Laborer I - Solid Waste

Frederick County Government; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking government organization dedicated to environmental sustainability and community service. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to support operations at the Frederick County Landfill and recycling facilities. As part of a dynamic team, you'll engage in diverse tasks, from curbside recycling collection to equipment operation, all while contributing to the well-being of your community. With a comprehensive benefits package and potential for career advancement, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.

Benefits

Vacation Leave

Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Medical Insurance

Life Insurance

Pension Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness Program

Deferred Compensation Plan

Qualifications

• Valid automobile operator's license required.
• Experience in solid waste management or recycling preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform curbside recycling collection duties.
• Operate mowing equipment and perform landscaping duties.
• Drive County vehicle for collection and transport.

Skills

Communication Skills

Clerical Skills

Decision Making

Safety Precautions Knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Backhoe

Skid Loader

Pickup Truck

Job description

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; 4-10 hour days with variable hours.; full-benefits

This position performs varied duties to support operations at the Frederick County Landfill; transfer station and recycling drop-off center located on Reich's Ford Road. Direction is received from the Deputy Director and/or Division Director, under supervision from Foreman(s), Recycling Operations Supervisor and/or Solid Waste Operations Supervisor. This work is performed in all weather conditions, during scheduled landfill operating hours.

A glance at your potential career advancement:

1. Start your career with Frederick County's Division of Solid Waste and Recycling as a Laborer I.
2. Earn an upgrade to Laborer II after 1 year of employment.
3. Choose to stay as a Laborer with Solid Waste and Recycling OR apply to promote into an Equipment Operator Trainee position.
4. Frederick County staff will provide CDL training, allowing an employee to obtain their CDL plus airbrake and tank truck endorsements within 1 year of promotion!
5. Earn an upgrade to Equipment Operator I after obtaining your CDL and endorsements within 1 year.
6. Continue working as a CDL Operator and increase your proficiency in the operation of light and heavy equipment. You will be eligible for multiple career advancement opportunities within the Equipment Operator job family.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
• Coming in 2025: Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care

For more information, visit ourbenefitspage on the Frederick County Governmentjob opportunities webpage.

• Perform curbside recycling collection duties as assigned for customer service to County residents
• Perform minor maintenance and repair of facilities and various equipment used
• Perform routine cleaning of DWSR facilities and equipment
• Trim brush and trees, operate mowing equipment and perform other landscaping duties
• Set up traffic cones and direct traffic at the landfill working area, transfer station tipping floor and recycling areas as needed to maintain a safe, effective traffic flow in and around the working areas
• Perform regular inspection of incoming waste for unacceptable materials
• Prepare daily clerical records of waste inspection duties
• Drive a pickup truck or other designated County vehicle as needed to collect and transport equipment and supplies, to complete assigned errands, for traffic control or vehicle service needs
• Sweep litter, collect debris and perform other clean-up duties to keep the Reich's Ford Road facility and other DWSR facilities clean and accessible
• Provide information to citizens who utilize landfill, transfer station and/or recycling facilities and assist them with unloading vehicles and handling bulky/heavy items
• Communicate with personnel in scalehouse (via two-way radio) regarding special chargeable items or unacceptable material
• Operate a motorized sweeper tractor (non-CDL) to maintain clear and accessible roadways within the Reich's Ford Road facilities
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Possession of a valid automobile operator's license
• NOTE: Applicants with possession of a valid Commercial Class B driver's license (CDL-B) with airbrake and tank truck endorsement may be hired at the Equipment Operator I classification ($20.98 per hour). In addition to the essential job duties listed above, Equipment Operator I employees will also have increased operation responsibility to include:
  • Drive a roll-off and water tank truck on-site and off-site
  • Perform minor maintenance/repair of facilities and various equipment used
  • Operate a backhoe and skid loader for purposes of loading materials
  • Operate a water truck on unimproved roadways for purposes of dust suppression as needed
  • Operate a motorized sweeping machine and other specialized equipment

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Accurate clerical skills including the ability to effectively complete and maintain forms and related record logs
• Knowledge of potential hazards associated with this work and appropriate safety precautions
• Effective spoken and written (English) comprehension and communication skills including the ability to effectively read and understand landfill regulations and standards and explain this information to the public, the ability to give clear traffic instructions, etc.
• Ability to effectively make independent decisions, determine priorities and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Work experience performing general maintenance work
• Work experience operating light equipment such as backhoe's, skid loaders or forklifts
• Work experience in the solid waste management or recycling field

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly walk, climb, lift over 50 pounds, pull and push over 40 pounds, reach, perform repetitive motions and drive; frequently stoop, and occasionally sit and crawl
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work outdoors, walk on uneven ground, work in hot temperatures above 100 degrees and cold temperatures below 32 degrees, work in a dirty, dusty and noisy environment, work near machinery and chemicals or fumes, has potential exposure to infectious diseases and is required to wear protective equipment; and occasionally work indoors, work at heights and below ground level

• Available for varied workdays, as assigned, and available on-call for emergencies and special situations

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

1) An evaluation of training and experience

2) One or more interviews

3) A DOT pre-employment physical examination and drug testing (for applicants hired into Equipment Operator classification)