Landfill Equipment Operator

A landfill equipment operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy machinery like compactors, bulldozers, excavators, and loaders to move, spread, compact, and cover waste within a landfill site, ensuring proper grading and maintaining access roads while adhering to environmental regulations and safety protocols; this includes routine equipment maintenance and inspections to maintain operational efficiency. 

Key responsibilities:

• Operating Heavy Equipment:

  Skillfully maneuver and operate various landfill machinery to push, spread, and compact waste materials, including covering waste with dirt at the end of each day. 

• Site Maintenance:

  Maintain access roads within the landfill, ensuring safe vehicle movement and proper drainage. 

• Compaction and Grading:

  Achieve optimal compaction levels by strategically maneuvering equipment to properly grade the landfill surface. 

• Equipment Inspection and Maintenance:

  Conduct pre-shift checks on assigned equipment, performing basic maintenance tasks like fluid level checks and reporting any issues to supervisors. 

• Waste Monitoring:

  Observe incoming waste streams, identifying any potentially hazardous materials that may require special handling. 

• Safety Compliance:

  Adhere to all safety regulations, including wearing appropriate protective gear and following proper operating procedures for heavy machinery. 

• Customer Interaction:

  May assist in directing incoming vehicles at the landfill and ensuring proper unloading procedures. 

Required Skills:

• Heavy Equipment Operation:

  Proven experience operating large machinery like compactors, dozers, loaders, and excavators. 

• Mechanical Aptitude:

  Basic understanding of heavy equipment mechanics to identify and report maintenance issues. 

• Safety Awareness:

  Strong commitment to safety protocols and procedures. 

• Physical Fitness:

  Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks. 

• Attention to Detail:

  Precisely monitoring equipment operation and maintaining proper waste disposal practices. 

Work Environment:

• Primarily outdoors, working in a landfill environment with exposure to dust, noise, and varying weather conditions. 
• May involve working on uneven terrain and around heavy machinery.