Maintenance Specialist-Solid Waste

Overview Maintenance Specialist – intermittent, on‑call, extra help temporary position in Yakima County Solid Waste Division. Performs essential operating support tasks that facilitate safe and smooth daily operations at the Solid Waste Division, including landfill, transfer station, septage lagoon, gas collection, and Household Hazardous Waste Facility support. Responsibilities also include front‑line fire safety, waste auditing, and customer service duties. Responsibilities Operate, inspect, and maintain soil vapor extraction systems, flares, landfill gas collection systems, and irrigation systems. Perform semi‑annual maintenance on weighing scales, vapor wells, water wells, stormwater collection systems, and pumps. Maintain septage lagoon operations, making repairs as necessary. Follow troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures to determine malfunctions and necessary repairs. Identify and segregate hazardous waste, recyclables, and municipal solid waste at landfills and transfer stations. Recognize fire hazards (e.g., lithium batteries, chemicals, hot loads) and respond to fires using proper equipment and methods to extinguish. Alert management of TitleV reporting requirements. Inspect fire extinguishers, fire bombs, hose reels, and replace as needed. Conduct waste audits at all Solid Waste Division facilities. Assist in Household Hazardous Waste Facility operations (removing refrigerant, bulking, sorting waste, etc.). Perform ground maintenance activities: mowing, trimming, weeding, planting, picking up litter, and pruning trees. Monitor weather station to ensure operations within inclement weather policy. Operate equipment such as forklifts, magnet attachments, and applicators; perform pre‑start vehicle inspections and report repairs. Operate forklift as necessary to unload shipments or move materials. Transport fuels to heavy equipment, ensuring adequate fuel supplies. Ensure personal and public safety while performing duties and direct customers to maintain safe distances from heavy equipment. Provide assistance and customer service to facility users, explaining program rules and regulations. Develop innovative ideas for traffic awareness and customer safety. Education and Experience High School Diploma or G.E.D. plus three (3) years of previous maintenance, hazardous waste, solid waste, water treatment facility, ground maintenance, or related mechanical/technical experience. Valid Washington State Driver’s License and proof of insurance. Successful completion of general employment verification within one year of hire. Certifications to Obtain Within One Year of Hire Certified Forklift Operator Blood Borne Pathogen Training Fire Extinguisher Training Defensive Driving Certification 40‑hour HAZWOPER certification or equivalent training HepatitisB vaccination or ability to obtain within one year of employment Respirator fit testing within six months of employment Preferred Qualifications Certified Flagger Hazardous Waste training Solid Waste experience Equipment Used Forklift, weed‑eater, mower, scissor lift, generators, two‑way radio, hand and power tools, vehicles, pumps, etc. Personal Protective Equipment Steel‑toed boots; cotton, leather, or chemical‑resistant gloves; coveralls; safety vest; ear protection, respirator, and safety glasses. Working Conditions Excessive noise, vibration, and extreme temperatures. Manual handling (lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying), working in confined spaces and on uneven terrain. Exposure to weather, chemicals, fuels, and biological contaminants. Requirement for alertness, multitasking, and ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Multiple work locations and field work. Knowledge and Skills Facility maintenance techniques and safety precautions related to waste segregation and disposal. Customer service techniques and effective interaction with the public, contractors, and haulers. Basic troubleshooting and repair of mechanical systems and grounds maintenance. Oral and written communication sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. Equal Opportunity Employer “AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.” Minorities, females, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Yakima County ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of age, color, creed, sensory, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or military status. Pay Transparency / Nondiscrimination Provision Employees or applicants may not disclose their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant, unless permitted by law or by contractor duty. Disclosing the pay of other employees is allowed only in response to a formal complaint, for investigations, or to comply with legal duty to furnish information. #J-18808-Ljbffr Yakima County