Heavy Equipment Operator (I, II, or III)

Position Summary:

The Solid Waste Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and support of the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority’s (SCMUA) Sanitary Landfill, Bulky Waste Processing Facility, and associated solid waste management facilities. Operators perform a variety of skilled heavy equipment operations and related maintenance activities necessary to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and the effective management of solid waste operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Operate and maintain a variety of gasoline and diesel-powered heavy equipment, including landfill compactors, bulldozers, front-end loaders, backhoes, and other related equipment utilized in solid waste operations.
2. Safely maneuver equipment on uneven, rocky, soft, or otherwise challenging terrain, adapting to changing site and weather conditions.
3. Operate equipment in close proximity to buildings, utilities, structures, drop-offs, pipelines, trees, and other obstructions while maintaining safe clearances and exercising sound judgment.
4. Review work plans, sketches, blueprints, grade stakes, and related project documents to understand site development, excavation, grading, and filling requirements.
5. Perform waste placement, spreading, compaction, grading, excavation, and cover operations in accordance with operational plans, permit requirements, and supervisory direction.
6. Monitor and direct the proper unloading, placement, compaction, and covering of incoming solid waste at the active working face.
7. Conduct routine pre-operational and post-operational inspections of assigned equipment, including checking fluid levels, lubrication points, tires, brakes, safety systems, and other critical components.
8. Complete and maintain required equipment inspection reports, maintenance logs, operational records, and daily or weekly checklists.
9. Report equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, operational deficiencies, accidents, injuries, fires, spills, or other incidents immediately to supervisory personnel.
10. Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, fueling, washing, steam cleaning, and general housekeeping of equipment, facilities, and grounds.
11. Support construction, maintenance, and environmental compliance activities associated with landfill operations, stormwater management systems, leachate collection systems, roadways, and other facility infrastructure.
12. Respond to emergency situations and participate in emergency operations as directed.
13. Maintain compliance with all SCMUA policies, safety procedures, environmental regulations, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
14. Work overtime, extended shifts, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs as operational needs require.
15. Perform other duties as assigned to support the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of SCMUA Solid Waste Facilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language sufficiently to perform the duties of the position.
3. Possession of a valid New Jersey Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Advancement to higher operator classifications may require additional endorsements and certifications as determined by SCMUA.
4. Minimum of three (3) years of experience operating and maintaining heavy construction, earthmoving, landfill, or related equipment.
5. Demonstrated ability to safely operate multiple types of heavy equipment under varying site and weather conditions.
6. Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions and carry out assigned tasks independently.
7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, customers, and regulatory personnel.
8. Ability to react promptly, safely, and effectively during emergencies and unusual operating conditions.
9. Knowledge of heavy equipment capabilities, limitations, operating principles, and routine maintenance requirements.
10. Knowledge of grading, excavation, compaction, slope construction, and surface contouring techniques.
11. Ability to exercise sound judgment when working around personnel, structures, utilities, and other hazards.
12. Ability to maintain a high degree of concentration, situational awareness, visual acuity, and physical coordination while operating heavy equipment.
13. Ability to perform physical labor and work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed primarily outdoors in a solid waste management and landfill environment. Employees may be exposed to adverse weather conditions, dust, odors, noise, traffic, heavy equipment, and other conditions commonly associated with landfill and construction operations. Appropriate personal protective equipment shall be worn as required.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary grade for this position shall be as follows:

• Solid Waste Heavy Equipment Operator I – Grade 7 ($50,000 – $65,000)
• Solid Waste Heavy Equipment Operator II – Grade 8 ($65,000 – $75,000)
• Solid Waste Heavy Equipment Operator III – Grade 9 ($75,000 – $85,000)

Advancement to Operator II and Operator III classifications shall be based upon demonstrated competency, performance, experience, certifications, and operational needs, in accordance with SCMUA Personnel Policies. The normal workweek shall consist of forty (40) hours. Employees may be required to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and emergency assignments as necessary to support SCMUA operations.

Benefits include Health, Dental, Life, Pension, Vacation, and Sick.

How to Apply:

To obtain an employment application, please visit www.SCMUA.ORG. Submit a completed application form and resume to Marguerite Nemeth, HR Director, at 34 Route 94 South, Lafayette, NJ 07848 or via email at MNEMETH@SCMUA.ORG.