Landfill - Equipment Operator III

City of Decatur, AL; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Decatur, AL is seeking a dependable operator to run heavy landfill equipment such as dozers and dump trucks. This role supports daily operations and requires adherence to safety and environmental rules.

Candidates should have a valid Alabama driver's license and practical experience with heavy equipment, along with the ability to work varying shifts and weather conditions. The position involves landscape maintenance and coordinating with the supervision team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required with field training.
• Apprenticeship/internship or similar role experience preferred (1–2 years).
• Valid Alabama driver’s license required for heavy equipment operation.
• Knowledge of environmental rules and department policies.

Responsibilities

• Operate dozer, compactors, dump trucks, and tractors for landfill ops.
• Report needed repairs and safety concerns to supervisor.
• Maintain and clean work facilities; sweep and pressure wash as needed.
• Direct traffic within landfill and disposal site; ensure compliance with regs.
• Maintain landfill equipment and grounds; perform related duties.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Hand-eye coordination

Decision making under pressure

Customer service

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Apprenticeship or equivalent experience

Job description

This position is responsible for operating heavy equipment in support of city landfill operations.

Working Conditions/Requirements:

• This position works Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and every 4th Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. The assigned shift start time will depend on the department needs.
• This position works with Department of Correction inmates who are eligible for the work release program.
• Requires a valid State of Alabama driver's license and reliable transportation to/from work.
• Requires exceptional manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination in order to safely operate and maneuver heavy equipment with or without accommodations.
• Requires sharp decision-making skills, particularly when under pressure.

• Operates heavy equipment in support of landfill operations, including dozer, compactors, dump trucks, and tractors.

• Reports all needed repairs and safety concerns to the supervisor.
• Maintains work facility, including sweeping, pressure washing, and cleaning.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Directs traffic within the landfill and in the disposal site.
• Maintains and repairs landfill equipment.
• Maintains disposal site and grounds; mows grass, weed eats, and operates a bush hog.
• Performs related duties.

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Alabama for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Knowledge of relevant environmental rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures and federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of landfill operation.
• Knowledge of heavy equipment operation and maintenance principles.
• Skill in the operation of landfill equipment.
• Skill in providing customer services.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Exceptional manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Sharp decision-making skills, particularly when under pressure.

Guidelines

• State and federal landfill rules and regulations and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The work consists of related equipment operation duties. Inclement weather conditions contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to operate heavy equipment in support of city landfill operations. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of those operations.

Contacts

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, contractors, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The work is typically performed while intermittently standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and must distinguish between shades of color.
• The work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggle, or gloves.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

• This position may have functional supervision over a crew of personnel when assigned.