Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00407

Department: Solid Waste Special Services

Job classification: Heavy Equipment Operator

Posting type: Open

Categories: Warehouse, Waste Management, Safety

Summary

This position is being re-advertised. Candidates who have previously submitted an application and were referred to the hiring manager are still being considered and do not need to reapply.

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 as 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 Heavy Equipment Operator position.

About You:

This 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 and operates either a semi-automated truck a or a roll-off truck. The primary purpose of this position is to operate a CDL vehicle to collect and unload recyclables or residential solid waste curbside. In addition, this position may oversee the work of other solid waste service crew members who work in conjunction with the Heavy Equipment Operator to load garbage, recycling and yard waste materials into vehicles for disposal.

About Us:

Solid Waste Services collects and processes residential garbage, recycling, yard waste materials, and 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 preserving and protecting the community’s natural resources and sustainable growth.

Examples of duties

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
• Oversees assigned crew members and directs their work as needed
• Contends with customer complaints and concerns reported in and along the route
• Records and reports accidents and spills involving the vehicle and/or crew member in the field or on the yard
• Uses appropriate in-vehicle technology to safely complete daily work assignments
• Provides special event set-up and assistance
• Transports load to appropriate disposal facility to unload
• Completes daily inspection of vehicle before and at the end of route (pre and post trip inspection and completes Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) for any damage or malfunction and provides report to supervisor
• May operate other Solid Waste Services equipment as needed

Qualifications

Education and Experience

High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalency; 1 to 3 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

Licensing and Certifications

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

Supplemental 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

Skill In:

• Customer service
• Attention to detail to perform tasks accurately
• Work order system entry

Ability To:

• Navigate roads and maps
• Work effectively as part of a team and coordinate tasks with coworkers
• Recognize potential hazards, and maintain high standards of quality and safety

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.