Heavy Equipment Operator

The Operations Section of King County’s Solid Waste Division (SWD) is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO). If you are a Heavy Equipment Operator who has experience operating heavy equipment with spreading, loading, compacting and digging in an efficient, productive and safe manner, this is your dream job! (SWD will be considering applicants who currently do not hold a Class A or Class B CDL but who are willing/able to obtain it within 6 months after hire.)
  
This recruitment will fill one (1) Career Service position and be used to create a list of candidates to fill either Career Service, Term-limited temporary or Special Duty Assignment for eligible internal candidates within the next six (6) months. 
  
About the Role:
This role is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at the Cedar Hills Landfill and possibly other King County Solid Waste facilities. It also involves performing safety procedures with heavy equipment, identifying on-site hazards, and responding to safety situations, accidents, emergencies, and hazardous spills. Additionally, the role includes monitoring, controlling, and directing job site activities, managing truck dumping, and directing customers. While you may get opportunities to work overtime and earn more wages, the working conditions for this union-represented job allow you to prioritize your life after work.
  
About the Team:
This is a very dynamic working environment that demands high energy and diversified experience with an emphasis on “TEAM”. You’ll join experts committed to excellence, guided by a supportive supervisor to advance your career. You will work both independently and as part of a team so expect to communicate a great deal while applying your interpersonal skills.
  
Commitment to Equity Racial and Social Justice: 
King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.
 
Apply now for a rewarding career at the Solid Waste Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks. Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.

What You Will Be Doing:  
  •    Operate a large dozer D-9 or similar in grading, excavating and back-filling.
  •    Operate a refuse compactor at the County landfill site.
  •    Operate a push/pull scraper of twenty-five yards covering compacted solid waste and excavating and moving soil.
  •    Operate other equipment such as sweepers, slope mowers, cranes, front-end loaders and graders.
  •    Apply knowledge of driving laws and proper use of equipment, road building materials, basic survey principles, construction safety principles, and environmental regulations related to landfill work.
  •    Respond to on-site accidents, emergencies, and hazardous spills to assess immediate concerns and possible equipment use
  •    Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications You Bring:
• Demonstrated (2 years, preferred) experience safely operating heavy equipment such as:
       o     Large Dozer D-9
       o     Back-Hoe
       o     Push/Pull Scraper
       o     Refuse Compactor
       o     Sweepers
       o     Slope Mowers
       o     Front-end Loaders
       o     Graders
• Basic skills using a Personal Computer and modern technologies (i.e. software applications, laptops, smartphones, etc.) for timesheet entry, email communication, virtual training and meetings (Note: You may be tested on this skill.)
• Demonstrated ability to identify potential on-site hazards
• Experience in responding to on-site safety situations
• Ability to work in a team and independently
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills

Physical Requirement: This position requires the ability to work with heavy equipment and machinery on uneven slopes, surfaces, grades and terrain in heat/cold, wet/humid, inclement weather and other adverse conditions such as odor, high volume noise, dust and heavy traffic.

Competencies You Bring:    
•  Situational Adaptability – Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
•  Values Differences – Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
•  Instills Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
•  Plans and Aligns – Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
•  Interpersonal Savvy - Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
  
Required Licenses:    
• Valid Washington State Driver's License upon hire
• Valid Washington State Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License upon hire (CDL) with current Medical Card upon hire OR the ability to obtain such License within six (6) months after hire.
• Current Washington State Department of Transportation Medical Card
  
It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:
• Experience in landfill construction and maintenance

Working Conditions:

• Work Location: Cedar Hills Landfill, 16645 228th Avenue SE, Maple Valley, WA.
• Work Schedule: This position's shifts/work schedule may vary depending on shift bids and operational needs. Scheduled shifts include 5/8 and 4/10. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible.
• Union Representation: This position is represented by International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 302.

Application Instructions: We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives, and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.
  
Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in a (same day) skills test and panel interview.    
  
To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Optional Resume (will be reviewed if submitted)
• Optional Cover Letter (will be reviewed if submitted)

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.
  
Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Keeping King County Green News. 
  
Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Application Process

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County’s vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Jemima McMahon at [email protected].

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.