Equipment Operator (Landfill)

Job Overview

Position Summary

Please note: In addition to base pay listed on the job posting, this position may qualify for a Market Adjustment Supplement Pay of up to $2.26 per hour, depending on qualifications. 

JOB SUMMARY: Under general supervision of the Solid Waste Facility Supervisor and/or the Landfill Maintenance Lead, the Landfill Equipment Operator will operate one or several types of heavy construction equipment, such as, bulldozers, trash compactors, excavators, articulated haul trucks, skid loaders, motor graders, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth; perform skilled and semi-skilled tasks in the operation of heavy equipment while composting yard waste and food scraps, and pushing compacting and covering solid waste; monitor; and perform other duties as assigned. The ideal candidate possesses the ability to follow a management philosophy that is input oriented; values fairness, problem solving and the development of partnerships; works effectively as a member of a team; and desires to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Work in this class involves performing a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in the operation of landfill equipment and machinery; and GPS system to place fill, cover dirt and measure compaction. Assignments are received in the form of oral or written work orders from the Solid Waste Site Operations Supervisor, and/or the Landfill Maintenance Lead. Work is reviewed and evaluated by the Solid Waste Site Operations Supervisor through records, inspection of facilities and active landfilling areas, results achieved; and effectiveness of services provided.

Job Duties

JOB DUTIES:

• Operates heavy equipment including trucks, excavators, trash compactors, end loaders, and crawler/dozers.
• Hauls or excavates various materials and resources.
• Pushes, compacts, and covers solid waste.
• Maintains clear and accurate records of work accomplished including equipment and inventory utilized.
• Responds to internal and external questions and requests.
• Checks and assists in maintaining vehicle by inspections of tires, lubricants, lights, fluid levels, etc.
• Removes unacceptable waste and performs other general grounds maintenance such as weed control, mowing, litter collection, and snow plowing.
• Communicates with internal and external customers; and explains policies and procedures.
• Cross trains in various areas to strengthen knowledge base and to provide backup coverage.
• Consistently ensure and reinforce the proper use and compliance of safety protocols, both on and off job sites, for self and others.
• Perform other duties as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Skilled at using equipment or systems; and watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working correctly.
• Operation and Control - Using equipment or systems.
• Control Precision - Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car or truck.
• Depth Perception - Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
• Near and Far Vision - Seeing details up close and far away.
• Multi-limb Coordination - Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
• Rate Control - Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
• Reaction Time - Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture, or other command.
• Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of public safety and security, and production and processing; and machines and tools including designs, uses, repair and maintenance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Work requires the ability to sit, stand, walk on uneven surfaces; climb, reach, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, grasp and perform repetitive motions; both near and far vision (with or without reasonable accommodation); lifting, dragging and pushing vehicles, motors, engines, and other equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds on occasion; working with power and noise-producing tools and equipment; and driving a motorized vehicle.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in all weather conditions including wet, hot, cold, indoors, and outdoors; and on a range of shifts: regular, evening and weekend work, shift work, on call, holidays, and weekends

 

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by technical training in equipment operating; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Basic Microsoft Office Suite experience;
• Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a Class B Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsement.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain Iowa Landfill Operator certification.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain 24 Hour HAZWOPER certification.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Coursework in heavy equipment operations
• Forklift trained or certified.
• Iowa Compost Operator certification
• Iowa Appliance Demanufacturing certification
• Knowledge of Iowa’s Environmental Management System

 

Supplemental Information

 

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employees of the City of Dubuque shall establish their principal place of residency within fifty (50) miles of the corporate limits of the city of Dubuque as soon as practical after appointment, but within two years of appointment.

OVERTIME STATUS: Non-Exempt