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Gaston County, NC

Master Heavy Equipment Operator Job at Gaston County, NC in Gaston

Gaston County, NC, Gaston, NC, US, 27832

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Salary: See Position Description
Location : Gaston County Solid Waste & Recycling Center, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 1580
Department: PUBLIC WORKS
Opening Date: 10/27/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.

As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.
Description

The Solid Waste & Recycling Division is primarily responsible for the disposal of Municipal Solid Waste generated in the County as required by North Carolina State Law and in accordance with all applicable local regulations. Gaston County currently uses an integrated solid waste management plan consisting of sanitary landfilling, compost/mulch, recycling, and related waste reduction programs.

An hourly salary range of $24.71 to $28.72 is anticipated for this position.
Examples of Duties

The duties listed below are not all that may be assigned but are considered essential for an employee to perform.
  • Supervise the general daily duties of all heavy equipment operators. Meet daily with the Landfill Administrator to set objectives. Meet daily with equipment operators to give out assignments and discuss the work plan. Serves as a trainer for new operators.
  • Performs inspection of equipment daily before operation. Check fluid levels. General maintenance and support of landfill infrastructure. Ensures operators are also completing pre-trip inspections and turning them in daily.
  • Operates bulldozers, graders, loaders, off-road trucks, or compactors as needed. Change daily assignments based on priorities and staff availability.
  • Performs visual inspection and routine maintenance of equipment.
  • Reports the presence of unsafe working conditions or hazardous materials. Provide general information to staff, customers, and residents when required.
  • Reads blueprints and maintains grades on slopes, and lays pipe for leachate and methane collection systems. Ensure facility compliance with local, state, and federal rules and requirements.
  • Helps maintain haul roads. Directs traffic into and out of working face areas. Maintain safety procedures on site between County employees and hauling vehicles. Maintain closed landfills (bush hog, mowing, weed-eating, access roads, edge-of-waste markers, etc.)
Minimum Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • 5 years of equipment operation experience.
  • Ability to obtain SWANA MOLO certification within 6 months of hire date.

Additional Information

The applicant selected must undergo and pass a drug screening test prior to employment.
At Gaston County, we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Gaston County will not sponsor applicants for work visas.
Full-Time employees are eligible for the total compensation package which includes:
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Retirement Savings Plans
    • Pension
    • 401K (with 5% county contribution annually)
  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Discounted YMCA Membership
Part-Time employees are eligible for certain benefits as a part of employment with Gaston County such as:
  • Pro-Rated Sick and Annual Leave
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Local Government Retirement Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
Half-Time employees are not eligible for benefits.
To learn more details about the many benefits we provide view our

Overall, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, Gaston County is the place for you.
01

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Professional degree
  • Doctorate degree

02

Do you have at least five years of experience in operating equipment?
  • Yes
  • No

03

Are you willing to obtain SWANA MOLO certification within six months of your hire date?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Currently have

Required Question