HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR at City of Thomasville – Thomasville, Georgia

JOB SUMMARY

The Landfill Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating various heavy machinery to perform tasks related to landfill operations. This includes the loading, unloading, and moving of waste materials, ensuring proper compaction, and maintaining the integrity of landfill areas. The operator is also responsible for performing routine maintenance and inspections on equipment, adhering to safety regulations, and ensuring compliance with environmental and operational standards. The role requires strong attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to work in outdoor, sometimes challenging conditions, while maintaining a focus on safety, productivity, and environmental sustainability.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Operate heavy equipment such as track loaders, off-road trucks, tractors, excavators, and other landfill machinery to move and compact waste materials efficiently.
• Perform daily pre-operation checks and routine maintenance on equipment, ensuring all machinery is in good working condition.
• Monitor and maintain proper compaction of waste materials to maximize landfill capacity and maintain environmental compliance.
• Safely load, unload, and transport materials to designated areas within the landfill site.
• Assist in maintaining landfill operations by properly covering waste, ensuring the site remains organized and safe.
• Follow all safety guidelines, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensure compliance with safety standards to prevent accidents or injuries.
• Adhere to all environmental regulations and landfill operational procedures, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Report any equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or environmental concerns to supervisors promptly.
• Collaborate with other team members to maintain an efficient workflow and support overall landfill operations.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment usage, maintenance, and safety checks as required.
• Respond to emergency situations, such as equipment breakdowns or hazardous conditions, quickly and appropriately.
• Performs special tasks and assignments as delegated by the department head or designee.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must attend and pass the State of Georgia Landfill operator’s test.
• Must possess a valid Georgia driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Should be knowledgeable of and familiar with track loaders, heavy off-road haulers, excavators, tractors and graders.
• Ability to quickly address equipment malfunctions, site issues, or operational challenges and take appropriate corrective action.
• Basic knowledge of routine equipment maintenance and the ability to identify and address common mechanical issues.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS

The position requires frequent heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs), extended periods of sitting while operating machinery, and regular standing and walking on uneven ground. It also involves occasional climbing, bending, and crouching for maintenance tasks. The role demands strong manual dexterity, physical stamina to work in various weather conditions, and the ability to operate equipment with good hand-eye coordination for safety and precision.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The role is primarily outdoors, with exposure to harsh weather conditions, noise, dust, odors, and occasionally confined spaces. There are safety risks from hazardous materials and moving machinery. The position may require irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays, and demands significant physical stamina for operating equipment and maintenance tasks.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.