Heavy Equipment Operator

Description

Position Summary  

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for keeping facilities operating in an efficient manner, utilizing various heavy equipment including but not limited to; bulldozers, scrapers, graders track and rubber tire loaders, tub grinders, street sweepers, windrow turners, compactors, and other equipment, as needed. The heavy equipment operator provides specialized mechanical skills in the ongoing maintenance and repair of light, medium, and heavy equipment used at the landfill, compost center, and transfer station. Uses tools, equipment, and associated testing devices to diagnose and repair MWA equipment. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Performs inspections of equipment and communicates observations, repairs, and recommendations, as needed. 
• Operates various equipment, including, compactor, scraper, bulldozer, track loader, disk and sheepsfoot roller, rubber tire loader, street sweeper and windrow turner to turn and mix compost rows, and other designated heavy equipment, as assigned. 
• Tests and drives MWA vehicles and equipment to diagnose equipment malfunctions and makes recommendations on repairs/replacements. 
• Reads plans, blueprints, and uses experience to place waste in the landfill. 
• Lubricates, maintains, and makes minor mechanical repairs of related equipment. 
• Performs periodic walk-around inspections of equipment to identify broken parts, leaks, or other potential malfunctions, checks engine fluids 
• Maintains and uses all safety and protective devices on all equipment and tools and personal safety equipment provided; knows and practices safe working procedures. 
• Attends required training in applicable program areas 
• Provides courteous external and internal customer service. 

Environmental Stewardship – Demonstrates an understanding of Metro Waste Authority’s Environmental Management System (EMS). Guided by the EMS processes and procedures, we focus on six main areas aimed at increasing diversion and/or protecting the environment. These include: 

• Recycling 
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection 
• Yard Waste Management 
• Water Quality Improvement 
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction 
• Environmental Education 

MWA Values - Demonstrates an understanding of Metro Waste Authority’s values and applies them to the position, and assigned responsibilities, as well as to all interactions with customers and co-workers. 

• Leadership – Set the example because everyone is a leader! 
• Integrity – Always do what is right! 
• Positivity – Bring our best to every task, every day and bring out the best in your colleagues! 
• Teamwork – Collaborate because we know that together we will address opportunities and challenges! 
• Innovation – Forge a new path and evolve! 

Competencies  

Following Policies and Procedures - Understands and follows company policies; encourages others to follow work rules; calls attention to actions that may violate policies and procedures. 

Learning Quickly - Quickly comprehends new problems and situations; needs very little time to learn and master new processes or tools; able to figure things out as he/she goes along. 

Performs Physical/Mechanical Tasks - Uses his/her hands effectively; able to perform tasks that require a high level of manual dexterity; able to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time; adept at working with machinery. 

Safety - Demonstrates “Safety First” in every activity; reports hazards and incidents promptly; fosters a culture of Safety, Service, Schedule with team interactions. 

Managing Performance - Clearly defines and communicates roles and responsibilities; holds people accountable for accomplishing objectives; recognizes and rewards people who achieve results and deliver on performance expectations; provides effective feedback on performance. 

Supporting Organizational Goals- Actively supports organizational goals and values; demonstrates enthusiasm toward the company's goals and mission; aligns actions around organizational goals. 

Serving Customers - Builds strong relationships with customers; stays aware of customer needs, concerns and satisfaction; responds promptly to customer questions and requests; effectively manages customer expectations 

Travel 

• This position requires no travel 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) 

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Valid driver’s license 
• 1-3 years’ experience operating heavy equipment 

Preferred Education & Experience   

• Commercial driver’s license 

Physical Demands 

Maximum occasional floor to waist lift, 75 lbs.; Maximum occasional above shoulder lifting , 75 lbs.; Maximum occasional bilateral or preferred carry, 75 lbs..; Maximum occasional horizontal push/pull, 125 lbs. of force; Maximum occasional vertical push/pull, 125 lbs. of force; Maximum occasional right/left grip, 85 lbs. of force; Maximum frequent right/left 2-point/3-point/lateral pinch, 10/15/25 lbs. of force; Constant forward/lateral reaching; Occasional above shoulder reaching; Frequent sitting; Occasional to frequent standing; Occasional to frequent walking; Occasional stair climbing; Occasional ladder/equipment climbing; Occasional to frequent squatting; Occasional to frequent crouching; Occasional to Frequent kneeling; Occasional to frequent bending; Occasional to frequent stooping; Occasional to frequent twisting. 

Work Environment  

Work is performed in an environment with undesirable conditions: exposure to extreme heat and cold, odors, noise, dust, fumes, moving parts, electrical shock, burns and toxic agents. Occupational hazards such as those generally associated with ongoing exposure to moving machinery/equipment leading to cuts, bruises, burns, strains, back injuries, and potentially more serious injuries. 

I have carefully read and understand the contents of this job description. I understand the responsibilities, requirements, and duties expected of me. I understand that this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, the Employer reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the job or to require that additional or different tasks be performed as directed by the Employer. I understand that I may be required to work overtime, different shifts, or hours outside the normally defined workday or workweek. 

Requirements

 Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) 

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Valid driver’s license 
• 1-3 years’ experience operating heavy equipment 

Preferred Education & Experience   

• Commercial driver’s license