Solid Waste Specialist

tooelecounty; Tooele (UT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Tooele County seeks a Solid Waste Equipment Operator to perform skilled operation and facility support at the Solid Waste Facility. You will push, sort, and transport MSW and recyclables, assist customers on the tipping floor, and participate in safety and maintenance tasks.

The role offers a path toward Senior Solid Waste Specialist with training and certification opportunities; a valid Utah CDL within six months is required or obtainable after hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• 1 year of solid waste/landfill operations or heavy equipment experience.
• Must be 18+ years old and able to obtain Utah CDL within 6 months.
• Ability to operate at least two of Loader, Skid Steer, Forklift, or Dozer.

Responsibilities

• Operate basic landfill equipment (e.g., skid steers, forklifts, loaders) to push, sort, compact, and transport MSW and recyclables.
• Provide direct customer service to facility users and direct them to safe disposal areas.
• Assist with cleaning, delivery, and maintenance of residential containers and other items.
• Perform basic pre- and post-trip inspections and minor maintenance on equipment.
• Support composting operations using grinder and trommel screen.
• Monitor incoming waste for prohibited materials and follow safety protocols.
• Maintain cleanliness and readiness of work areas and equipment.
• Participate in training to expand equipment capabilities.
• Complete inspections, safety, and daily operation documentation.

Skills

CDL (within 6 months)

Equipment operation

Public interaction

Safety standards

Hand tools/Maintenance

Education

High school diploma or GED

1 year solid waste/landfill/heavy equipment experience

Job description

CDL: Required or the ability to obtain within 6 months

Schedule: Four 10 hour shifts with rotating Saturdays and some holidays

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs skilled equipment operation and facility support functions in the handling, sorting, and processing of municipal solid waste. Provides frontline operational and public service assistance at the Solid Waste Facility while building qualifications and experience toward promotion to Senior Solid Waste Specialist.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision of the Fleet Supervisor and/or Solid Waste Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operates basic landfill equipment (e.g., skid steers, forklifts, loaders) to push, sort, compact, and transport Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and recyclables.
• Provides direct customer service to facility users, directing them to the safe and proper disposal of materials on the tipping floor and related areas.
• Assists with the cleaning, delivery, and maintenance of residential garbage containers and other resale/reuse items.
• Performs basic pre- and post-trip inspections and minor maintenance on equipment (e.g., checking fluids, greasing fittings, changing filters).
• Supports composting operations using the grinder and trommel screen as directed.
• Monitors incoming waste for prohibited or hazardous materials and follows proper protocols.
• Maintains general cleanliness and operational readiness of work areas and equipment.
• Participates in training programs to expand equipment operating capabilities.
• Completes documentation related to inspections, safety, and daily operations.
• Other duties as assigned by the Fleet Supervisor and/or Solid Waste Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent;
• AND one (1) year of experience in solid waste, landfill operations, or heavy equipment use;
• AND must be 18 years of age or older;
• AND must have or obtain a valid Utah CDL within six (6) months of hire;
• AND must demonstrate the ability to operate at least two of the following: Loader, Skid Steer, Forklift, or Dozer;
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Basic knowledge of landfill operations and environmental safety standards;
• Ability to operate small to mid-sized heavy equipment safely and effectively;
• Willingness to learn diagnostic and mechanical skills;
• Ability to communicate professionally with the public and coworkers;
• Skill in using hand tools and performing simple mechanical tasks;
• Capacity to follow oral and written instructions and standard operating procedures.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be available for a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and weather-dependent shifts;
• Must demonstrate a professional appearance and conduct.
• Must be willing to pursue required training toward advancement to Senior Solid Waste Specialist.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to lift 50-75 pounds regularly and occasionally lift over 100 pounds. Requires standing, walking, climbing, bending, and stooping in uneven terrain and extreme weather conditions. Frequent exposure to noise, dust, and unpleasant odors.

PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY

This position serves as a training and experience pathway to the Senior Solid Waste Specialist classification. Advancement is based on successful performance, completion of equipment certifications, and supervisory recommendation.

Tooele County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other protected class.