Landfill Equipment Operator

Garfield County Colorado; Rifle (CO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Garfield County, Colorado is seeking skilled persons to operate a range of heavy and light landfill equipment at the Rifle facility. The role includes independent work for the Operator level and lead responsibilities for the Crew Lead level, with an internal career ladder guiding growth.

Responsibilities include loading, spreading, covering waste, monitoring gas levels, and conducting environmental inspections.

Qualifications

• Landfill Equipment Operator requires a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of operator experience.
• Landfill Equipment Operator/Crew Lead requires four years of operator experience and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate various landfill equipment proficiently without supervision as applicable to level.
• Perform routine maintenance and inspect equipment prior to use.
• Plow snow/ice and maintain facilities for access in all weather conditions.
• Monitor gas levels and conduct environmental inspections as required.
• Lead field staff and assist in training and scheduling when designated as Crew Lead.

Skills

Operate heavy equipment

Safety procedures

Gas level monitoring

Environmental inspections

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Four years of operator experience

Two years of operator experience

Tools

Weigh scale

Backhoe

Loader

Bulldozers

Welding equipment

Job description

NOTE: Schedule changes are dependent on season operations:

SUPERVISION:

Non-Supervisory. Crew Lead will conduct lead work.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Landfill Equipment Operator: Works under minimal supervision and is an entry - journey level position, with some previous experience required.
• Landfill Equipment Operator Crew Lead: Works fully independently and provides lead work. The Crew Lead is an advanced journey level position Operate larger and more complex heavy and light equipment.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB:

Performs skilled equipment operations using a variety of specialized light and heavy equipment for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering, loading, and compacting waste and/or soil in an efficient and safe manner. Collects samples, monitors gas levels, monitoring PCS and conducts environmental inspections. The Landfill Operator levels are distinguished from one another by the independence of work, level of skills, education, and training required in each position. The position levels represent an internal career ladder and professional growth opportunity and may be filled at either the level I or lead based upon the expertise of the applicant and department needs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

(These duties are illustrative of typical essential responsibilities of the job, and may vary according to assignment)

Landfill Equipment Operator:

• Responsible for operating various landfill equipment, heavy and/or light, proficiently and without supervisor, including but not limited to compactor, weigh scale, backhoe, loader, large and small bulldozers, graders, and lowboys to transport heavy equipment.
• Operates power tools and hand tools.
• Performs routine maintenance on equipment, including checking all fluid levels, and adding if necessary, checking and replacing air filters and greasing equipment when necessary.
• Plows snow & ice and maintains landfill facilities and grounds to ensure access regardless of weather conditions.
• According to level and ability, responsible for fabricating, welding, and modifying parts and equipment. May perform welding duties as a certified welder, operating welding equipment, cutting torch, grinder, drill press and related hand tools to fabricate equipment parts or repair parts as needed.
• Performs routine maintenance services on landfill equipment, including changing oil, lubricating vehicle, changing fuel, air, and oil filters, checking transmission, engine, hydraulic and differential fuel levels.
• Performs pre and post inspection of equipment to ensure equipment is operationally ready.
• Observes safety precautions and wears appropriate safety equipment.
• May assist in performing repairs to landfill equipment, as required.
• Screen loads to identify hazardous waste, other unacceptable waste, and valuable recyclables.
• Ensures that all work areas are clean, organized and all equipment is properly stored; including performing fueling duties associated with various types of equipment used in Landfill operations, and performing ground maintenance by picking up any debris generated from facility operations.
• Works to grow professionally by taking courses designated by Landfill Manager.

Landfill Equipment Operator/Crew Lead:

• Perform all essential functions of the Equipment Operator. Assists in training of other field staff.
• Lead and provide guidance to work crews, improving efficiency, ensuring projects meet deadlines and making certain the quality of work & services provided meets department standards. Participate in sharing knowledge, attending meetings, and assisting operators with daily work assignments, issues, training, and emergencies. Provides input to Landfill Manager for staff evaluations.
• Project Planning, supervising contractors, properly documents projects based on state requirements and Landfill Manager direction.
• Communicates with Environmental Engineers as needed to remain in compliance with state regulations.
• Observe and measure the levels of combustible gas or other toxic pollutants in and around the landfill in order to maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Collects samples, monitors gas levels, monitoring PCS and conducts environmental inspections.
  • Maintain complete accurate records and reports including regulatory forms.
  • Maintains all required certifications.
  • Assists Landfill Manager with budgeting and procurement processes as needed.

Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Public Service: A commitment to the mission of providing exceptional services to the citizens of Garfield County. It is who we are, and what we do.
• Customer Service: A commitment to providing exceptional service to all customers (internal & external), which includes being helpful, professional, courteous, and taking the time to understand customer’s needs.
• Stewardship & Innovation: Is a good steward of public resources and looks for ways to be innovative and improve efficiencies.
• Teamwork: Able to work together with a diverse group of people towards a shared goal, while considering the needs of others.
• Business Technology: Ability to utilize the technology required of the position and demonstrates a willingness to learn new technologies as required to assist the County in providing exceptional services, innovation, and work efficiencies.
• Communication: Proficient in communication, and able to communicate using the English language, including written, verbal, or other communication channels as required by the position.

(Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as determined by Garfield County may be substituted for the following requirements.)

• Education & Experience:
  • Landfill Equipment Operator: High school diploma or equivalent, and two years of operator experience.
  • Landfill Equipment Operator/Crew Lead: High school diploma or equivalent, and four years of operator experience.
• Licenses & Certifications:
  • Valid Driver’s License. License must be kept current as a condition of employment.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical activities and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

REQUIRED PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

• Lifting and Carrying: Must be capable of repeatedly lifting and carrying heavy machinery components or tools, often exceeding 45 pounds, using appropriate equipment or techniques.
• Bending and Stooping: Able to repeatedly bend, stoop, and crouch when entering or exiting equipment cabins and while performing maintenance checks.
• Grasping and Manipulating: Able to frequently operate levers, joysticks, and controls with precision while wearing work gloves, even in adverse weather conditions.
• Visual Acuity: Must possess clear vision to safely operate heavy equipment, including awareness of surroundings, gauges, and obstacles.
• Walking and Standing: Able to stand for long periods during operation and to walk safely around construction sites, which may have uneven terrain.
• Climbing: Capable of safely ascending and descending equipment access points or ladders when necessary for maintenance or inspections.
• Reaching: Able to reach controls and equipment components while seated comfortably in the operator's seat.
• Hearing: Possess sufficient hearing and auditory perception to communicate effectively with coworkers and respond to signals or alarms on the job site.
• Sitting: Ability to remain seated for extended periods while operating heavy machinery, ensuring precise control and safety.
• Pushing and Pulling: Be able to repeatedly manipulate heavy equipment attachments, such as buckets or blades, using hydraulic systems.
• Fine Motor Skills: Display precise fine motor skills when operating equipment functions, switches, and auxiliary controls.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is often exposed to outdoor weather conditions that may vary from extreme heat to extreme cold, and to construction equipment and debris, fumes, odors, airborne particles, and dust. The employee is often exposed to the possibility of bodily injury from electrical shock or mechanical hazard. The employee occasionally works in and around ongoing construction; and occasionally in high, precarious places; and is often exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.

The employee is required to drive and operate heavy equipment in all weather conditions, often at remote worksites. The employee is required to wear safety equipment to perform most of the essential functions of this job.

WORK HOURS

• Regular Full-Time position, 40 hours per week.
• Work hours are typically 7:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.
• The employee may be required to work weekends and holidays depending on department needs.

REQUIRED TRAVEL

Frequent travel to and from job sites and field work, trainings, and meetings

TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT

A variety of light and/or heavy equipment (e.g., snow removal equipment, graders, dozers, tandem dump trucks, pickup trucks, rollers, backhoes, sweepers, loaders, rock rakes, and a variety of tools and scanners) used in Road & Bridge construction and maintenance.

Computer and relevant software applications; calculator; telephone system; mobile phone; two-way radio.

NOTE: This position requires a pre-employment background check which will include a Criminal Background Check, Employment Verification, and Motor Vehicle Record. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of these items.

NOTE: This position requires a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.

NOTE: This position is required to comply with state, federal and local regulations concerning Drug and Alcohol Testing procedures applicable to holders of Commercial Driver’s License (CDLs) which includes random drug and alcohol testing and a completed, satisfactory previous employer reference.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT. Nothing in this job description restricts Garfield County’s ability to assign, reassign or eliminate duties and responsibilities of this job at any time. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description describes the County’s current assignment of essential functions. Those functions may change at any time as the needs of the County change or for other reasons deemed appropriate by the County.

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Location Rifle, Co

Benefit Information To view the complete benefits information, please visit https://www.garfieldcountyco.gov/human-resources/benefits-brochure/

Hiring Range $24.64 - $29.57

Full Pay Range $24.64 - $34.50

Driving Classification Essential

Number of Openings 1

Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt

Req Number LAN-26-00003

Open Date 10/16/2026

About the Organization Garfield County, Colorado consists of rugged alpine vistas and high desert mountains in the Rocky Mountain region, which dwells along the Continental Divide. Garfield County is located in western Colorado, where outdoor recreation opportunities abound, including hunting, fishing, hiking, rafting and kayaking, biking, skiing and snowboarding. It is home to the second largest designated wilderness area in Colorado - the Flattops Wilderness, the world's largest mineral hot springs pool, a popular family ski resort, and Hanging Lake, designated as a National Natural Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior in 2011.

EOE Statement Garfield County is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position is currently accepting applications.