Landfill Equipment Operator I

CHARLES COUNTY GOVERNMENT; Waldorf (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Charles County Government seeks a Landfill Equipment Operator I to operate light to medium duty vehicles and waste disposal equipment at county facilities. The role emphasizes customer service, safety, and adherence to regulations while performing yard and grounds maintenance and load screening.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and about one year of related equipment experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1 year of progressively responsible experience operating medium to heavy vehicles and equipment or equivalent.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to meet CDL-related requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operates light to medium duty trucks and waste disposal equipment.
• Inspects vehicles/equipment for safety before operation.
• Performs work with a strong focus on customer service and safety.
• Directs incoming traffic to disposal areas based on vehicle type and materials.
• Assists customers unloading at disposal sites and recycling areas.
• Participates in emergency response plans and debris management as needed.

Skills

Customer service focus

Safety-conscious operations

Education

High school diploma or GED

Valid driver’s license

Tools

CDL Class B

Job description

The hiring salary for this position is $44,880.42 annually.

Open until filled with a best consideration date of October 9, 2026. This posting may close without notice.

Charles County Government is seeking a dynamic Landfill Equipment Operator to operate gasoline and diesel vehicles and equipment in a safe, efficient, and quality manner with a strong focus on customer service. Operator will perform work in accordance with permits and applicable codes, standards, regulations, policies, and procedures. this position will interact with, and physically assists, customers unloading vehicles; perform routine cleanup work as well as general and grounds maintenance at County convenience centers, citizen disposal area, landfill, and other remote sites; and operates waste disposal equipment and light to medium duty vehicles.

DESCRIPTION OF CAREER LADDER SERIES

Landfill Equipment Operator I is the entry-level position of the career ladder series for Landfill Equipment Operators. After one (1) year of satisfactory conduct and performance as a Landfill Equipment Operator I, a Landfill Equipment Operator I that demonstrates technical proficiency, obtains a CDL Class B or higher, completes 30 hours of training related to landfill operations and equipment maintenance, and has a minimum of two (2) years equipment experience may be recommended for advancement by the Landfill Operations Supervisor and Landfill Operations Superintendent. The written recommendation must describe the type and quality of work performed by the Landfill Equipment Operator I that demonstrates the employee is capable to work as a Landfill Equipment Operator II. Concurrence of the written recommendation is required by the Chief of Environmental Resources.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Operates vehicles and equipment to include, but not be limited to, light to medium duty trucks, waste disposal equipment, zero turn mowers, tractors, articulated dump trucks, skid steers, loaders, mini excavators, dozers, rollers, and other equivalent vehicles and equipment at the County convenience centers, citizen disposal area, landfill, and other remote sites. Inspects vehicle or equipment for any safety or other concerns prior to operation. Documents inspections or concerns as required.
• Conducts work in a safe, efficient, and quality manner with a strong focus on customer service.
• Ensures all applicable codes, standards, regulations, policies, procedures, and permit requirements are followed. Ensures all haulers and public follow site rules and procedures.
• Inspects and verifies through physical observation the material requested to be disposed or recycled. Screens loads for prohibited waste. Rejects material that is unacceptable. Redirects haulers if materials in the load needs to be separated before unloading.
• Measures and monitors leachate levels.
• Assists Landfill Technicians and Equipment Operator III & IV with making repairs to stormwater, sediment, or erosion control systems at the landfill.
• Documents and records fuel usage, equipment hours, and tank readings in a clear, concise, and timely manner.
• Recognizes and reports safety and solid waste compliance concerns to coworkers and supervisory staff.
• Performs routine cleanup work, as well as general, custodial, and ground maintenance atCounty convenience centers, citizen disposal area, landfill, and other remote sites.Work may include, but is not limited to, picking up debris, cutting grass, raking leaves, shoveling snow, or cleaning solid waste vehicles.
• Participates in emergency response plans as assigned. Responds to emergencies for road conditions, weather events, and debris management to include the removal, staging, reduction, recycling, processing, and disposal of debris caused by a major debris-generating event.
• Communicates with scale house personnel regarding unacceptable loads and hauler noncompliance with landfill rules.
• Directs all incoming traffic to the correct disposal area based on vehicle type and material being disposed of or recycled.
• Assists customers by physically unloading and processing the customer’s recycling and waste disposal in accordance with all safety and County regulations.
• Secures all buildings and areas at closing.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED). One (1) year of progressively responsible experience in operating medium to heavy duty vehicles and equipment, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Licenses or Certifications

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination conducted by a licensed medical examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry is required.

Special Requirements/Qualifications

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION, AND EMPLOYEES IN THIS POSITION ARE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING.

Weekend work is required.

Subject to call back in emergencies.

May serve in on-call duty on a rotational basis.

Work is subject to frequent interruptions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of codes, standards, regulations, and practices related to solid waste management.
• Knowledge of the design, use, maintenance, and repair of equipment, tools, and materials used in the work.

• Knowledge of traffic laws, rules, and regulations and safe driving practices.

• Knowledge of County and landfill policies and procedures, standard operational practices, and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of customer service and quality standards.
• Knowledge of basic office procedures, computers, and iPads.
• Ability understand and follow through on verbal instructions.
• Ability to make precisely coordinated movements and grasp or assemble small objects.

• Ability to perform grounds maintenance work.

• Ability to successfully communicate, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to actively listen to customers, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Skill to identify symptoms of erosion, settlement, vectors, and litter and proficiently make repairs.
• Skill to safely operate vehicles, equipment, tools, and personal protective equipment.

Skill to prepare accurate records and reports.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is regularly active with periods of heavy exertion. The position requires employees to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 100 pounds; climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding; bend, kneel, crouch, and crawl; reach, hold, grasp, and turn objects; feel the size, shape, and temperature of items; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak normally, to use normal or aided vision and hearing, and to detect odors.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Principal duties of this job are performed in a field setting with some work performed outside.

Employee may be exposed to environmental conditions and landfill hazards such as dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes, vehicle and equipment traffic, landfill gas, leachate, and refuse. Employee works in a team environment and must be willing to accept additional duties.

Department/Division: Public Works Facilities/Environmental Resources

Pay Grade: 107

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Telework Eligible: No

Reports To: Landfill Operations Supervisor. May temporarily report to other supervisory personnel.

Supervises: None