Heavy Equipment Operator; Landfill

Job Description

Performs generalized and specialized skilled work in the operation and maintenance of stationary and motorized equipment used in solid waste landfill operations. Responsibilities include operating heavy equipment, handling stationary machinery, and performing basic labor duties.

• Ensure that prohibited wastes are not disposed of in the Class I garbage cell and C&D landfill (e.g., tires, metal, C&D waste, yard waste, gas, oil, batteries).
• Inspect and identify construction and demolition debris at the Northwest Facility’s Class I garbage cell, C&D landfill, and privately-owned C&D landfills.
• Operate heavy and other equipment for spreading, compacting, and covering solid waste; move earth, construct trenches and roads, and bury debris.
• Operate, maintain, and perform minor repairs on various equipment; conduct preventive maintenance and daily lubrication.
• Operate hydraulic, specialized and other equipment within a waste facility for handling and movement of solid waste; assist in repairs and maintain equipment cleanliness.
• Report hazardous and unsafe conditions or materials to the Operations Supervisor in accordance with Florida Administrative Codes, FDEP, SWFWMD, and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Operate dual‑axle equipment to transfer waste from outlying facilities; drive a dual‑axle truck‑tractor pulling compactor trailers, low‑boy trailers, tankers, and roll‑off trailers.
• Transport leachate to treatment facilities; log daily data, provide information to the scale house, and monitor leachate levels.
• Identify, process, and separate special, hazardous, and recyclable waste.
• Operate compactors at transfer stations.
• Transport oversized equipment such as tub grinder and other heavy equipment.
• Provide customer service to the public and businesses regarding proper waste placement.
• Read plans and surveys, and implement grading and finding lines using levels, transits, GPS, and grade stakes.
• Maintain accurate truck logs and daily records of work completed.
• Prepare and deploy/spray alternate daily cover material.
• Fuel, grease, and maintain equipment using fuel trucks and automatic grease guns; perform power washing, detailing, and cleaning of tracks, sprockets, and wheels.
• Weld, cut, and repair material boxes and other items using industrial welding equipment.
• Clean, repair, and maintain buildings and grounds, including fence and wall replacement, mowing, and equipment cleaning.
• Respond to call‑outs, emergencies, and non‑traditional work hours; provide overtime and unscheduled work as needed.
• Conform to all safety requirements, wearing PPE, safety uniforms, steel‑toe boots, work gloves, hard hats, and safety glasses.
• Maintain knowledge of safe equipment operating procedures and attend training as required.
• Ensure regular attendance and availability at outlying facilities.

County employees must report for work during a state of emergency and may be recalled around the clock for emergency response operations that may include duties beyond those listed in this description.

• High school graduate or equivalent (GED).
• Three (3) years’ experience operating heavy equipment.
• Two (2) years’ experience with dual‑axle equipment.

• Valid Florida Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within twelve (12) months of employment.
• Hepatitis B vaccine and other required vaccinations.
• Random drug and/or alcohol testing as required.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License and insurance coverage.
• Completion of NIMS compliance certification.

• Principles and methods of safely operating construction equipment.
• Practices, methods, and materials used in construction and maintenance activities.
• Safety rules and regulations pertaining to equipment operation.
• Calculation of material quantities.

• Make minor equipment repairs and detect issues.
• Perform manual work and follow written and oral instructions.
• Clean and maintain equipment.
• Operate medium to heavy equipment.
• Use power tools.
• Interact professionally with co‑workers, supervisors, and the public.

• Lifting up to 100 lbs, kneeling, bending, standing, walking, carrying,…