Landfill Operator

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Gaston County Solid Waste & Recycling Center, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 1572
Department: Solid Waste & Recycling
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 12:00 AM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt


Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.

As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.

Description


The Solid Waste & Recycling Division is primarily responsible for the disposal of Municipal Solid Waste generated in the County as required by North Carolina State Law and in accordance with all applicable local regulations. Gaston County currently uses an integrated solid waste management plan consisting of sanitary landfilling, compost/mulch, recycling, and related waste reduction programs.

Examples of Duties
The anticipated hiring range for this position is $20.43 - $24.26.
The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.

• Operates compactor on the MSW working face. Places garbage in correct location, builds lifts, and sideslopes.
• Operates bulldozers, graders, loaders, excavators, dump trucks, and or compactors as needed.
• Peforms inspection and completes daily inspection log of any piece of equipment that they operate in a given day. Check fluid and grease levels. General maintenance support of landfill infrastructure.
• Excavates and moves dirt and debris according to defined procedure.
• Performs visual inspection and routine maintenance of equipment.
• Reports the presence of unsafe working conditions or hazardous materials. Works as needed at special events such as Household Hazardous Waste Collections, mulch sales, and etc.
• Removes rock from new construction areas.
• Helps maintain haul roads. Directs traffic into and out of working faces areas. Maintain safety procedures on site between County employees and hauling vehicles.
• Provides general information to the public.
• Installs fencing and cuts trees and brush.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of heavy equipment operations experience.
• SWANA landfill opertations specialist within 6 monts of hire dates.
  Must have a valid drivers license.

Daily involvement with work that involves a chance of major injury or loss of life or prolonged exposure to hazardous working conditions or severe weather conditions. Exposure to unfavorable health or safety conditions is constantly present.
At Gaston County, we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Gaston County will not sponsor applicants for work visas.
Full-Time employees are eligible for the total compensation package which includes:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Savings Plans
  • Pension
  • 401K (with 5% county contribution annually)
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Discounted YMCA Membership

Part-Time employees are eligible for certain benefits as a part of employment with Gaston County such as:

• Pro-Rated Sick and Annual Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Local Government Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program

Half-Time employees are not eligible for benefits.
To learn more details about the many benefits we provide view our


Overall, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, Gaston County is the place for you.
01


Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

02


How many years of related work experience do you have?

• Less than 1 year
• 1-3 years
• 4-7 years
• 8+ years

03


Do you have valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

04


Are you willing to obtain the SWANA Landfill Operations Specialist certification within six months of being hired?

• Yes
• No

Required Question