Landfill Equipment Operator

2 weeks ago

St Clair, MI, United States County of St. Clair, MI Full time
Salary : $47,710.00 - $62,782.00 Annually
Location : St. Clair County Environmental Services - Landfill 6779 Smiths Creek Road Smiths Creek, MI 48074
Job Type: FULL TIME HOURLY
Job Number: 25-224
Department: Environmental Services
Opening Date: 11/10/2025
Closing Date: 12/10/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
REQUISITION #: 25-224
HOURS: Full Time
OTHER INFORMATION: Open to St. Clair County Employees and the Public

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Landfill Operations Manager/Deputy Director, safely and efficiently operating a variety of heavy equipment to facilitate the disposal, compaction, and covering of waste materials at our landfill facility. This position requires a high degree of skill, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to safety and environmental compliance. Operators will work as part of a team to ensure the smooth and effective daily operation of the landfill.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Safely and proficiently operate heavy equipment including, but not limited to: compactors, bulldozers, excavators, wheel loaders, motor graders, and articulated dump trucks.
  • Perform daily pre-operation checks (e.g., fluid levels, tires, lights, brakes) and minor maintenance on assigned equipment, reporting any defects or needed repairs immediately to supervision.
  • Maneuver equipment in a safe and efficient manner around other equipment, personnel, and changing site conditions.
  • Spread, compact, and cover waste materials in designated areas according to established lift plans and operational procedures.
  • Utilize equipment to achieve optimal waste compaction and maximize airspace utilization.
  • Participate in the construction of temporary and final cover systems, including grading and spreading of various cover materials (e.g., soil, aggregate).
  • Assist in maintaining proper drainage and grading on the working face and other areas of the landfill.
  • Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, procedures, and regulations
  • Utilize all required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
  • Maintain clear communication with other operators, supervisors, and spotters via two-way radio or hand signals.
  • Identify and report any unsafe conditions, equipment malfunctions, or environmental concerns to management immediately.
  • Participate in safety meetings and training sessions.
  • Assist with general site maintenance tasks as directed, such as maintaining access roads, cleaning equipment, and litter control.
  • Operate water trucks for dust control as needed.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Work is performed under the general direction of the Landfill Operations Manager/Deputy Director.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
None

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION:
  • Graduation from an accredited high school (GED acceptable)
  • 1 year of experience in safe operation and maintenance of heavy equipment. Landfill experience preferred
  • Heavy equipment operator certifications preferred
  • Strong understanding of heavy equipment operation, maintenance, and safety protocols.
  • Writing, reading, mathematical principles; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.

ESSENTIAL ABILITIES FOR ALL ST. CLAIR COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATIONS:
  • Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal directions and to complete assigned tasks on schedule.
  • Ability to read, write & communicate in English and understand basic math.
  • Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgement.
  • Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others.
  • Ability to work with supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
  • Ability to be flexible and demonstrate patience and respect in difficult situations.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and interact with diverse populations in both oral and written form.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
  • Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Ability to read, interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
  • Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
  • Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
  • Aptitude in performing mathematical calculations and checking figures, postings and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy and proper coding.
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Knowledge of the principles and processes for effective teamwork and represent the Department and the County in a positive professional manner.
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
  • Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
  • Employee must possess a valid State of Michigan operator license and maintain this license throughout employment in this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
  • Speak to others to convey information effectively.
  • Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
  • Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.
  • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility clothing.
  • Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
  • Push or pull carts, reach with hands and arms forward, above and below shoulder level.
  • Lift, move or carry objects, equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Stand and walk, climb stairs.
  • Sit, bend, stoop, crouch and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner.
  • Normal hours are from 7 a.m. through 3 p.m.
  • Share on-call duties after hours.
  • Work in an environment of moderate to loud noise levels with interruptions.
  • Due to the nature of the work, hours may include overtime, evenings or weekends.
  • Work in an outdoor environment the majority of the time.
  • Regular exposure to loud noise, humidity, hot and cold weather conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles.


AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran. It is also the policy of St. Clair County to take affirmative action to employ and to advance in employment, all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or protected veteran status or other legally protected status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.
Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
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