Solid Waste Attendant

Wadena County; Wadena (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Wadena County is seeking an entry-level Solid Waste Attendant to support daily operation and maintenance at the transfer station and landfill in Wadena, MN. The role includes handling waste streams, assisting the public, and performing yard and building tasks on a rotating Saturday shift.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of related experience or training, with safety training and valid licenses. Training and compliance with county policies are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; one year of relevant experience or training.
• Ability to operate tools and equipment safely.
• Knowledge of local and state solid waste regulations and safety procedures.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operates and supports solid waste programs at transfer station and landfill.
• Assists the public with garbage, recycling, or household hazardous waste needs.
• Performs cleaning, maintenance and minor repairs of facilities.
• Helps manage waste streams including E-Waste, paint and chemicals.
• Transports and records data, and participates in training meetings.

Skills

Safety procedures

Verbal communication

Written communication

Computer skills

Reading instructions

Problem solving

Public interaction

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Minnesota CDL Driver’s License

Type III Landfill

Class A license

Household Hazardous Waste

Skid Loader Certification

Pay Loader Certification

Job description

Job DetailsLevel: EntryJob Location: Wadena County Solid Waste - Wadena, MN 56482Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: Vocational or Specialized TrainingSalary Range: $20.19 - $27.52 HourlyJob Shift: DayApplications 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 Responsibilities

• Performs 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 entry
• Attends training, educational and staff meetings as assigned.

Position RequirementsKnowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge 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 Experience

• Requires a high school degree or equivalent; and
• One year relevant experience or training.

Licenses/Certifications

• Minnesota CDL Driver’s License
• Type III Landfill
• Class A license
• Household Hazardous Waste
• Skid Loader and Pay Loader Certification

Equipment and Tools

• Chainsaw
• Tractor mowers
• Utility vehicles
• Skid steer
• Front end loaders
• Air compressors
• Pickup truck with snow plow
• Hand tools
• Cardboard Baler
• Computer and IT software

Physical and Mental Requirements

This 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 Conditions

Work 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 for this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies Common to All County Positions

• Develop, 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 Affimive Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer.