Solid Waste Technician

Kootenai County; Coeur d'Alene (ID); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care through free clinic

PERSI retirement

Paid time off

Career growth

Job summary

Kootenai County in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, seeks a Solid Waste Technician for outdoor, physically demanding duties including weighing vehicles, collecting fees, directing traffic, and enforcing disposal rules. Strong public-service mindset and safety focus are required.

You’ll work with a dedicated team to keep operations running smoothly while serving the community daily. Competitive pay and solid benefits offered.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 12 months of related waste-related experience.
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Operate scale equipment to weigh vehicles and collect fees.
• Direct traffic and ensure safe movement of public and commercial vehicles.
• Screen loads for hazardous or unacceptable materials.
• Enforce solid waste disposal regulations and ensure compliance.
• Provide friendly customer service in person and by phone.
• Open/close facility sites and maintain site security.
• Maintain grounds and facilities, including snow removal and cleanup.

Skills

Customer service

Safety-minded

Math skills

Communication

Physical fitness

Education

High school diploma or GED

12 months related experience

Valid driver's license

Job description

Solid Waste Technician

Do you enjoy hands‑on work, helping people, and working outdoors? Are you looking for a career that makes a real difference in your community every single day?

We’re seeking a dependable, safety‑focused Solid Waste Technician to join our team. This is a dynamic, fast‑paced position with high public interaction, where no two days are the same. If you thrive in an active environment and take pride in keeping operations running smoothly, we want to hear from you.

Why You’ll Love This Opportunity:

• Competitive Pay: $18.89 to $20.60 per hour depending on experience
• Amazing Benefits: Enjoy an exceptional benefits package, including health care for eligible employees and their dependents through our free medical clinic, offering primary care, medications, lab services, and more.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Earn up to 8 hours of vacation each month, with increases based on your years of service. We believe in giving you time to relax and recharge!
• Secure Your Future: Benefit from a strong retirement plan through the Public Employees Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI), so you can feel confident about your future.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement and eligibility for public student loan forgiveness.

What You’ll Do:

• Operate scale equipment to weigh incoming and outgoing vehicles
• Calculate and collect disposal fees (cash, check, and credit transactions)
• Balance and maintain daily cash and transaction records
• Direct traffic and ensure safe movement of public and commercial vehicles
• Screen loads for hazardous or unacceptable materials
• Enforce solid waste disposal regulations and ensure compliance
• Provide clear, friendly customer service — in person and by phone
• Open and close facility sites and maintain site security
• Perform waste screening and handle special waste procedures
• Assist with paint solidification, battery recycling, and refrigerant removal
• Respond to on‑site emergencies or spills when needed
• Operate equipment such as loaders, forklifts, roll‑off trucks, dump trucks, semi‑trucks, snowplows, and more
• Maintain grounds and facilities (sweeping, snow removal, repairs, bulky item collection)
• Take a closer look at the full job description to see if this role is the right fit for you

What We’re Looking For:

• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Physically capable of lifting, bending, kneeling, and performing repetitive tasks.
• Strong in basic math (fractions, decimals, percentages).
• Safety‑minded with good judgment and awareness.
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Skilled at communicating clearly with the public and coworkers.
• Organized and detail oriented.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum 12 months of related experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain) and be insurable

Work Environment

This is an active, physically demanding role. You’ll work outdoors in all climates and weather conditions. Safety is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining a secure work environment.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

You’ll be working in Kootenai County, one of the most picturesque places in northern Idaho! Nestled among scenic mountains and over 20 pristine lakes, our county is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Located in Coeur d’Alene, you’ll enjoy a low crime rate, access to stunning natural beauty, and a peaceful, friendly community—making it the ideal place to work and live.

Ready to Apply?

Visit our online application page Kootenai County Employment Opportunities to submit your application, cover letter and resume. Open Until filled!

Candidates for employment must successfully complete the County's pre‑employment background and drug screening.

Questions?

Reach out to our Human Resources team at [phone] or email [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets Preference/Drug-Free Workplace