Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator

Canyon-County; Nampa (ID); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Canyon County is seeking a skilled equipment operator for the county landfill. The role primarily involves operating heavy machinery and performing maintenance in an outdoor setting, with on-site supervision of Hazardous Waste Screeners.

You will engage in dust control, waste burial, and road grading while ensuring compliance with safety rules. The job emphasizes customer assistance, proper handling of hazardous materials, and routine upkeep of irrigation systems and repair work.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3–5 years’ experience operating heavy equipment; landfill experience preferred.
• Valid Idaho driver’s license with Class B CDL endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment (backhoes, compactors, bulldozers, scrapers, water trucks) per landfill rules.
• Bury/compact waste, grade roads, and dust-control with water trucks.
• Maintain and repair sprinkler irrigation systems and perform basic repairs.
• Guide customers to disposal sites and provide directions.
• Ensure hazardous materials are disposed of safely and in compliance.

Skills

Equipment operation

Public service

Safety regulations

Hazardous materials awareness

Maintenance and tools use

Communication with public

Reading and following instructions

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Job Summary

The primary role of this position is to operate heavy equipment and carry out skilled maintenance tasks at the County landfill. The employee may be assigned to specific areas or maintenance projects. The position provides on-site supervision of Hazardous Waste Screeners. The position primarily operates in an outdoor environment, often involving exposure to adverse weather conditions and risks associated with heavy equipment and hazardous materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Equipment Operation

• Operate heavy equipment, including, but not limited to backhoes, compactors, bulldozers, scrapers, sand trucks with plows, and water trucks, in compliance with landfill rules and regulations


• Bury and compact waste, grade roads, and operate water trucks for dust control

• Maintenance and Repairs

• Maintain and repair sprinkler irrigation systems


• Conduct landfill perimeter upkeep, building repairs and welding


• Perform maintenance checks and minor service work on equipment utilizing hand and power tools

• Customer Service

• Guide customers to the appropriate disposal sites


• Provides customer service by offering directions, answering questions, and explaining procedures

• Safety and Compliance

• Ensures hazardous materials are disposed of safely and appropriately

• Other Duties

• Assist Hazardous Waste Screeners as needed


• Extinguishes landfill fires, which may include exposure to toxic fumes, explosions, and hazardous materials


• Performs all work duties and activities following County and Department policies, procedures, and safety practices


• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities:

• Work effectively with colleagues and the public to provide high-quality public service and establish strong relationships


• Knowledge of landfill procedures, hazardous waste regulations, and emergency practices


• Operate and maintain heavy equipment (compactors, graders, dump trucks, backhoes) and tools in a landfill environment


• Understanding of OSHA, state regulations and county policies regarding safe work practices relating to use of hand and power tools, slopes, heavy equipment and landfill operations


• Perform property maintenance, including irrigation, building upkeep, and fence repairs


• Instruct the public on safe dumping methods according to landfill rules and regulations


• Ability to follow written and oral instructions

Special Qualifications

• Must be able to work a rotating schedule including 12-hour days and weekends


• Must successfully complete a background investigation


• Valid Idaho driver’s license with Class B CDL endorsement

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED equivalency required


• Three to five years’ experience operating and using heavy equipment; landfill experience and equipment maintenance experience preferred


• An equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered

Essential Physical Abilities

• Clear speech with or without an accommodation, to effectively convey detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, loudly and/or quickly


• Sufficient clarity of hearing with or without reasonable accommodation to enable the employee to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information


• Visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to supervise the safety of co-workers and the public, safely operate heavy equipment, identify hazardous materials and wastes, and comprehend written work instructions and work orders


• Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes that permits the employee to drive a motor vehicle, operate heavy equipment, operate a variety of power and hand tools, and adjust equipment


• Ability to lift or move 50 pounds

Disclaimer

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Canyon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions related to recruitment and selection are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.