Solid Waste Equipment Operator

Washington County Government; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County Government seeks a Solid Waste Equipment Operator to perform skilled operation of heavy construction equipment at the landfill. Duties include compaction, grubbing, and directing waste unloading under supervision.

The role requires handling various heavy machines, adherence to safety protocols, and assisting mechanics with repairs. A Class B CDL with air brake/tanker endorsements is required or attainable within the probation period.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent required.
• Experience operating heavy construction equipment preferred.
• Valid CDL-B with air brake and tanker endorsements is required or pursued after hire.

Responsibilities

• Operate landfill equipment such as excavator, dozer, grader, and dump trucks.
• Compact trash and cover daily with earth or other materials.
• Inspect waste streams and direct unloading where appropriate.
• Assist with equipment maintenance and basic repairs under supervision.
• Support snow removal and site maintenance as needed.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety compliance

Record keeping

Maintenance assistance

On-site inspection

Operator training

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Information

• Job Title: Solid Waste Equipment Operator
• Grade: 10
• Department: Solid Waste
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Reports To: Superintendent of Landfill Operations

General Definition of Work

Performs difficult skilled work operating heavy construction and related equipment at the landfill. Direction is provided by the Operations Supervisor, Assistant Director or Deputy-Director of Solid Waste.

Essential Functions / Typical Tasks

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

1. Operates landfill compactor, dozer, grader, scraper, backhoe, gradall, roller, sweeper, semi-truck and trailer, dump truck, tub grinder, plow truck, excavator, bucket truck, forklift and articulated trucks.
2. Excavates earth to facilitate construction of future landfill cells.
3. Constructs sediment‑erosion control ponds, swales, ditches.
4. Compacts trash in daily land filling operations.
5. Covers trash daily with earth or other materials (i.e. tarp).
6. Clears trees and vegetation from land for landfill construction.
7. Reclaims landfill cells when full. Covers, seeds and mulches.
8. Repairs storm damage and erosion on landfill slopes and throughout facility grounds.
9. Ensures patrons dispose of refuse at appropriate site by giving direction to proper unloading areas.
10. Inspects incoming waste stream for unacceptable material. Assists with snow removal and ice control.
11. Assists mechanics in repair and maintenance of equipment.
12. Performs related tasks as required or as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Working knowledge of the operating procedures of various makes and types of heavy duty construction equipment; of the safe operating limits of heavy equipment; of the traffic regulations; of the principles of highway engineering as they apply to highway maintenance and construction involving the use of heavy equipment; of the maintenance and repair of heavy equipment and gasoline and diesel engines; ability to operate all types of heavy construction equipment; to make minor repairs to heavy equipment and to assist with complex repairs to the equipment under the guidance of an automotive mechanic; to understand and execute instructions; to deviate within specified limits from instructions when field conditions warrants changes; to keep records; to train equipment operators; and to perform other related landfill maintenance functions; ability to act as the on‑site eyes that perform inspection of the entire waste stream; ability to operate machinery in close proximity to general public and haulers; and ability to always be alert and safety conscience.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and considerable experience in the operation of heavy construction and automotive equipment.

Physical Requirements:

This is work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, fingering, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker may be subject to adverse environmental conditions.

Special Requirements:

• A valid Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License for air brake equipped vehicles and tanker endorsements.
• Applicants who do not have a valid Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License at the time of hire:
• Must obtain Class “B” learners permit within 90 calendar days from date of hire.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Class “B” Commercial License within the first 9 months from date of hire.
• Ability to work six (6) days a week (minimum 48 hour/week operation).

Revised: 09/2016, 09/2018, 10/2019, 5/2025, 8/2025

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.