Solid Waste Equipment Operator

Washington County; Vermont; On-site; USD 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid personal hours

Paid vacation hours

Paid holidays

Paid sick hours

Health, Prescription, Dental andVision

Employee Assistance Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Pension Plan

Job summary

Washington County Government seeks a Solid Waste Equipment Operator to operate heavy machinery at the landfill, oversee earthwork, compact waste, and cover cells daily. You will inspect materials, assist mechanics, and ensure safety around the public.

The role offers comprehensive benefits, a starting annual salary of 57,075, and a six-day work week minimum. Health, life, disability, pension, and tuition assistance are included.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent and considerable experience operating heavy equipment.
• Valid Class B CDL with air brake and tanker; ability to obtain/maintain as required.
• Able to work six days a week and perform physically demanding tasks.

Responsibilities

• Operates landfill equipment including compactor, dozer, grader, backhoe and more.
• Excavates, compacts, covers trash and prepares landfill cells.
• Inspects waste streams and assists with equipment maintenance.
• Supports snow removal, erosion repair, and safety oversight near the public.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety consciousness

On-site inspection

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CDL Class B with air brake and tanker

Job description

Washington County offers a full compensation package that reflects how much we value our employees. Please take a look at what you can expect to earn as the Solid Waste Equipment Operator your first year as a full time Employee with Washington County Government:

• Sixty (60) Paid Personal Hours
• Eighty (80) Paid Vacation Hours
• Fourteen (14) Paid Holidays
• One Hundred & Twenty (120) Paid Sick Hours
• County and Employee funded Healthcare including Health, Prescription, Dental and Vision Coverage
• County Paid Employee Assistance Plan
• County Paid Life Insurance
• County Paid Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• County Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Up to $2,500.00 Annual Tuition Reimbursement Assistance
• County and Employee funded Defined Pension Plan
  • Vested in just five (5) years.
  • Credit for Prior Active Military Service and Unused Paid Sick Days.
• An Annual minimum Salary of $57,075 starting..

If our Solid Waste Equipment Operator comprehensive compensation package interests you, please continue reading through our job posting to learn more about the position’s duties, responsibilities, prerequisites, etc.

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.)

• 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.
• Excavates earth to facilitate construction of future landfill cells.
• Compacts trash in daily land filling operations.
• Covers trash daily with earth or other materials (i.e. tarp).
• Clears trees and vegetation from land for landfill construction.
• Reclaims landfill cells when full. Covers, seeds and mulches.
• Repairs storm damage and erosion on landfill slopes and throughout facility grounds.
• Ensures patrons dispose of refuse at appropriate site by giving direction to proper unloading areas.
• Inspects incoming waste stream for unacceptable material. Assists with snow removal and ice control.
• Assists mechanics in repair and maintenance of equipment.
• 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.

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
• 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.

Washington County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals requiring special accommodations or assistance are requested to contact the Human Resources Department at 240-313-2350, Voice or TDD (D/HH use 711) M/F/H/V.

DEADLINE FOR FILING APPLICATIONS WITH HUMAN RESOURCES:

November 10, 2026 @ 4:00P

Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic or veteran status, sexual orientation, or disability

For more information contact:

WASHINGTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

100 W. WASHINGTON ST., Room 2300

HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740-4735

Telephone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Call 7-1-1 for MD Relay