Equipment Operator

Kootenai County; Coeur d'Alene (ID); On-site; USD 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Excellent benefits including medical

Generous PTO

PERSI retirement

Career growth

Job summary

Kootenai County in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, is seeking an Equipment Operator - Solid Waste. The role focuses on operating heavy equipment, performing preventative maintenance, and ensuring safe, compliant operations at disposal facilities.

The position requires strong safety practices, ability to work outdoors in all weather, and willingness to work weekends/holidays with overtime. Benefits include health care, retirement (PERSI), and opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Operate a wide range of heavy equipment (loaders, excavators, dump trucks, semis, trailers, forklifts, water trucks).
• Manage traffic flow and waste movement at transfer stations and landfills.
• Inspect, service and perform maintenance on equipment; assist mechanics.
• Perform site maintenance, snow removal, erosion control, litter pickup.
• Conduct waste screening and handle hazardous materials safely.
• Educate customers on facility rules and disposal methods.
• Respond to on-site incidents, spills, or emergencies when needed.

Skills

Safe operation of heavy equipment

Public interaction

Time management

Reliability

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Class A CDL with tanker endorsement

Forklift certification

Scale house certification

Waste screening certification

Traffic flagging certification

Job description

Equipment Operator - Solid Waste

Are you skilled with heavy equipment, comfortable working outdoors, and proud of doing hands‑on work that keeps things running smoothly? We’re looking for a dependable, safety-focused Equipment Operator to help operate and maintain our solid waste disposal facilities.

This is more than just driving equipment—it’s about teamwork, responsibility, and making sure our facilities operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance every single day.

Why You’ll Love This Opportunity:

• Competitive Pay: $20.43 to $22.27 per hour depending on experience
• Amazing Benefits: Enjoy an exceptional benefits package, including health care for eligible employees and their dependents through our free medical clinic, offering primary care, medications, lab services, and more
• Generous Paid Time Off: Earn up to 8 hours of vacation each month, with increases based on your years of service. We believe in giving you time to relax and recharge!
• Secure Your Future: Benefit from a strong retirement plan through the Public Employees Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI), so you can feel confident about your future.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement and eligibility for public student loan forgiveness.

What You’ll Do:

Operate a wide range of heavy wheeled and tracked equipment, including loaders, excavators, dump trucks, semi‑trucks and trailers, forklifts, water trucks, and more

Manage traffic flow and waste movement at transfer stations and landfill sites

Inspect, service, and perform preventative maintenance on equipment

Identify equipment issues and assist mechanics with repairs

Perform physical labor such as site maintenance, snow removal, fencing, erosion control, and litter pickup

Conduct waste screening and handle hazardous or unacceptable materials properly

Educate customers on facility rules and acceptable disposal methods

Respond to on‑site incidents, spills, or emergencies when needed

Support and mentor other staff and assist with crew leadership when required

Take a closer look at the full job description to see if this role is the right fit for you

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong ability to safely operate heavy equipment in all weather and site conditions
• Solid understanding of safety procedures, traffic rules, and hazardous materials
• Good communication skills and the ability to work with the public professionally
• Reliability, strong follow‑through, and good time management
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, overtime, and rotating on‑call shift

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED
• 4+ years of related experience and/or training (or an equivalent combination of education

Required Certifications & Licenses

Must possess or obtain within 6 months of hire:

• Class A CDL with tanker endorsement
• Forklift, scale house, waste screening, and traffic flagging certifications

Must possess or obtain within 1 year of hire:

• First Aid & CPR
• Hazardous Waste Operations certification
• CFC removal certification

Work Environment

This is a physically demanding, outdoor role performed in all weather conditions. You’ll be lifting, bending, climbing, and working around heavy machinery, noise, fumes, and other hazards—safety gear is required and provided.

If you’re hardworking, mechanically inclined, and take pride in being part of a team that keeps the community running, we want to hear from you.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

You’ll be working in Kootenai County one of the most picturesque places in northern Idaho! Nestled among scenic mountains and over 20 pristine lakes, our county is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Located in Coeur d'Alene, you’ll enjoy a low crime rate, access to stunning natural beauty, and a peaceful, friendly community—making it the ideal place to work and live.

Ready to Apply?

Visit our online application page Kootenai County Employment Opportunities to submit your application, cover letter and resume. Open Until filed!

Questions?

Reach out to our Human Resources team at [phone] or email [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets Preference/Drug-Free Workplace