Equipment Operator - Solid Waste

Kootenai County, ID; Coeur d'Alene (ID); On-site; USD 74,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Amazing benefits

Generous PTO

PERSI retirement plan

Career growth

Job summary

Kootenai County is seeking an Equipment Operator for solid waste facilities in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. You will operate a broad range of heavy equipment and manage traffic, inspections, and maintenance while ensuring safety and compliance.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and 4+ years of related experience, with certifications pursued within 6–12 months. Excellent teamwork and public-facing communication are essential.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Educate customers on facility rules and acceptable disposal methods.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

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: $81,827.00 annual salary
• 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.

Candidates for employment must successfully complete the County's pre-employment background and drug screening.

Questions?

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

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets Preference/Drug-Free Workplace