Solid Waste Attendant

Wadena County; Minnesota; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Wadena County in Minnesota seeks a Solid Waste Attendant to support daily operation and maintenance of the transfer station and demolition landfill, including equipment, buildings and grounds. Duties include loading outbound trailers, inspecting inbound loads, assisting residents with garbage, recycling and household hazardous waste, and performing grounds work.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of relevant experience or training.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and one year relevant experience or training.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and OSHA regulations.
• Ability to operate and maintain a variety of tools and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Performs solid waste program services including loading outbound trailers and checking inbound loads.
• Assists public with garbage, recycling, or household hazardous waste needs.
• Maintains and repairs buildings and grounds; operates and maintains equipment.
• Transports and provides work direction to Sentence to Service workers; collects and records fees.

Skills

OSHA safety procedures

Verbal and written communication

Computer and IT software

Ability to follow instructions

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Chainsaw

Tractor mowers

Skid steer

Front end loaders

Air compressors

Cardboard baler

Pickup truck with snow plow

Job description

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on August 26th, 2026.The Solid Waste Attendant provides support in daily operation and maintenance of the solid waste transfer station and demolition landfill facility, as well as the equipment, buildings, and grounds. This position does require a rotating scheduled Saturday shift.Duties and ResponsibilitiesPerforms solid waste program services including loading outbound trailers and checking inbound loads to transfer station and landfill for contaminants and unacceptable items.Assists public with garbage, recycling, or household hazardous waste needs.Cleans out pit area.Enters bins to unplug.Bales and sorts cardboard.Accepts and organizes E-Waste and appliances.Accepts and processes paint and chemical waste.Manages compost and brush piles.Maintains driveway and roads on premises.Maintains and repairs buildings.Performs grounds maintenance including lawn mowing, trimming, cleanup, snow shoveling, etc.Operates a variety of tools, vehicles and equipment.Performs minor repairs, cleaning and lubing of equipment.Collects and transports recycling bins throughout the county.Accepts and records fees.Transports and provides work direction to Sentence to Service (STS) workers.Produces and maintains records.Performs computer data entryAttends training, educational and staff meetings as assigned.While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of proper and safe operation, servicing and maintenance of tools and equipment.Knowledge of local and state laws and regulations regarding solid waste programs.Knowledge of safety procedures and OSHA regulations.Good verbal and written communication skills.Knowledge and ability to use computer and IT software.Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.Ability to handle a variety of typical tasks and problems under moderate supervision within standard operating procedures.Ability to perform fairly standard procedures and tasks where basic analytical ability is required.Ability to communicate and maintain relationships with department staff, other departments, the general public etc. to relay basic information or facts.Education and ExperienceRequires a high school degree or equivalent; andOne year relevant experience or training.Licenses/CertificationsThis position will require the acquisition and maintenance of the following additional certificates/licenses.Minnesota CDL Driver’s LicenseType III LandfillClass A licenseHousehold Hazardous WasteSkid Loader and Pay Loader CertificationEquipment and ToolsChainsawTractor mowersUtility vehiclesSkid steerFront end loadersAir compressorsPickup truck with snow plowHand toolsCardboard BalerComputer and IT softwarePhysical and Mental RequirementsThis job typically requires: sitting, standing, walking, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, driving, lifting, hearing, typing, and seeing. This position is generally moderate duty and may require the exertion up to 60 pounds of force and intermittently ability to lift, carry, push, pull and move objects up to 60 pounds.The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Working ConditionsWork is performed in a variety of environments including office, vehicles and outdoors. May be exposed to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, chemicals, oil, extreme temperatures, intense noises, and work activities requiring constant precautions and safety considerations.The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Competencies Common to All County PositionsDevelop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures.Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.Represent Wadena County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.Wadena County is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer.