Solid Waste Equipment Operator

Solid Waste Equipment Operator

Washington County offers a full compensation package that reflects how much we value our employees. Please take a look at what you can expect to earn as the Solid Waste Equipment Operator your first year as a full time Employee with Washington County Government:

Sixty (60) Paid Personal Hours

Eighty (80) Paid Vacation Hours

Fourteen (14) Paid Holidays

One Hundred & Twenty (120) Paid Sick Hours

County and Employee funded Healthcare including Health, Prescription, Dental and Vision Coverage

County Paid Employee Assistance Plan

County Paid Life Insurance

County Paid Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

County Paid Short Term Disability Insurance

County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance

Up to $2,500.00 Annual Tuition Reimbursement Assistance

County and Employee funded Defined Pension Plan

Vested in just five (5) years.

Credit for Prior Active Military Service and Unused Paid Sick Days.

An Annual minimum Salary of $57,075 starting..

If our Solid Waste Equipment Operator comprehensive compensation package interests you, please continue reading through our job posting to learn more about the position’s duties, responsibilities, prerequisites, etc. and apply online today.

JOB TITLE: Solid Waste Equipment Operator

GRADE: 10

DEPARTMENT: Solid Waste

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Landfill Operations

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

Performs difficult skilled work operating heavy construction and related equipment at the landfill. Direction is provided by the Operations Supervisor, Assistant Director or Deputy-Director of Solid Waste.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

1. Operates landfill compactor, dozer, grader, scraper, backhoe, gradall, roller, sweeper, semi-truck and trailer, dump truck, tub grinder, plow truck, excavator, bucket truck, forklift and articulated trucks.

2. Excavates earth to facilitate construction of future landfill cells.

3. Constructs sediment‑erosion control ponds, swales, ditches.

4. Compacts trash in daily land filling operations.

5. Covers trash daily with earth or other materials (i.e. tarp).

6. Clears trees and vegetation from land for landfill construction.

7. Reclaims landfill cells when full. Covers, seeds and mulches.

8. Repairs storm damage and erosion on landfill slopes and throughout facility grounds.

9. Ensures patrons dispose of refuse at appropriate site by giving direction to proper unloading areas.

10. Inspects incoming waste stream for unacceptable material. Assists with snow removal and ice control.

11. Assists mechanics in repair and maintenance of equipment.

12. Performs related tasks as required or as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Working knowledge of the operating procedures of various makes and types of heavy duty construction equipment; of the safe operating limits of heavy equipment; of traffic regulations; of the principles of highway engineering as they apply to highway maintenance and construction involving the use of heavy equipment; of the maintenance and repair of heavy equipment and gasoline and diesel engines; ability to operate all types of heavy construction equipment; to make minor repairs to heavy equipment and to assist with complex repairs to the equipment under the guidance of an automotive mechanic; to understand and execute instructions; to deviate within specified limits from instructions when field conditions warrants changes; to keep records; to train equipment operators; and to perform other related landfill maintenance functions; ability to act as the on-site eyes that perform inspection of the entire waste stream; ability to operate machinery in close proximity to general public and haulers; and ability to always be alert and safety conscience.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and considerable experience in the operation of heavy construction and automotive equipment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, fingering, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker may be subject to adverse environmental conditions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A valid Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License for air brake equipped vehicles and tanker endorsements.

• Applicants who do not have a valid Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License at the time of hire:

o Must obtain Class “B” learners permit within 90 calendar days from date of hire.

o Must obtain and maintain a valid Class “B” Commercial License within the first 9 months from date of hire.

• Ability to work six (6) days a week (minimum 48 hour/week operation).

Revised: 09/2016, 09/2018, 10/2019, 5/2025, 8/2025

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

Easy Ways to Apply:

• Visit our website at https://www.washco-md.net/jobs/

or

• Complete and email an Application to HR@washco-md.net

or

• Complete and mail Application to:

Washington County Human Resources Department,

100 W. Washington Street, Room 2300,

Hagerstown, Maryland 21740

Washington County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals requiring special accommodations or assistance are requested to contact the Human Resources Department at 240-313-2350, Voice or TDD (D/HH use 711) M/F/H/V.

DEADLINE FOR FILING APPLICATIONS WITH HUMAN RESOURCES:

November 10, 2026 @ 4:00PM

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $27.44 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Hagerstown, MD 21740 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Hagerstown, MD 21740: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person