Landfill Operator

Salary: $20.68 - $31.01 Hourly
Location : Bradenton, FL
Job Type: Full-Time (Hourly)
Job Number: 26-00339
Department: Utilities
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Closing Date: 8/27/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


General Information
Work Location: 3333 Lena Road, Bradenton, Florida 34210
Work Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 7:00am-6:00pm
Expected Starting Hourly Range: $20.68 - $25.84

Performs skilled work in the operation of heavy equipment at the Manatee County landfill. Operation of assigned equipment is normally a full-time or predominant task; however, other work is performed as required. Incumbent may provide guidance and direction to less experienced employees.

Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.
Working Conditions

The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain essential job functions. The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work may involve strenuous physical activity under varying climatic conditions and in both indoor and outdoor environments. Regularly required to drive county vehicles as part of the duties of the job. Able to climb and descend equipment and ladders. Able to bend, stoop, crawl, and reach. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds. May be required to work other than normal business hours, including weekends and holidays.

Job Description
Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Safely and efficiently operates heavy equipment such as earth movers, trash compactors, large and small bulldozers and graders, backhoes, and loaders to transport heavy equipment in high traffic areas.

Services, maintains, and assists mechanics in performing repairs to landfill equipment including heavy vehicles, landfill compactors, dozers, elevated scrapers, track backhoes, and specialty equipment.

Ensures access to landfill facility regardless of weather conditions.

Performs general labor as required.

Acts as a crew leader or in a lead capacity, when required. Provides guidance and training to less experienced crew members.

May operate large fuel tanker trucks and perform fueling duties for various types of equipment used in landfill operations.

Follows all established safety standards and procedures.

Attends job-specific training classes as assigned by supervisor.

Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee's qualifications, essential job functions, and appliable federal and Florida law.

Minimum Qualifications
One (1) year of experience operating heavy construction, earthmoving, agricultural, mining, utility, military, or other comparable heavy equipment.

Valid driver license with valid Florida driver license within 30 days of hire.

Valid Florida Commercial Driver's License, Class A OR obtain CDL permit prior to employment and obtain the CDL within one hundred twenty (120) days of hire may be required depending on duties assigned.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

More
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Able to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.

Organizes own work and completes tasks within assigned timeframes.

Able to resolve routine situations and problems.

Good knowledge and understanding of heavy equipment operation in a landfill application.

General knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties.

General knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties.

Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to be able to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, and other stakeholders.

Able to communicate routine information.

Works under moderate supervision.
Veterans Preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All employees may 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.
Full Time Positions

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

• ComPsych- offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
• Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.

Wellbeing Benefits:

• Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
• On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access
• Personal Training (5 Free per year)
• Pharmacy Technician
• Group Fitness Classes
• Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
• Diabetes Care Program
• Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
• Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)

Miscellaneous Benefits:

• Workers' Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off:

• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Personal Sick Leave
• Family Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
• Professional Medical Appointment Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Military Training Leave
• FMLA

Vacation Award: Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week.
Years of Service Vacation Days
0-5 16.25 days
6-10 19.50 days
11+ 22.75 days

• Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives program

Insurance:

• Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Insurance
• Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

Retirement:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
• 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
• FRS Webinars
• Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner

Career Wellness:

• Professional Leadership Programs
• Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Career Counseling
• Toastmasters
• Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
• Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards

Education Benefits:

• Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of Public Service, including GED reimbursement.
• Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexible Spending Account:

• Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.

Permanent Part Time - Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
• ComPsych - offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
• Workers' Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Fitness Center Access for employee only
• FRS options
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
Paid Time Off:
• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs.
per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on
a pro-rated basis
01



VERY IMPORTANT - When answering supplemental questions about experience, education or certification, please be sure the information is reflected in the Education, Work Experience and Certificates and Licenses sections of your application.


Must include Monthly Salary, Name of Employer, Location, Phone Number and Duties for each employer in Work Experience.
Note: "See Resume" is not acceptable.


Identify all gaps not related to medical reasons.

• I acknowledge the above statement

02


If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, please check category of eligibility

• A disabled veteran who is eligible for receiving compensation under public law administered by Department of Veteran's Affairs and Department of Defense
• The spouse of a veteran who cannot qualify for employment because of total and permanent service-connected disability, or spouse of a veteran missing in action, captured or forcefully detained by a foreign power
• A wartime veteran who has served at least 1 day during a wartime period (active duty for training may not be eligible)
• An un-remarried widow or widower of a Veteran who died of a service-connected disability
• The mother, father, legal guardian, or un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who died as a result of military service under combat-related conditions as verified by the U.S. Department of Defense
• A current member of any reserve component for the United States Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard
• A veteran with a "Honorable" discharge (Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility)
• Not claiming Veteran's Preference

03


Which level of education have you achieved?

• No high school equivalency
• High school graduate/equivalent
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree

04


How many years of experience operating heavy construction, earthmoving, agricultural, mining, utility, military, or other comparable heavy equipment do you have?

• None
• 1 year
• 2-3 years
• 4+ years

05


Do you possess a valid Florida driver's license or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you have any GPS experience on equipment?

• Yes
• No

07


Do you have experience operating equipment in high traffic areas?

• Yes
• No

08


Do you have experience with underground utilities?

• Yes
• No

09


Do you have experience in construction/handy man work?

• Yes
• No

10


Are you able to perform labor intensive task such as kneeling, climbing on equipment to clean wire and trash out of tracks and cleaning equipment?

• Yes
• No

11


What previous roles have you held that you believe qualify you for this position?
Required Question