Operations Heavy Equipment Operator (Material Recovery Facility Equipment Operator)

  • York County Government
  • York, South Carolina
  • Full Time

York County is located in the Piedmont region, between the Broad River and the Catawba River. Its diverse landscape is home to family-friendly towns/cities, a progressive urban region and lakefront communities. We are excited that you want to join our team and recognize that our employees are the foundation for our success.York County Solid Waste Collection & Recycling is actively seeking individuals to join our team. Solid Waste Collection & Recycling supports the operation of 16 Collection & Recycling Centers throughout the county by providing solid waste and recycling opportunities for York County residents, in an effort to meet the waste reduction and recycling goals set by the SC Solid Waste Management Policy Act. York County established the recycling program in 1993 and is recognized as one of the best in the state of South Carolina.

Mission Statement - York County provides quality public services in an open, efficient, and responsive manner.

Vision Statement - York County provides an environment where all citizens and businesses can thrive and succeed.

We invite you to apply to join our team as a full-time (40 hours per week), hourly Operations Heavy Equipment Operator (Heavy & Light Equipment such as skid steers & forklift, Conveyor Belts, and Automation Equipment) within the Solid Waste Collection and Recycling division. The purpose of this position is to perform the duties required for the processing of recyclable materials collected from the Countys collection and recycling centers or delivered by municipalities and private haulers delivered to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF). These duties primarily include the operations of manufacturing equipment for the sorting of single stream recycling to include balers, optical sorting, and production conveyor belt sorting. This position works with contract staffing daily and supports the collection, sorting, packaging, and shipment of recyclable materials. The position also includes commercial vehicle operations. For more information on the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) please view the following video links: Successful candidate must be able to pass a background check, driving record check, and a drug screen.

Compensation: Pay Grade 111 / Salary Range: $20.20 - $24.24 per hour. Salary is determined based on experience and/or education.

Work Schedule: Monday Friday, 7:00 am 3:00 pm (40 hours per week) with occasional Saturdays and holiday shifts; occasional overtime available per operational needs.

Our Total Compensation Package:

  • Compensation competitive market-rate pay, and negotiable based on qualifications.
  • Comprehensive State Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term disability
  • Deferred Compensation 401K Plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Public Loan Forgiveness Program (Student Loan Forgiveness Program)
  • 11 Paid Holidays + 3 Optional Holidays (some holidays may require scheduled work)
  • Longevity Pay
  • SC State Retirement Plan Pension
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time
  • Sick Bank
  • Critical Care and Cancer Insurance
  • Wellness Screenings
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Professional Development / Training
  • Uniforms
  • safety equipment
  • yearly boot allowance

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Operates a commercial vehicle to transport solid waste and/or recyclables from the County C&R Centers to the landfill, Material Recovery Facility (MRF), or other processing/disposal facilities.
  • Maintains the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and buildings surrounding, operates and adjusts automated sorting line, PLCs, Baler, vehicles, and heavy equipment.
  • Coordinates, trains and assigns tasks to temporary laborers and/or inmate laborers for the operation and maintenance of York Countys Material Recovery Facility (MRF), recycling facilities, and county collection and recycling centers.
  • Prepares and loads recyclables onto tractor-trailers for shipment.
  • Operates heavy equipment for the loading and movement of materials.
  • Separates, packages, and delivers recyclables into appropriate categories and deliver as scheduled.
  • Performs daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly operator preventive maintenance on automated sorting equipment, baler, and equipment necessary to perform duties.
  • Conducts and attends daily and routine safety meetings for staff as required.
Education and Experience:
  • High School Graduation or GED equivalent.
  • Two (2) years of experience operating heavy equipment or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Special Certifications and Licenses:
  • Valid state Class B, Commercial drivers license. Class A, preferred.
  • Heavy Equipment Certification and CPR/First Aid/AED Certification or the ability to obtain.
  • Requires Confined Space, Fire Extinguisher, Lock Out Tag Out, Hazard Communications, and Hazardous Materials Training required (Provided by the Department).
  • OSHA 10 Hour General Industry Certification preferred.

Applicants with equivalent experience and education may be considered.
Physical Demands:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

  • Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, dancing, stretching, or lifting all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or exceptional skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving very close tolerances or limits of accuracy.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
  • ­Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
  • ­Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
  • ­Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
  • ­Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
  • ­Traffic; Moving machinery.
  • ­Electrical shock; Heights.
  • ­Radiation; Disease/pathogens.


Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance:
York County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Standard Clauses:

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the County.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Essential Safety Functions:

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

Job ID: 479592510
Originally Posted on: 6/3/2025

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