Solid Waste Worker - Sierra Vista or Willcox

Cochise County; Sierra Vista, Willcox (AZ, AZ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Arizona State Retirement System

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Cochise County in Sierra Vista is seeking a Solid Waste Worker to operate and maintain a public waste collection and recycling facility, under general supervision. The role involves handling fees, recording transactions, and ensuring compliance with disposal standards.

Qualified candidates will have experience with small equipment, basic bookkeeping or cash handling, and a valid Arizona driver's license. Occasional on-call shifts and weather considerations are part of the job.

Qualifications

• Experience operating small equipment such as skid steer loaders or similar.
• Some customer service or basic bookkeeping experience preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain a public solid waste collection and recycling facility.
• Record fees, issue receipts, and maintain logs and reports.
• Screen loads for hazardous materials and ensure proper disposal.
• Assist in dumping of refuse and manage payments.
• Work on on-call shifts and adapt to weather conditions.

Skills

Small equipment operation

Customer service basics

Basic math

Tools

Cash register

Data entry software

Job description

SOLID WASTE WORKER - SIERRA VISTA OR WILLCOX

CLASSIFIED: Position is subject to the provisions of the Merit System Rules pursuant to Arizona Law

OPENS: Thursday, October 1, 2026

CLOSES: Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

ANTICIPATED RATE OF PAY: $15.50- $16.50 hourly, dependent upon qualifications, plus a comprehensive benefits package to include membership in the Arizona State Retirement System.

PLEASE NOTE: All positions require a post offer, pre-employment background screening

NATURE OF WORK

Under general supervision, performs work of routine difficulty in the operation and maintenance of a solid waste collection station and recycling facility; performs related work as required or assigned. As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.

TYPICAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only)

Responsible for the maintenance and operation of a public solid waste collection and recycling facility; operates and maintains equipment; operates small front end loader; supervises / assists in the dumping of permitted refuse; ensures refuse meets standards for disposal at the site; screens loads for hazardous materials; removes recyclable material, processes and bales that material; determines appropriate charges to be levied and receives fees; prepares and issues fee receipts; maintains log of loads dumped, vehicle descriptions, account transactions, and receipts issued; prepares records and reports; maintains daily user count; subject to on-call, outside of normal work schedule.

One (1) year of experience operating small equipment (example: skid steer loaders) at a transfer station, landfill, construction or a related area; preference of six (6) months of customer service experience or simple bookkeeping experience; or, an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the desired knowledge, skills and abilities of this classification; must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver's license.

Good knowledge of:

• occupational hazards and proper safety precautions;
• the proper use of small equipment.

Working knowledge of:

• collection of payments and balancing of monies;
• simple bookkeeping principles and practices;
• landfills, transfer stations and recycling operations;
• using computer programs for data entry.

Ability to:

• regularly handle the lifting of up to 50 pounds;
• work alone without supervision;
• work under adverse weather conditions;
• perform basic math;
• operate a computer and cash register;
• maintain log books and prepare simple reports;
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public;
• follow written and verbal instructions;
• read, write and speak English;
• communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• make determinations and decisions on hazardous waste screening.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed under general supervision in a variety of climatic conditions and may include confined spaces.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Essential functions of this position require: lifting, manual dexterity, large motor skills, ability to communicate.

Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body; involves sitting only occasionally, walking and standing are required regularly, incumbents may be required to kneel, crouch/squat, crawl, climb, stoop, turn/twist, balance, reach, or handle.

Mental Application: Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem-solving skills are important.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for those unable to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Cochise County is an Equal Opportunity Employer