Landfill Equipment Operator

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Landfill Operations Manager/Deputy Director, safely and efficiently operating a variety of heavy equipment to facilitate the disposal, compaction, and covering of waste materials at our landfill facility. This position requires a high degree of skill, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to safety and environmental compliance. Operators will work as part of a team to ensure the smooth and effective daily operation of the landfill.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Safely and proficiently operate heavy equipment including, but not limited to: compactors, bulldozers, excavators, wheel loaders, motor graders, and articulated dump trucks.
• Perform daily pre-operation checks (e.g., fluid levels, tires, lights, brakes) and minor maintenance on assigned equipment, reporting any defects or needed repairs immediately to supervision.
• Maneuver equipment in a safe and efficient manner around other equipment, personnel, and changing site conditions.
• Spread, compact, and cover waste materials in designated areas according to established lift plans and operational procedures.
• Utilize equipment to achieve optimal waste compaction and maximize airspace utilization.
• Participate in the construction of temporary and final cover systems, including grading and spreading of various cover materials (e.g., soil, aggregate).
• Assist in maintaining proper drainage and grading on the working face and other areas of the landfill.
• Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, procedures, and regulations
• Utilize all required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Maintain clear communication with other operators, supervisors, and spotters via two-way radio or hand signals.
• Identify and report any unsafe conditions, equipment malfunctions, or environmental concerns to management immediately.
• Participate in safety meetings and training sessions.
• Assist with general site maintenance tasks as directed, such as maintaining access roads, cleaning equipment, and litter control.
• Operate water trucks for dust control as needed.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

• Graduation from an accredited high school (GED acceptable)
• 1 year of experience in safe operation and maintenance of heavy equipment. Landfill experience preferred
• Heavy equipment operator certifications preferred
• Strong understanding of heavy equipment operation, maintenance, and safety protocols.

• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions and to complete assigned tasks on schedule.
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English and understand basic math.
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgement.
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others.
• Ability to work with supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
• Ability to be flexible and demonstrate patience and respect in difficult situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with diverse populations in both oral and written form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Aptitude in performing mathematical calculations and checking figures, postings and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy and proper coding.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge of the principles and processes for effective teamwork and represent the Department and the County in a positive professional manner.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required.

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
• Employee must possess a valid State of Michigan operator license and maintain this license throughout employment in this position.

• Speak to others to convey information effectively.
• Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility clothing.
• Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
• Push or pull carts, reach with hands and arms forward, above and below shoulder level.
• Lift, move or carry objects, equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Stand and walk, climb stairs.
• Sit, bend, stoop, crouch and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner.
• Normal hours are from 7 a.m. through 3 p.m.
• Share on-call duties after hours.
• Work in an environment of moderate to loud noise levels with interruptions.
• Due to the nature of the work, hours may include overtime, evenings or weekends.
• Work in an outdoor environment the majority of the time.
• Regular exposure to loud noise, humidity, hot and cold weather conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles.