Environmental Compliance Worker - Solid Waste

Polk County BoCC; Winter Haven (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

FRS Retirement

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Education Incentives

Deferred Compensation Plan

Wellness Incentives

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Free Employee Gym

Free Employee Health Clinic

Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks

Job summary

Polk County BoCC seeks an Environmental Compliance Worker to safeguard landfill operations at the Winter Haven site. The role involves monitoring waste streams, directing traffic, and supporting public and hauler interactions while ensuring regulatory compliance.

The position requires a valid driver’s license, basic mechanical skills, and the ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varied weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license is required; Florida license must be obtained upon employment.
• Must obtain Landfill Spotter Certifications for C&D sites, landfills, and transfer stations within six months.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prevent disposal of unauthorized, hazardous, or restricted waste to maintain permit compliance.
• Inspect waste streams for regulatory adherence and environmental protection.
• Direct on-site traffic, assign offloading sites, and optimize flow to improve site operations.
• Operate small equipment and assist with maintenance of vehicles and machines.
• Complete Daily Work Reports and related paperwork; assist training of seasonal/community laborers.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Safety awareness

Manual labor

Tools

CDL (preferred)

Landfill Spotter Certification (FDEP)

Job description

Solid Waste

Job Description

Environmental Compliance Worker

Pay Range: $17.88 - $25.94/hr. / $37,190.40 - $53,955.20 annually

Location: Polk County Landfill (10 Environmental Loop, Winter Haven, FL 33830)

Employee Benefits

• Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• FRS Retirement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Education Incentives
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Wellness Incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Employee Gym
• Free Employee Health Clinic

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential functions and job-related requirements, including physical and cognitive demands, are described below. This job description outlines the general scope of duties and responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be assigned.

MAJOR FUNCTION

Supports environmental compliance by monitoring landfill activity to prevent the disposal of unauthorized materials. Directs on‑site traffic, ensures operational safety, and provides courteous assistance to customers and haulers to maintain a well‑regulated waste management environment.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Compliance and Waste Monitoring

• Identifies and prevents disposal of unauthorized, hazardous, or restricted waste to maintain permit compliance.
• Inspects waste streams for regulatory adherence and environmental protection.
• Reports violations and ensures proper waste segregation.

Site Maintenance and Cleanliness

• Collects scattered debris such as paper, tires, batteries, and other waste from landfill and access roads; disposes in designated receptacles.
• Installs and dismantles fences and barriers to control litter.
• Maintains ditches, drains, and landfill structures through manual labor and basic tools.
• Pumps standing water from landfill cells and maintains stormwater flow.

Traffic Control and Customer Support

• Directs vehicles to designated dumping areas to maintain orderly flow and minimize wait times.
• Assigns offloading sites to optimize spacing and ensure safe waste handling.
• Repositions signage and traffic barriers as needed to guide site traffic.
• Communicate with customers to address inquiries and resolve routine issues.

Labor and Equipment Support

• Assists residential waste collection crews with loading waste into rear‑load trucks.
• Operates small equipment (e.g., forklifts) and may assist with larger machinery in emergency or training situations.
• Performs light servicing and maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
• Uses hand and power tools for maintenance, repair, and general site upkeep.

Documentation and Training

• Completes Daily Work Reports, Equipment Condition Reports, and related paperwork accurately.
• Assists in training and overseeing the work of community service workers or day laborers.
• Supports recycling and hazardous waste programs as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities And Skills

Regulatory and Environmental Awareness

• Understanding of Subtitle D landfill requirements and related environmental regulations.
• Familiarity with permitted waste classifications, disposal restrictions, and spotting procedures.
• Awareness of safety standards governing landfill operations and contamination prevention.
• Recognition of environmental hazards, warning symbols, and compliance documentation.

Technical and Mechanical Proficiency

• Skill in using manual tools such as rakes, shovels, and brooms for cleanup and maintenance.
• Experience operating power equipment like weed‑eaters, blowers, and chain saws.
• Ability to conduct basic servicing on trucks, pumps, and light machinery.
• Competence in using multi‑hand or foot controls and inspecting equipment for proper function.

Site Operations and Field Labor

• Capability to perform strenuous tasks such as lifting, pushing, or digging in varied terrains.
• Agility to navigate slopes, ditches, and uneven surfaces for extended periods.
• Physical endurance for outdoor work in extreme temperatures, rain, humidity, or dusty conditions.
• Precision in setting up barriers, drainage systems, and temporary fencing as directed.

Documentation and Reporting

• Accuracy in completing daily work logs, condition checklists, and job tickets.
• Attention to detail when identifying operational needs and communicating field observations.
• Familiarity with basic measurements, quantities, and spatial assessments in field tasks.

Communication and Interpersonal Ability

• Capacity to follow verbal instructions and written guidelines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to relay directions clearly to drivers and coworkers in high‑traffic areas.
• Skill in resolving common questions from haulers, residents, or site visitors.
• Professionalism when supervising or assisting temporary or community labor crews.

Safety and Compliance Execution

• Consistent use of PPE, including hard hats, safety boots, gloves, and eye protection.
• Readiness to work in areas involving noise, odor, dust, or exposure to chemicals.
• Awareness of personal and coworker safety while maneuvering around active equipment.
• Observation skills to detect unsafe behaviors, damaged signage, or operational hazards.

Minimum Qualifications

A valid driver’s license is required; a Florida driver’s license must be obtained upon employment.
The employee must maintain a clean driving record to operate an assigned county vehicle.

SPECIAL PREFERENCE

• Must obtain Landfill Spotter Certifications for C&D sites, landfills, and transfer stations from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) within six (6) months of employment.
• Prefer applicants to have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Special Requirements

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the county and its residents.