Solid Waste Equipment Operator (Pumice Valley Landfill)

County of Mono; Lee Vining (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS retirement

Health insurance

Dental & Vision

Generous vacation and sick pay

Discounted gym membership

Job summary

Mono County Public Works is seeking a Solid Waste Equipment Operator to operate heavy machinery, inspect waste, and help keep landfills and transfer stations running smoothly across the County.

The ideal candidate is safety-conscious, dependable, and capable of outdoor work in all weather conditions, with a strong work ethic and environmental stewardship mindset. Excellent communication with coworkers and the public is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy construction or earthmoving equipment such as bulldozers, loaders, compactors, graders, or dump trucks.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Mechanical aptitude with ability to perform routine equipment maintenance and identify needed repairs.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment and maintain landfill and transfer station facilities.
• Inspect incoming waste and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Maintain access roads and assist with landfill cover systems as needed.
• Document and communicate with coworkers, contractors, and the public as required.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Independent work

Mechanical aptitude

Safety procedures

Public interaction

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Join Mono County Public Works and play a vital role in protecting the environment while serving our communities. As a Solid Waste Equipment Operator, you'll operate heavy equipment, maintain landfill and transfer station facilities, and help ensure the safe, efficient disposal of waste throughout the County. From constructing landfill cover systems and maintaining access roads to inspecting incoming waste and operating specialized equipment, no two days are the same. This hands‑on position is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, operating heavy machinery, solving practical problems, and contributing to essential public services that keep Mono County clean, safe, and sustainable.

To view the complete job description, click here.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a safety‑conscious, dependable, and hardworking equipment operator who takes pride in maintaining public infrastructure and providing excellent service. They enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions, are comfortable operating heavy equipment, and understand the importance of environmental stewardship and workplace safety.

Successful candidates will have:

• Experience operating heavy construction or earthmoving equipment such as bulldozers, loaders, compactors, graders, or dump trucks.
• A strong work ethic and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform routine equipment maintenance and identify needed repairs.
• The ability to safely perform physically demanding work in a fast‑paced outdoor environment.
• Strong attention to detail when inspecting incoming waste, identifying prohibited materials, and maintaining accurate records.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills when interacting with coworkers, contractors, and the public.
• A commitment to following safety procedures, environmental regulations, and County policies while adapting to changing priorities and emergency situations.

About Our Team

Mono County Public Works is dedicated to maintaining the infrastructure and services that support the health, safety, and quality of life for our residents and visitors. The Solid Waste Division manages the County’s landfills and transfer stations, providing environmentally responsible waste disposal, recycling, and resource recovery services across a large and diverse geographic area.

Our team values safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. Employees work together to operate and maintain essential facilities, protect natural resources, and ensure compliance with state and federal environmental regulations. If you’re looking for meaningful work where you can see the impact of your efforts every day, Public Works offers an opportunity to build a rewarding career while serving the communities of Mono County.

Mono County, California’s Great Beyond

Mono County offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through public service while enjoying an exceptional quality of life. As a small, collaborative county organization, employees work closely with leadership, take on diverse responsibilities, and see the direct results of their work in the community.

What employees value about working at Mono County: Employees appreciate Mono County’s location and lifestyle benefits, strong benefits package (including CalPERS retirement and health coverage), collaborative teams, and the opportunity to make a direct impact in public service. Our smaller, close‑knit work environment fosters meaningful connections and supports work–life balance.

Explore Mono County, California’s Eastern Sierra. Mono County is a rural region with a dynamic community of 13,000 residents located in the eastern side of California’s Sierra Nevada range. Development is increasing in the area due to the consistent growth of the town of Mammoth Lakes. Known as “California’s Great Beyond” this natural playground offers a complete range of amenities and activities making it an ideal place to live and work. Enjoy fine shops, restaurants, and cafes. Snowboard, ski, or bike down mountain trails, fish for trout, explore the backcountry, play a round of golf, relax in soothing hot springs, or paddle a kayak along the shores of Mono Lake.

The town of Mammoth Lakes is the most populated region of Mono County, hosting Mammoth Mountain Ski area and various resort‑community amenities. On the quieter side, June Lake, Lee Vining, Bridgeport, Walker, Coleville, Chalfant, and Benton offer a more rural atmosphere, unlimited outdoor adventures, and small‑town charm.

• Retirement: CalPERS retirement and 457/401(a) Plans available.
• Medical: CalPERS health plans
• Dental & Vision
• Generous vacation and sick pay
• Discounted gym membership

Click the benefits tab to see full details.

Training and Experience

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Two years of increasingly responsible work experience in road, landfill, or other earthmoving construction and maintenance work, including at least one year operating heavy power‑driven construction equipment such as bulldozers, landfill compactors, scrapers, wheel loaders, and/or dump trucks; high school diploma or GED equivalent.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch; physical ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted and greater than 50 pounds with assistance; normal manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of equipment including hand and power tools, hydraulic equipment, computers, printers, and telephones.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid California driver’s license. Possession of a Class B license, or the ability to obtain a Class B license within six months of hire, may be required depending on assignment.