Municipal Sanitation and Equipment Operator

Salary: $43,831.71 - $70,130.73 AnnuallyLocation : Public Works, NCJob Type: Regular, Full-timeDepartment: Community ServicesDivision: Public WorksOpening Date: 03/25/2026Closing Date: 4/15/2026 11:59 PM EasternFLSA: Non-Exempt Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs if they believe they are unable to perform every task on a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The town will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. About the PositionThe Town of Hillsborough is seeking a skilled Equipment Operator to support municipal public works operations, including sanitation and solid waste collection, trash-route collection, CDL driving work, and the operation of light- to heavy-duty equipment for grounds and street maintenance and repair. Work includes supporting street maintenance, right-of-way work, parks and facilities upkeep, storm response, and customer service activities. Job DutiesESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties are representative of this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.Operates CDL-required vehicles on assigned municipal trash routes, including solid waste trucks, rear-loaders, automated side-loaders, grapple trucks, leaf trucks, and dump trucks.Collects residential refuse, yard waste, downtown trash receptacles, park litter, and facility waste; provides "back-door" service for qualified residents and delivers rollout carts; transports collected materials to the landfill.Performs asphalt maintenance and repair using hotbox equipment, cold-patch materials, and related tools.Performs town park facility maintenance (picnic shelters, restrooms, playgrounds and fields), trail maintenance, and stormwater facility upkeep.Performs emergency and safety operations for severe weather cleanup and routine maintenance, tree removal, and public right-of-way debris removal; serves on call for emergencies.Installs seasonal décor; supports special events with delivery of recycling and garbage containers and barricades and litter collection; provides setup and clean up for town functions; provides maintenance for town clock.Conducts routine servicing and cleaning of trucks and equipment; ensures safe work zones and proper traffic control.Communicates with residents regarding routes, policies, code compliance, and service notices.Performs other duties as required. Position QualificationsEducation, Experience and Career Progression:High School Diploma/GED and 6 months of related experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.Licensure, Certification, and Specialized Training:Required at hire: Class B Commercial Driver's License.Required within 6 months:Class A Commercial Driver's LicenseAerial Lift Truck certificationNational Incident Management System Certification levels 100, 700, and 800Preferred: NC LTAP Road Scholar and Advanced Road Scholar.Certifications required for continued employment, including the Class A CDL, Aerial Lift Truck certification, and NIMS 100/700/800, are fully employer-funded. Training, coursework, and testing for these credentials are conducted on work time and associated fees are covered by the Town of Hillsborough. Training and coursework for career progression is also supported by the town.Career Progression PathThe Equipment Operator role is part of a structured, transparent pay-grade and development ladder. Career growth is based on demonstrated skill, certifications, performance, and experience.Equipment Operator I - salary grade 4, range: $43,831.71 - $70,130.73Equipment Operator II - salary grade 6, range: $48,094.61 - $76,951.38. Additional minimum training and experience: 1-year related experience and demonstrated ability to competently operate all Public Works equipment.Equipment Operator III - salary grade 7, range: $50,379.11- $80,606.57 Additional minimum training and experience: 3-years related experience, class A CDL, demonstrated ability to operate all equipment, NC LTAP Advance Road Scholar, and aerial lift truck certification.Annual cost of living adjustments, performance evaluations, and periodic salary class and compensation studies conducted (subject to the Board of Commissioners approval).Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:Must be physically able to operate a truck, tractor, and numerous small tools and equipment.Must be able to exert in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.; must be able to lift and/or carry weights of 10 to 50 pounds.Works in adverse environmental conditions, including exposure to heat/cold, wetness, humidity, dusts, dirt, machinery hazards, vibrations, noise, odors, smoke, electrical currents, and toxic agents. Supplemental InformationKnowledgeMunicipal public-works operations, including sanitation routes, street and stormwater maintenance, and right-of-way work.Safe operation and maintenance of heavy equipment, CDL vehicles, and small-engine tools.OSHA regulations, NC DOT standards, and town policies relevant to safety and field operations.Basic methods, materials, and tools used in drainage, pavement repair, grounds maintenance, and solid-waste collection.SkillsSkillfully operate a wide range of heavy, light, and specialized equipment, such as dump trucks, solid waste collection vehicles, leaf vacuums, loaders, skid steers, backhoes, and mowing equipment.Perform routine equipment inspections, preventative maintenance, and safe vehicle operation.Use software and digital tools such as Microsoft 365, Utility Cloud, GIS, and basic mobile/field-service applications.Communicate clearly and professionally with residents, coworkers, and supervisors.AbilitiesFollow established safety procedures, maintain safe work zones, and respond effectively to changing conditions or emergencies.Work outdoors in extreme weather, performing physically demanding tasks including lifting, carrying, and operating equipment for extended periods.Read, interpret, and follow policies, route instructions, regulations, and technical materials.Work independently or as part of a team, manage time effectively, and maintain a high standard of work quality.Provide courteous customer service and represent the Town in a positive and professional manner.A competitive benefits package is provided:12 paid vacation days/year12 paid sick days/year12-13 paid holidays/yearBereavement leavePaid voting leave6 weeks paid parental leaveEmployer-paid medical insurance for employee, up to an annual value of $11,363 (2026-27)Employer-paid dental insurance for employee, an annual value of $374 (2026-27)Employer-paid vision insuranceEmployer-paid life insuranceEmployer- paid short-term disability insuranceThree retirement plansLocal Government Retirement System with 13% contribution by the town401(k) plan with 5%contribution by the town457Longevity pay planEmployee Assistance Counseling ProgramSkills training for career progressionTuition Reimbursement ProgramStudent loan and college planning supportPotential for relocation assistanceFlexible work schedule (dependent on position and approval)Transfer of sick leave from another North Carolina state or local government agency will be consideredEmployees have the option to cover their dependents including spouse, domestic partner, and children on the town's group policy at their own expense through payroll deduction.01 Which of the following best describes your level of education? Some High School High School or GED Some College Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Doctoral Degree 02 Do you possess a valid driver's license? Yes No No, but I can have a valid driver's license upon hire. 03 Please select the type of driver license you have. CDL, Class A CDL, Class B Class C Driver's License Additional endorsements 04 How many years of experience and/or training involving equipment operation do you have? No experience Less than 1 year More than one year, but less than three years More than three years, but less than five years More than five years 05 Please indicate the equipment you have operating experience with. Fully describe your experience in the Work Experience section of the application. Backhoe Tractor Asphalt Roller Boom Mower Tanker truck Snowplow Weed eater Chainsaw Pole saw Asphalt distributor/hot box Skid Steer Rear loaded refuse collection vehicle Automated side-loader refuse collection vehicle Bucket personnel lift truck Dump truck Knuckle boom 06 Describe your paid experience performing heavy manual labor and heavy lifting for extended periods under all types of climatic conditions in and around the public. Be sure to include complete information in the Work Experience section of the application. 07 Why do you believe that you are a good fit for this position? Required Question

Created: 2026-04-02