Job Description

Landfill Operator - Class B

Solid Waste

Pay Range: $21.32 - $30.91/hr. / $44,345.60 - $64,292.80 annually

** Internal candidates should apply via Polk One- Me Section **

Location: Polk County Landfill (10 Environmental Loop, Winter Haven, FL 33830)

Employee Benefits

• Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• FRS Retirement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Education Incentives
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Wellness Incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Employee Gym
• Free Employee Health Clinic

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential functions and job-related requirements, including physical and cognitive demands, are described below. This job description outlines the general scope of duties and responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be assigned.

MAJOR FUNCTION

Responsible for safe and effective equipment operations in processing solid waste for the Solid Waste Division and removal of illegally dumped piles throughout Polk County. Employees in this classification operate a wide variety of equipment that may be complex in nature, requiring considerable dexterity and acute motor skills. Work includes processing both hazardous and non-hazardous refuse and solid waste. Actively participates in maintaining the Solid Waste Division’s exceptional performance level by meeting and/or exceeding job requirements and customer’s expectations coupled with a positive attitude, unparalleled ethical behavior and unquestionable work ethic.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Operates all pieces of equipment with equal effectiveness in a high paced landfill environment.
• Utilizes each unit within its specific landfill function while processing over a high volume of tonnage per day and servicing multiple customers on demand.
• The Landfill Operator’s primary responsibility is the safe and efficient operation of the following equipment:
• Primarily:
   Landfill Compactor
   Grader
   Articulated Off-road Truck
   Dozer
   Excavator
   Front End Loader
   Claw Truck
   Rolloff Truck
   Roller/Compactor
   Dump Truck (On Road)
• Secondary:
   Forklift
   Mowers
   All Terrain Excavator
   Fuel Truck
   Vacuum Truck
   Hydro-seeder
   Box Truck
• Utilizing the above equipment and best management practices, performs day-to-day field operations in a manner consistent with state and local requirements, and Standard Operation Procedures (SOP’s).
• Assist in the implementation and improvement of the site’s Operations Plan to ensure compliance with all applicable permit requirements.
• Continuously constructs and maintains berms and drainage systems, temporary or permanent, in a first-class manner to ensure environmental compliance and prevent storm water from creating leachate.
• Responsible for minimizing turnaround time, use of daily cover and maximize landfill compaction.
• Maintains temporary haul roads. Continuously improves the appearance of the site by assisting with litter prevention, control, and collection.
• Applies and maintains initial cover in order to minimize any adverse environmental, safety, or health effects such as those resulting from birds, unauthorized waste, blowing litter, odors, disease vectors, or fires.
• Applies cover materials such as earthen materials or alternative daily covers (ADC) tarps, foams, etc. daily for Class I and once every week for C&D or Class III.
• Removes all or part of the daily and intermediate covers before placing additional waste.
• Dozer and compactor operators work in tandem to optimize compaction of waste, reduce cover soil usage, and conserve airspace.
• Constructs side slopes and maintains 3:1 ratio (three feet horizontal to one-foot vertical rise) in accordance with design.
• Keeps tipping area graded for easy customer access.
• Must work with Environmental Compliance Worker (spotter) to ensure compliance, safe operation and good customer service.
• Applies erosion control measures to correct any erosion, which exposes waste or causes malfunction of the storm water management system within three days of the occurrence.
• Applies daily and intermediate cover to prevent stormwater from pooling or mixing with waste and causing run-off.
• Must understand, interpret, and implement information produced by a GPS system and follow assigned route.
• Performs daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections of assigned equipment and completes documentation forms.
• Performs light service and maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Ability to interpret the rules of the State Department of Environmental Protection that regulate landfills (Chapter 62.701 FAC).
• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and use of assigned equipment.
• Knowledge of (OSHA), occupational hazards and safety precautions in the operation of assigned equipment.
• Ability and agility to make routine maintenance checks and minor repairs to equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read. Ability to complete work activity forms.
• Ability to use independent judgment.
• Ability to read surveying. Ability to drive from work site to work site.
• Knowledge of sub-title D regulations and classifications of wastes.
• Ability to learn the physical and chemical characteristics of solid waste and how it should be handled and placed in the cell.
• Ability to learn to recognize hazardous, restricted, and prohibited waste.
• Ability to learn safety rules pertaining to the operations of heavy equipment, vehicles, and work zone traffic control for various activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and other employees.
• Ability to learn and apply principles and processes for providing customer service.
• Ability to work in all weather, environmental conditions (i.e.: sun, rain, cold, swamp, ditches, dust, and dirt) and all terrains for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to use proper personal protective equipment (dust masks, earplugs, safety harness, respirators, etc.) to safely work with and be exposed to chemicals, hazardous materials, noises and heights.
• Ability to lift, carry and handle up to 50 pounds; stoop, climb, squat, push, pull, crawl or bend on a frequent basis.
• Ability to walk, kneel, bend, twist, lift, climb ladders, and work on uneven surfaces, in landfill disposal areas, on 3:1 slopes and in ditches/swales.
• Must be able to hear sounds at a normal level.
• Ability to see and recognize colors (associated with hazard placards or other warning signs), talk, ambulate independently, drive, and make written notations.
• Ability to use multi-hand and/or foot controls that require eye and hand coordination.
• Ability to perform mathematical tasks.
• Ability to research, investigate, experiment, detect, inspect, verify, recognize, and recommend solutions.
• Ability to use hand tools such as rakes and shovels, and power tools such as weed- eaters and chain saws.
• Ability to supervise day labors and community service workers.
• Ability to follow, read and comprehend oral and written instructions and procedures.
• Ability to read and follow maps.
• Ability to perform as a team member and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently and comprehend and follow instructions.
• Must wear required personal protective equipment: hard hat, steel-toed safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses and complete uniform.
• Note: Operator incurs a significant amount of bouncing and jarring throughout the workday as equipment is operated over rough terrain and on steep inclines and declines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the operation and routine maintenance of landfill operations.
• A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
• Knowledgeable with Claw-Truck safety and operational collection.
• Must possess a valid Class B or higher Commercial Driver’s License or be able to secure a valid Florida Class B or higher Commercial Driver’s License at the time of employment. The employee must maintain a clean driving record to operate an assigned county vehicle.
• A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

SPECIAL PREFERENCES

• Private Industry Experience – landfills, transfer stations, collections and recycling.
• Experience operating a Claw and/or Roll-Off Truck.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have and maintain a home telephone or immediate access to communication to and from workplace at time of employment.
• Must obtain and maintain University of Florida TREEO Center Landfill Certification within 12 months of employment. (Passing score on required exam is 70%, continuing education credits required annually to maintain this certification).

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the county and its residents.