Heavy Equipment Operator

The starting pay range for this position begins at $18.62/hour, but is based on the level of qualifications and relevant experience above the minimum requirements.

Full Time: a position working 32+ hours per week.

Schedule can vary, but will generally work Monday-Thursday, four 10-hour shifts.

The Heavy Equipment Operator is charged with the operation of heavy construction equipment, agriculture tractors with large mowers and blades, and large dump trucks engaged in maintaining Biltmore Estate roads, completing construction projects, field mowing and snow and ice removal from roads during inclement weather.  The incumbent also assists other departments with efforts of grading, hauling rock and soil, digging and back-filling utility trench lines, renovation of landscape areas. The incumbent will also provide general support and assistance to the department, leadership, and company.  

Essential Job Duties:

1. Operates heavy construction equipment including, but not limited to, backhoe, excavator, motor grader, front end loader, roadway roller, bulldozer, dump truck, tractor, and rotary brush hog mowers for maintaining open field areas, right-of-ways, trails, lake dams, and other areas. 
2.  Will also operate agriculture equipment for wildlife food plot program, including tractors, planter, disk, plow, sprayer, harrow and rotary mower. 
3. Maintains all roads, walk/bike trails on Biltmore, including storm drains, grading surfaces, placement of stone, and making asphalt road repairs as needed. Operates trucks with snow plows and spreaders and apply sand, salt and brine to roadways during winter. 
4. Hauls soil, stone, brush and other materials as required for projects of the HEO Department and other departments of Biltmore Estate.
5. Assists electricians, and other tradesmen by using equipment to dig trenches for electric, water, sewer, telephone, fiber optic, or other utility lines. 
6. Operates small equipment including, weedeaters, backpack blowers, backpack sprayers, and hand and power tools. Responsible for maintenance of small power equipment, vehicles, tractors, mowers, trucks and other work-related equipment.  
7. Ensures proper maintenance and storage of equipment and tools and organization of tool sheds and garage.
8.  On call 24/7 for flood clean up as required, addressing travel concerns. 
9. Excavating and repairing in ground water line breaks.  
10. Makes repairs to livestock waterers. Maintains perimeter security fences.

Additional Job Duties:

• Ensures compliance of all OSHA and safety regulations in accordance with department standards. 
• On call 24 hours a day and on weekends to plow snow and spread sand, salt and brine for safe travel on Estate roads and parking lots by guests and staff, making decisions on appropriate equipment and safety required for guest and employee travel.

Qualifications:

1. High school diploma.  Two-year college degree in a related field (turf maintenance, horticulture, construction project management, heavy equipment operation) and/or additional training, and certifications strongly preferred.
2. At least two (2) years of related experience.  Equivalent combination of education and experience considered.  The ideal candidate will have had prior experience operating heavy equipment (backhoe, excavator, bulldozer, dump truck etc.) in a similar environment or other guest service setting.
3. Demonstrated commitment to providing world class internal & external guest service.
4. Strong knowledge of equipment safety and operational protocols, as well as the ability to identify shrubs, trees, and other flora and identify issues.
5. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; conveys information clearly, concisely; builds positive, professional relationships; team player; works effectively independently. 
6. Strong planning, organizational, time/project management skills; adapts and prioritizes work; focus on quality and keen attention to details.

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to become WPS certified within 10 days of hire and obtain a NC Commercial Pesticide Applicators license within one year of hire.
2. Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time; must be able to kneel, stoop, bend, reach below and overhead.  Ability to lift 25-50 lbs, frequently; 50-100 lbs. occasionally
3. Must be able to climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding as needed.   
4. Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather with fluctuations in temperature and conditions.  Airborne particulates (dust, pollen, smoke, etc.) may also be present depending on season. 
5. Class A North Carolina commercial driver’s license (CDL) or the ability to obtain one is required; applicants should be at least 21 years of age & have a clean driving record.