Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator

Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator

Pay Range: $24.66hr - $35.77hr ($51,292.80 - $74,401.60/annually)

Location: 10 Environmental Loop, Winter Haven, FL 33880

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 have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

Major Function

Serves as the senior-level heavy equipment operator responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy equipment at Polk County's landfill, and/or transfer station facilities. This position plays a critical role in daily site operation, including waste placement, waste compaction, excavation, environmental compliance, ensuring adherence to performance standards, solid waste industry best practices and the promotion of a strong safety culture.

Illustrative Duties

• Operates heavy equipment in the landfill environment, compaction of solid waste, transportation of cover materials and covers waste (ie. Daily Cover/Intermediate Cover/Final Cover) in compliance with operational plan and regulatory permits.
• Excavate, transport, and place cover materials on landfill slopes (3:1 and 4:1 grade) to promote stormwater runoff in compliance with environmental regulations.
• Maintains and improves access roads, tipping floor, and customer convenience areas to ensure safe, timely, and efficient operation of the facility.
• Constructs and maintains berms and drainage systems to contain leachate and effectively manage stormwater.
• Assists with site appearance through active litter control, prevention, and cleanup initiatives.
• Supports the continuous implementation of the site's operations plan, aligned with local and state regulations.

Equipment Operation

Safe and expert-level operation of the following types of equipment:

Primary Landfill Equipment

• Landfill Compactor
• Dozer
• Front End Loader
• Hydro-Seeder
• Tracked Excavator

Support Equipment

• Motor Grader
• Water Tanker Truck
• Skid steer
• Fuel Truck/5-ton Military Truck
• Forklift

Material Handling Equipment

• Articulated Dump Truck
• Rolloff Truck
• Vacuum Truck

Maintenance and Safety

• Performs daily pre-and post-operation inspections of equipment to ensure safety and optimal function.
• Cleans equipment (cab, wheels, tracks, drivetrain) to support equipment uptime and safety.
• Conducts and/or assists in basic maintenance and servicing of assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Utilizes all required PPE and adheres to safety protocols in varying weather, lighting, and environmental conditions.
• Promotes a safety-first atmosphere by ensuring adherence to PPE requirements for employees, contractors and customers.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Knowledge of advanced landfill operations, and transfer station operations.
• Operational permits and compliance standards.
• Advanced knowledge of heavy equipment operation and basic maintenance requirements.
• Engineering and construction plans, particularly in landfill cell development and slope grading.
• Federal, State, and County regulations applicable to solid waste disposal operations

Proficiency in:

• Safe and efficient operation of various heavy equipment under challenging and variable conditions.
• Reading and interpreting site plans and engineering drawings.
• Managing stormwater and leachate systems effectively and within regulation.
• General troubleshooting to minimize equipment downtime and ensure optimal performance.
• Operating in high-volume/high-traffic waste processing environment.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Perform physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions with a high degree of mental focus and dexterity.
• Lead operational teams in achieving facility goals and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Promote and maintain a safe working environment by following and advocating for safety standards.
• Obtain and retain the State of Florida Landfill Operator (TREEO) Certification.
• Display professionalism, integrity, and customer-focused service in all interactions.
• Manage time effectively to complete assigned tasks and responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Maximize landfill airspace through strategic compaction and waste placement techniques.
• Continuously improving site operations and contribute to a culture of efficiency and excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Must have a minimum of ten (10+) years' progressive job responsibilities working at a landfill and/or transfer station processing a minimum of 2000 tons of municipal solid waste per day, effectively operating heavy equipment in a production role at a worksite.
• Must have seven (7+) years' direct first-class experience in constructing landfill cells and slopes utilizing a landfill compactor and/or landfill dozer in the active tipping and disposal areas of a landfill, and/or transfer station in a lead role (or equivalent experience).
• Valid Driver's license required; must obtain a Florida license upon employment. Must maintain a clean driving record to operate an assigned county vehicle.
• Must have and maintain a home telephone or immediate access to communication to and from the workplace at the 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).

Special Preference

Private industry experience in landfills, transfer stations, collections, and recycling center.

Special Requirements

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 citizens.