Landfill Operator Trainee/Landfill Operator/Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Details

Under close supervision and in a trainee capacity, operates a variety of equipment such as backhoe, sweeper, water trucks, dump trucks, and other power-driven equipment; performs excavating, grading, loading, and related operations; undertakes a variety of semi-skilled and skilled assignments in maintenance, repair, and construction activities related to solid waste operations; tasks may include operating heavy equipment such as water trucks, dump trucks, and power-driven equipment; and performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

LANDFILL OPERATOR TRAINEE

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of an appropriate valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record.

Possession of a California Class A driver’s license or a California Class B driver’s license is preferred.

Education and Experience:

At least six (6) months of experience performing heavy physical labor, that included the operation of medium or heavy equipment.

OR

At least six (6) months of experience working at a landfill in a position equivalent to that of a Weighmaster with the County of Lake.

LANDFILL OPERATOR

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of an appropriate valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record.

Education and Experience:

One (1) year of full-time heavy equipment operation experience.

LANDFILL HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Class “A”, or Class “B” Driver’s License with tank endorsement, and a satisfactory driving record.

Education and Experience:

Two (2) years of full-time heavy equipment operation experience, which included the operation of a variety of heavy power-driven equipment such as graders, scrapers, compactors, loaders, dozers, and/or backhoes, in road maintenance, construction, and/or landfill maintenance.

General Recruitment Information

This is not exhaustive of all job responsibilities. For more details, please refer to the link provided below.

To view the complete job description visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lakecountyca/classspecs

The information presented in job postings, job descriptions, or recruitment materials does not form a legally binding contract, either explicit or implicit. Benefits may differ among different employee groups. The details provided in these materials are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Prospective employees of the County of Lake must undergo the County's pre-employment medical review program upon receiving a conditional job offer before assuming their position with the County.

Applicants may substitute relevant experience and/or education at a 2 to 1 ratio to fulfill minimum qualifications. For further details, individuals should reach out to the Human Resources department.

ADA Accommodations

Individuals in need of accommodation during the application and/or selection process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should reach out to County of Lake Human Resources at (707) 263-2213.

The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer

Veteran's Preference

LANDFILL OPERATOR TRAINEE
DEFINITION
Under close supervision and in a trainee capacity, operates a variety of equipment such as backhoe, sweeper, water trucks, dump trucks, and other power-driven equipment; performs excavating, grading, loading, and related operations; performs a variety of semi-skilled labor in maintenance, repair, and construction activities related to solid waste operations; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry and training level in the Landfill Operations classification. Incumbents learn to operate heavy construction equipment, such as graders, scrapers, compactors, large loaders, large dozers, and backhoes. The operation of this equipment is characterized by a high degree of skill in the manipulation of hand and foot controls and accuracy in moving materials to exact specifications. Incumbents may be assigned to work the landfill or other sites, as assigned. Incumbents in this class are subject to twenty-four hour “call-out” for landfill emergencies.

This classification is distinguished from the Landfill Operator in that the Landfill Operator Trainee assignments are performed in a training and learning capacity under close supervision.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Landfill Manager, the Landfill Operations Supervisor, or Deputy Director Public Services I/II. Exercises no supervision over staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Learns about safety, operations and maintenance of various types of heavy equipment.
• Learns to safely operate one or more types of heavy construction equipment, generally including compactors.
• Learns to operate the largest and most complex equipment.
• Compacts trash for daily coverings.
• Learns and performs a variety of work in the construction, maintenance, operation and repair of landfill sites, and related facilities.
• Learns to identify and contain hazardous materials.
• Assists with the maintenance and repair of construction, landfill and other heavy equipment and learns to perform routine servicing of equipment such as changing oil and filters.
• Maintains records of materials and equipment used.
• Operates a two-way radio.
• May be assigned Weighmaster duties, as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Safe work practices.
• Basic procedures, tools, equipment and materials used in the maintenance and construction of landfills, and associated facilities.
• Basic hazardous materials identification and containment measures

Ability to:

• Learn to safely perform a variety of unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled equipment operation and other work in the maintenance, construction, and repair of County landfill construction and maintenance operations.
• Learns to operate heavy construction and maintenance equipment which may include compactors, loaders, graders, backhoe, large bulldozers, and other related equipment .
• Read and interpret basic maps and blueprints.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Learn to maintain and make basic repairs to equipment.
• Maintain time and equipment records.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Constantly demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and customers/clients.

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of an appropriate valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record.

Possession of a California Class A driver’s license or a California Class B driver’s license is preferred.

Education and Experience:

At least six (6) months of experience performing heavy physical labor, that included the operation of medium or heavy equipment.

OR

At least six (6) months of experience working at a landfill in a position equivalent to that of a Weighmaster with the County of Lake.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents generally work outside of a typical office environment and may be exposed to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

Incumbents in this class are subject to twenty-four-hour “call-out” for landfill emergencies.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

LANDFILL OPERATOR
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, operates a variety of equipment such as backhoe, sweeper, water trucks, dump trucks, and other power-driven equipment; performs excavating, grading, loading, and related operations; performs a variety of semi-skilled labor in maintenance, repair, and construction activities related to solid waste operations; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level Landfill operations classification. Incumbents operate heavy construction equipment, such as graders, scrapers, compactors, large loaders, large dozers, and backhoes. The operation of this equipment is characterized by a high degree of skill in the manipulation of hand and foot controls and accuracy in moving materials to exact specifications. Incumbents may be assigned to work the landfill or other sites, as assigned. Incumbents in this class are subject to twenty-four hour “call-out” for landfill emergencies.

This classification is distinguished from the Landfill Operator in that the Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator performs the most advanced, complex skilled, and specialized equipment operations work and requires the possession of a valid California Class A driver’s license, or Class “B” driver’s license with tank endorsement.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Landfill Manager, the Landfill Operations Supervisor, or Deputy Director Public Services I/II. Exercises no supervision over staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Skillfully operates several types of heavy construction equipment, such as bulldozers, graders, compactors, excavators, loaders, and backhoes to perform landfill duties; may operate water trucks and/or 10-yard dump trucks.
• Operates the largest and most complex equipment in difficult situations.
• Compacts trash for daily covering.
• Performs a variety of work in the construction, maintenance, operation, and repair of landfill sites and related facilities.
• Identifies and contains hazardous materials.
• Assists with the maintenance and repair of construction, landfill, and other heavy equipment and performs routine servicing of equipment such as changing oil and filters.
• Maintains records of materials and equipment used.
• Operates a two-way radio.
• May participate in the transport of heavy equipment.
• May exercise independent judgment in the selection of methods, equipment, and supplies used.
• May be assigned Weighmaster duties as needed.
• May provide work direction for crews, equipment, and supplies on an assigned project basis.
• Act as a laborer to shovel, load, and lift or perform other routine manual work, and direct traffic to dumping areas.
• Facility grounds keeping including but not limited to mowing, trimming, picking up paper/trash from facility grounds and surrounding areas.
• Builds and repairs fences.
• Builds and installs erosion control and water quality infrastructure such as silt fencing, straw bales, culverts, hydro seed, and other related items.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Safe work practices.
• Procedures, tools, equipment, and materials used in the maintenance and construction of landfills, and associated facilities.
• Hazardous materials identification and containment measures.
• Operation and routine maintenance of heavy equipment, including loaders, graders, compactors, bulldozers, scrapers, rollers, and related equipment.
• Methods, techniques, and tools, and the operational characteristics of mechanical equipment used in the construction and maintenance of landfill facilities.
• Provisions of the California Vehicle Code relating to the operation of medium and heavy equipment on streets and roads.
• Principles of lead direction, work coordination, and training.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled equipment operation and other work in the maintenance, construction, and repair of County landfill construction and maintenance operations.
• Skillfully operate several types of heavy construction and maintenance equipment, including loaders, graders, backhoe, large bulldozers, and other related equipment to perform work requiring exact specifications and/or landfill operations.
• Read and interpret basic maps and blueprints.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Maintain and make basic repairs to equipment.
• Maintain time and equipment records.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including colleagues, supervisors, and customers/clients.

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of an appropriate valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record.

Education and Experience:

One (1) year of full-time heavy equipment operation experience.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents generally work outside of a typical office environment and may be exposed to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

Incumbents in this class are subject to twenty-four-hour “call-out” for landfill emergencies.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

LANDFILL HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
DEFINITION
Under direct supervision, operates a variety of heavy equipment such as water trucks, dump trucks, and power-driven equipment; performs excavating, grading, loading, and related operations; performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled assignments in maintenance, repair, and construction activities related to solid waste operations; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the most advanced journey-level Landfill Operator classification. Incumbents skillfully operate and transport heavy construction equipment, such as graders, scrapers, compactors, large loaders, large dozers, and backhoes on difficult and complex assignments, as well as perform the full range of journey-level work. The operation of this equipment is characterized by a high degree of skill in the manipulation of hand and foot controls and accuracy in moving materials to exact specifications. Incumbents may be assigned to work the landfill or other sites, as assigned. Incumbents in this class are subject to twenty-four hour “call-out” for landfill emergencies.

This classification is distinguished from the Landfill Operator in that the Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator performs the most advanced, complex skilled, and specialized equipment operations work and requires the possession of a valid California Class A driver’s license, or Class “B” driver’s license with tank endorsement.

This classification may be designated as a Department of Transportation Safety Sensitive position.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Landfill Manager, the Landfill Operations Supervisor, or Deputy Director Public Services I/II. Exercises no supervision over staff. May provide lead direction, work coordination, and training, as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Skillfully operates several types of heavy construction equipment, such as bulldozers, graders, compactors, excavators, loaders, and backhoes to perform landfill duties; may operate water trucks and/or 10-yard dump trucks.
• Operates the largest and most complex equipment in difficult situations.
• Compacts trash for daily covering.
• Performs a variety of work in the construction, maintenance, operation, and repair of landfill sites and related facilities.
• Identifies and contains hazardous materials.
• Assists with the maintenance and repair of construction, landfill, and other heavy equipment and performs routine servicing of equipment such as changing oil and filters.
• Maintains records of materials and equipment used.
• Operates a two-way radio.
• May participate in the transport of heavy equipment.
• May provide lead direction and work coordination training for crews, as assigned.
• May exercise independent judgment in the selection of methods, equipment, and supplies used.
• May be assigned Weighmaster duties as needed.
• May provide work direction for crews, equipment, and supplies on an assigned project basis.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Safe work practices.
• Procedures, tools, equipment, and materials used in the maintenance and construction of landfills, and associated facilities.
• Hazardous materials identification and containment measures.
• Operation and routine maintenance of heavy equipment, including loaders, graders, compactors, bulldozers, scrapers, rollers, and related equipment.
• Methods, techniques, and tools, and the operational characteristics of mechanical equipment used in the construction and maintenance of landfill facilities.
• Provisions of the California Vehicle Code relating to the operation of medium and heavy equipment on streets and roads.
• Principles of lead direction, work coordination, and training.

• Customer service principles and techniques.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled equipment operation and other work in the maintenance, construction, and repair of County landfill construction and maintenance operations.
• Skillfully operate several types of heavy construction and maintenance equipment, including loaders, graders, backhoe, large bulldozers, and other related equipment to perform work requiring exact specifications and/or landfill operations.
• Read and interpret basic maps and blueprints.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Maintain and make basic repairs to equipment.
• Maintain time and equipment records.
• Provide lead direction, work coordination, and training to other staff, as assigned.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Class “A”, or Class “B” Driver’s License with tank endorsement, and a satisfactory driving record.

Education and Experience:

Two (2) years of full-time heavy equipment operation experience, which included the operation of a variety of heavy power-driven equipment such as graders, scrapers, compactors, loaders, dozers, and/or backhoes, in road maintenance, construction, and/or landfill maintenance.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents generally work outside of a typical office environment and may be exposed to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

Incumbents in this class are subject to twenty-four-hour “call-out” for landfill emergencies.

Incumbents are subject to drug and/or alcohol testing and must comply with all applicable drug and alcohol policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

RETIREMENT - County employees are members of the California Public Employee Retirement system (CalPERS).CalPERS provides a defined benefit pension at retirement for County employees.The pension formulas and employee contribution amounts may vary by bargaining unit, date of hire, prior qualifying service, and classification. Please contact Human Resources for more information.

HEALTH AND INSURANCE BENEFITS - Medical, dental, hospital, vision, life and disability coverage is available to employees and their dependents. The County contributes $1,500 of the monthly premiums for the insurance plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL may be adjusted for current city or county government employees.

VACATION - 80 hours per year during the first five years of service, 120 hours per year after five years, and additional accruals based on years of service beyond fifteen years. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SICK LEAVE - Accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

HOLIDAYS- An average of twelve paid 8-hour holidays per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SALARY - Lake County has an adopted salary schedule. The salary range for most classifications is in five increments with a provision for longevity increases. Appointments are normally made at the first step of the salary range.

SOCIAL SECURITY - County employees participate in Social Security.

CALIFORNIA STATE DISABILITY INSURANCE - SDI is available to some County employees.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS and CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIPS are available to County employees.

Closing Date/Time: 8/20/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• County of Lake

• 707-263-2213

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