to learn to operate all pieces of solid waste equipment within one (1) year of employment.

Consent for queries of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to comply with Federal Regulations (49 CFR Part 382).Preferred:

Air brakes, tanker and hazardous waste endorsements. Experience in landfill construction and maintenance.

Certification from the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA).Equipment Used:

D-8 Dozer or equivalent, Loader, telephone, 2 way radio, wood waste grinder, compactor, twin engine scraper, water truck, grader, waste truck, walking floor trailers and other equipment associated with landfill maintenance.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed primarily outdoors for extended periods and under unfavorable weather conditions.

Requires: excessive noise, exposure to weather, extreme temperatures, moving/mechanical parts, pathogen exposure, vibration, travel, multiple works locations, field work, bending, carrying, handling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, fingering, balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, kneeling, reclining, hearing, smelling, talking, visual acuity, ability multitask, ability to work under pressure, ability to articulate and communicate information in conversations, ability to follow…