City of Hickory is hiring: Equipment Operator (Solid Waste) - $1,500 Sign-On Bon

Overview

Hickory, North Carolina, is a three-time All-America City on the Catawba River, approximately one hour east of Asheville and one hour north of Charlotte. Hickory has more than 45,000 residents and sits at the hub of a 365,000-metropolitan area with strong school systems, recreation facilities, libraries, golf courses, theaters, art museums and parks. The area features Lake Hickory (over 4,000 acres) with many public access areas. For information about the area, visit www.myHKY.com and www.hickorywellcrafted.com for broader context about Hickory and life in the community.

EEO notice: Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetics, or the presence of a non-job related medical condition or disability. U.S. Law requires all applicants to furnish proof of identity and right to work in the U.S.

Employment screening: All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a post-offer functional pre-work screen and a drug screen, and on a background check. This examination is designed to determine if applicants can perform the essential functions of the job safely.

Position summary: An employee in this class will serve on multiple vehicles that require a Class "B" license. Applicants should possess the ability to supervise subordinate personnel and perform minor equipment repairs. They should have good knowledge of traffic and safety rules, strong oral and written communication skills, and the ability to learn the routing system for garbage pickup. The role involves driving as well as heavy manual labor in various weather conditions. Other duties and equipment may be assigned. Preference will be given to applicants with experience operating rear-end garbage packers, automated and/or front-end loaders under all weather conditions.

Minimum requirements: Minimum age of 18; Class "A" or Class "B" commercial driver’s license required; high school diploma or GED required.

Responsibilities

• Drives a rear packer or automated truck along a predetermined route to collect solid waste.
• Participates in ongoing training provided by the City of Hickory.
• Transports refuse to Transfer Station or Landfill.
• Operates front loader to empty dumpsters on an assigned route.
• Operates leaf truck, junk truck, boom truck, and box truck as required.
• Performs routine maintenance on equipment (e.g., greasing, checking air pressure, oil and other fluids) and informs appropriate personnel of necessary repairs.
• Loads and empties refuse, yard waste, or recyclables into the truck.
• Maintains vehicle cleanliness and ensures it is properly serviced and in good operating condition.
• Maintains radio contact with supervisors, other trucks in Solid Waste and dispatch regarding route changes and work orders.
• Must be able to work on holidays (except Christmas Day), in all weather conditions, and overtime as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned and after-hours work as necessary during emergencies or inclement weather.

• Ability to read, write, and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with high school completion or equivalent.
• Experience relevant to the major duties of the position, usually through apprenticeship/internship or one to two years in a similar role.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid NC driver’s license for the vehicle type operated.
• Knowledge of the geographic layout of the city and of residential refuse, yard waste, and recycling collection procedures.
• Knowledge of departmental safety rules and basic preventive maintenance techniques for equipment and vehicles.
• Skill in operating a rear packer, automated truck, and front loader; safe and defensive driving; and oral communication.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must meet the City criteria for an acceptable driving record.

Physical Demands

The work requires standing, walking, handling tools and equipment, climbing into vehicles and equipment, reaching, crawling, lifting heavy objects, and working in various weather conditions. The employee must be able to lift, push, and pull more than 100 pounds. A functional prework screen by a third-party professional is required.

Safety Sensitive

This position is safety-sensitive and the employee will be in a random drug testing pool. Random testing is conducted by an outside vendor.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a truck and outdoors, with exposure to noise, dust, dirt, grease, moving machinery, irritants, weather, and potential hazards. Protective devices such as masks, goggles, ear protection, safety shoes, or gloves are required where applicable.