Solid Waste Technician III - Heavy Equipment Operator
Mecklenburg County Government, Charlotte, NC, United States
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Please apply by: 5/12/26
Salary Range: $20 - $26 hourly. This is a non‑exempt (hourly) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level, and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications compared with the market rate and job requirements.
At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, an inclusive culture, and technology to become the best version of yourself. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
Working at Mecklenburg County for LUESA (Land Use and Environmental Service Agency) you will help provide key services that contribute to an exceptional quality of life for Mecklenburg County residents. LUESA’s responsibilities range from enforcing building and zoning codes to managing water and air resources for future generations.
Working with LUESA provides an opportunity to partner with some of the most creative minds and inspiring leaders. If you are interested in working for a collaborative team that is driven by success and innovation you have found the right organization. We welcome talented, high‑energy, fun team members to partner with our community to enhance our quality of life through environmental stewardship and economic vitality.
More About the Role
This is NOT a driving position. This position will primarily be working onsite at the Hickory Grove Recycling Center. Its main duties will be heavy equipment operation and site maintenance. An alternating Saturday work schedule is required for this role.
Site Location
LUESA-Hickory Grove Recycling Center - 8007 Pence Road, Charlotte, NC 28215
Position Summary
Under general supervision performs skilled activities that may include operating and maintaining heavy equipment at solid waste management facilities, accepting and processing Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW), and performing direct customer service interactions. Incumbent may operate equipment such as roll‑off trucks, backhoes, skid steers, forklifts, powered carts, and similar equipment. Incumbent may also complete routine equipment inspections, fueling and preventive maintenance requirements; this position will also require knowledge of acceptable and non‑acceptable waste types and familiarity with NC DEQ waste standards. The position will be working outdoors and may perform manual labor. The incumbent shall adhere to safety procedures at acceptance centers or landfill facilities to process Municipal Solid Waste, Household Hazardous Waste, Construction Demolition Debris, Yard Waste debris, and Recyclable Materials.
Essential Functions
Operate large heavy equipment in the collection and disposal of recyclables, garbage, trash, and/or refuse.
Perform minor maintenance and related care of heavy equipment used in daily refuse processing.
Keep the work area clean and free of debris to prevent damage to incoming vehicles.
Assist with directing customers at solid waste centers or landfill.
Assist with cleaning and maintenance of trucks and tools.
Engage in safe working practices and comply with safety programs and guidelines.
Prepare daily pre‑/post trip inspections, fill out daily fuel logs.
Provide direction to temporary labor or community service workers engaged in general grounds keeping such as picking up trash and debris.
Report and monitor unsafe working conditions.
Monitor the safety of co‑workers.
Operate solid waste vehicles that require a CDL, if applicable.
Perform vehicle load inspections and monitor incoming loads for unacceptable materials.
Process HHW by separating items by material characteristics, ensuring that DOT labels are correctly made according to shipping requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience: Minimum of four years of directly related experience.
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: Yes.
Licenses and Certifications
Requires County Driving Privileges.
May require a Class A or B CDL with endorsements (H, N, P, S, T, X) depending on assignment.
May require a Waste Management Operators Certificate (Landfill) or Compost Facility Operators Certificate (Mulch Processing) or Transfer Station Certificate, as required by state regulations and facility permit requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in the waste management field and familiarity with the nomenclature of terms, job hazards, and standard limitations of material acceptance.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of medium‑duty equipment used in maintenance, transportation, and construction; occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions applicable to safe equipment operation; basic tools used in maintenance and construction work; customer service methodology and communication with customers using disposal facilities; basic awareness of the Americans with Disabilities Act; lock‑out tag‑out procedures; safe work practices and hazards associated with work in an industrial job setting; use of tools, equipment, supplies, and methods used in maintenance activities; different material types typically received such as electronics, fertilizers, acids, or bases related to sorting, separating, and shipping.
Skills
Basic computer knowledge: MS Word, Excel, Outlook, smartphones, etc.
Ability to fill out daily forms in paper format or electronic format for fuel and other required forms.
Performing pre‑trip/post‑trip checks on equipment and ability to operate hand tools and small power equipment (drills, mowers, and powered carts).
Performing manual labor, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.
Must be able to read labels of waste/trash to identify hazards, read signs, warning information, and follow written instructions.
Abilities
Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures.
Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided.
Contributing to Team Success: Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.
Energy: Consistently maintaining high levels of activity or productivity; operating with vigor, effectiveness, and determination over extended periods of time.
Managing Work: Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
Safety Awareness: Identifying and correcting conditions that affect employee safety; upholding safety standards.
Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position‑related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in the area of expertise.
Computer Skills
Basic understanding of applicable computer programs, use of two‑way radios, smartphones, and tablets used in vehicle routing.
Work Environment
Work outdoors, exposed to weather conditions.
Selection
This classification has been identified as having a role in the development of ADA compliant technologies and for which the incumbent agrees to follow county policies to the best of their abilities in order to meet these obligations.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Disclaimer Statement
This is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of job‑related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.
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Please apply by: 5/12/26
Salary Range: $20 - $26 hourly. This is a non‑exempt (hourly) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level, and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications compared with the market rate and job requirements.
At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, an inclusive culture, and technology to become the best version of yourself. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
Working at Mecklenburg County for LUESA (Land Use and Environmental Service Agency) you will help provide key services that contribute to an exceptional quality of life for Mecklenburg County residents. LUESA’s responsibilities range from enforcing building and zoning codes to managing water and air resources for future generations.
Working with LUESA provides an opportunity to partner with some of the most creative minds and inspiring leaders. If you are interested in working for a collaborative team that is driven by success and innovation you have found the right organization. We welcome talented, high‑energy, fun team members to partner with our community to enhance our quality of life through environmental stewardship and economic vitality.
More About the Role
This is NOT a driving position. This position will primarily be working onsite at the Hickory Grove Recycling Center. Its main duties will be heavy equipment operation and site maintenance. An alternating Saturday work schedule is required for this role.
Site Location
LUESA-Hickory Grove Recycling Center - 8007 Pence Road, Charlotte, NC 28215
Position Summary
Under general supervision performs skilled activities that may include operating and maintaining heavy equipment at solid waste management facilities, accepting and processing Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW), and performing direct customer service interactions. Incumbent may operate equipment such as roll‑off trucks, backhoes, skid steers, forklifts, powered carts, and similar equipment. Incumbent may also complete routine equipment inspections, fueling and preventive maintenance requirements; this position will also require knowledge of acceptable and non‑acceptable waste types and familiarity with NC DEQ waste standards. The position will be working outdoors and may perform manual labor. The incumbent shall adhere to safety procedures at acceptance centers or landfill facilities to process Municipal Solid Waste, Household Hazardous Waste, Construction Demolition Debris, Yard Waste debris, and Recyclable Materials.
Essential Functions
Operate large heavy equipment in the collection and disposal of recyclables, garbage, trash, and/or refuse.
Perform minor maintenance and related care of heavy equipment used in daily refuse processing.
Keep the work area clean and free of debris to prevent damage to incoming vehicles.
Assist with directing customers at solid waste centers or landfill.
Assist with cleaning and maintenance of trucks and tools.
Engage in safe working practices and comply with safety programs and guidelines.
Prepare daily pre‑/post trip inspections, fill out daily fuel logs.
Provide direction to temporary labor or community service workers engaged in general grounds keeping such as picking up trash and debris.
Report and monitor unsafe working conditions.
Monitor the safety of co‑workers.
Operate solid waste vehicles that require a CDL, if applicable.
Perform vehicle load inspections and monitor incoming loads for unacceptable materials.
Process HHW by separating items by material characteristics, ensuring that DOT labels are correctly made according to shipping requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience: Minimum of four years of directly related experience.
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: Yes.
Licenses and Certifications
Requires County Driving Privileges.
May require a Class A or B CDL with endorsements (H, N, P, S, T, X) depending on assignment.
May require a Waste Management Operators Certificate (Landfill) or Compost Facility Operators Certificate (Mulch Processing) or Transfer Station Certificate, as required by state regulations and facility permit requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in the waste management field and familiarity with the nomenclature of terms, job hazards, and standard limitations of material acceptance.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of medium‑duty equipment used in maintenance, transportation, and construction; occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions applicable to safe equipment operation; basic tools used in maintenance and construction work; customer service methodology and communication with customers using disposal facilities; basic awareness of the Americans with Disabilities Act; lock‑out tag‑out procedures; safe work practices and hazards associated with work in an industrial job setting; use of tools, equipment, supplies, and methods used in maintenance activities; different material types typically received such as electronics, fertilizers, acids, or bases related to sorting, separating, and shipping.
Skills
Basic computer knowledge: MS Word, Excel, Outlook, smartphones, etc.
Ability to fill out daily forms in paper format or electronic format for fuel and other required forms.
Performing pre‑trip/post‑trip checks on equipment and ability to operate hand tools and small power equipment (drills, mowers, and powered carts).
Performing manual labor, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.
Must be able to read labels of waste/trash to identify hazards, read signs, warning information, and follow written instructions.
Abilities
Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures.
Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided.
Contributing to Team Success: Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.
Energy: Consistently maintaining high levels of activity or productivity; operating with vigor, effectiveness, and determination over extended periods of time.
Managing Work: Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
Safety Awareness: Identifying and correcting conditions that affect employee safety; upholding safety standards.
Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position‑related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in the area of expertise.
Computer Skills
Basic understanding of applicable computer programs, use of two‑way radios, smartphones, and tablets used in vehicle routing.
Work Environment
Work outdoors, exposed to weather conditions.
Selection
This classification has been identified as having a role in the development of ADA compliant technologies and for which the incumbent agrees to follow county policies to the best of their abilities in order to meet these obligations.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Disclaimer Statement
This is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of job‑related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.
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