Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator

St. Joseph Missouri; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of St. Joseph is seeking a Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator I to operate and maintain heavy equipment for solid waste disposal. Candidates must have a high school diploma and relevant experience, along with the ability to work in diverse environmental conditions. This role does not include supervisory duties and emphasizes safety and compliance with regulations. Join a collaborative team dedicated to public service and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of experience in related field required.
• Missouri Solid Waste Technician Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Operates a variety of heavy equipment including dozers, scrapers, and compactors.
• Cleans and performs general maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Assists mechanic with overhaul maintenance when necessary.

Skills

Safe operation of heavy equipment

Knowledge of landfill operations

Ability to read surveyor’s marks

Good hand/eye and hand/foot coordination

Ability to follow instructions

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

JOB TITLE: Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator I
DEPARTMENT: Public Works & Transportation
DIVISION: Landfill
SALARY: $41,069/year $19.74/hour

CLOSING DATE: July 31, 2025

Job Summary/Scope
Operates and maintains heavy equipment to maintain proper sanitary solid waste disposal and environmental compliance with local, state, and federal agencies for citizens of St. Joseph. No supervisory or budgetary responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates a variety of equipment including, but not limited to dual engine scrapers, dozers, motor graders, backhoes, loaders, articulated haul trucks, compactors, and various other machines.
• Operates dual engine scrapers for excavating areas and stockpiling soil.
• Operates landfill compactor to compact waste areas designated and approved by state.
• Operates dozer to assist waste placement, project construction, storm water best management practice repairs (terraces, lets down, rills, and storm water detention devices).
• Operates loader to move fences and for special lifting, as well as to load dump truck and scraper, as necessary.
• Assists mechanic with overhaul maintenance when assigned machine is inoperable.
• Cleans and performs general maintenance (daily fluid level checks, greasing, inspection, and checking air filter) to assigned equipment.

Other Duties and Responsibilities
Operates all equipment in categories of Light Equipment Operator, Equipment Operator 2, and Equipment Operator 3.
Occasionally performs as a laborer when required.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Employee Behavior and Conduct
City employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct appropriate for the circumstances to those with whom they come into contact both internally and externally during the performance of their duties. Examples of professional conduct include, but are not limited to, being communicative, informative, fair, honest, and respectful.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Skills in the safe operation of heavy equipment.
Knowledge of landfill operations, rules and regulations.
Basic knowledge of environmental rules and best management practices.
Ability to read surveyor’s marks and build area or projects accordingly.
Good hand/eye and hand/foot coordination.
Ability to follow instructions and perform tasks with minimum supervision.
Missouri Solid Waste Technician Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.
Three to five years of experience in related field required.

Materials and Equipment Directly Used
Operates a variety of equipment, from light to heavy; including motor grader, dozers, scrapers, compactor, tractors, mowers, sheepsfoot compactors and other heavy equipment used in the operation of the landfill.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements
Exposure to extreme weather conditions. Must be able to sit for long periods of time while operating heavy equipment. Must be able to operate equipment with dexterity. Some overnight or day travel may be required for business purposes. Vacation and other leave scheduling shall be requested of and approved by the appropriate supervisor.

Education
High school diploma or equivalent required.

Passing of a drug screening required prior to appointment.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City is a Governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.

City of St. Joseph | 1100 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO, 64501 | (816)-271-5300