LANDFILL EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

NATURE OF POSITION

Operate and maintain heavy equipment in and around the City landfill including processing and disposing of incoming solid waste; receiving and processing of incoming green waste and other raw products into commercial compost for sale by the City; processing and handling small quantity generated hazardous waste.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General direction and oversight are provided by the Public Works Landfill Supervisor and their designee.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City’s core values:   Service – Integrity – Collaboration – Equity – Leadership - Community
   
   Landfill Operations:
2. Operate and maintain heavy equipment of the City landfill to process and dispose of incoming solid wastes. 
3. Operate a bulldozer, front-end loaders, and landfill compactor to place and compact solid waste; operate earth-moving scraper to excavate and cover waste with soil. 
4. Operate a tilt frame truck to dump drop boxes utilized by the public. 
5. Operate a water truck on dirt roads to maintain dust-free environment.
   
   Compost Operations:
6. Monitor and record the intake of green waste and other related raw products into the green waste tip area.  
7. Analyze variables related to the general formula of composting, make decisions related to the appropriate intervals the incumbent will engage in the processing of materials, and follow established guidelines.   
8. Operate and maintain heavy equipment for the City compost/landfill facilities to process and dispose of incoming solid waste/green waste.  
9. Regularly operates large and small front-end loaders, water truck, dump truck, compost screen, compost grinder, road grader, D-8 dozer, dump truck, scraper, John Deer Gator/UTVs and tilt frame truck.  
   
   Hazardous Waste/Solid Waste Drop Box Operations:
10. Provide assistance in the operation of the Hazardous Waste Facility at the City landfill.
11. Receive, sort, pack, and list hazardous waste according to established procedures; assist in labeling and inventory activities. 
12. Responsible for complying with applicable regulations regarding recycling, household hazardous waste, and stewardship programs which include batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and paint.  
13. Clean and maintain tools, protective equipment, and emergency equipment; inspect facilities and report major defects; assist in record keeping and preparation of related reports.
14. Respond to spills and other emergencies as assigned.
15. Regularly operate and maintain small and large front-end loaders, water truck, and tilt-frame truck.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance which is essential for successful job performance.
2. Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers.
3. Execute assignments, projects, and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work independently and effectively with little direction.
4. Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.
5. Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.
6. Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Maintenance and procedures, practices, and methods used in the operation of a large-scale landfill, compost, and hazardous waste facility.
• Methods of proper operation of assigned equipment, vehicles, materials, hand and power tools used in operation of a large-scale landfill, compost and hazardous waste facility.
• Health and safety practices and procedures.
• Chemical hazards and emergency procedures.
• Understanding of the methods of separating hazardous waste, and proper procedures and regulations for labeling hazardous waste for shipment.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.
• Basic understanding of math as it relates to batch formulations and measuring and quantifying raw material and finished stockpiles.
• Computer systems and associated spreadsheet, word processor and database software associated with commercial compost tracking and production.
• Ability to perform analytical analysis associated with commercial compost production.
• Maintain field monitoring equipment.
• Maintain and service assigned equipment and machinery.
• Perform heavy physical labor.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Earth-moving scrapers, compactors, dump trucks, bulldozers (D-8), front-end loaders, water trucks, road graders, John Deere gators/UTVs, tilt-frame trucks and other related landfill and construction equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sitting and standing for extended periods of time; climbing in and out of machinery; walking over rough or uneven surface; seeing, hearing and speaking to exchange information; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate equipment; intermittently kneel down, stoop, bend at the waist and pushing, pulling and lifting up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Landfill work environment; operate heavy equipment to conduct work; regular exposure to fumes, dust and odors; noise from equipment operation; potential exposure to toxic smoke and gases, poisonous substances, hazardous chemicals; working around and with machinery having moving parts. Uneven surfaces, dust, mud, and exposure to extreme weather.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and two years increasingly responsible experience operating and maintaining heavy construction equipment.  Experience in the use and maintenance of heavy equipment specifically on landfill sites, the handling of hazardous waste and/or commercial composting preferred. Valid state driver’s license and proof of good driving record; State Class B Commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brakes and tanker endorsement or ability to obtain within one year. Ability to obtain a 40-hour HAZWOPER certification within one (1) year of hire date. Valid First Aid and CPR certificate or ability to obtain within one year of appointment. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Valid Landfill Operator’s certification and/or Composting Certification. Washington Pesticide Applicators License. Bilingual in Spanish.

Salary : $57,034 - $72,800