Solid Waste Operator I

Department      Solid Waste

Classification     Grade 8

Reports to         Solid Waste Operations Supervisor - Direct

                             Solid Waste Sustainability Supervisor – Indirect

                             Solid Waste Administrator

Unit                      IUOE Local 49- Solid Waste             

Supervises         N/A                                                  

FLSA Status        Non-exempt

Position Description 

Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of Hubbard County solid waste facilities, including transfer stations and demolition landfill areas. Performs waste inspection, equipment operation, customer service, and facility maintenance in accordance with federal, state, and county regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive, inspect, and direct incoming municipal solid waste (MSW), demolition debris, recycling, and reuse materials; identify unacceptable waste and potential Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and direct to designated areas.
• Provide customer service to the public, businesses, and haulers; explain proper disposal practices and direct traffic to appropriate disposal areas while maintaining safe and efficient site flow.
• Collect fees, process payments, operate weigh scales, and issue receipts; maintain accurate daily records, deposits, and reports.
• Operate solid waste equipment, including auger compactors, loaders, backhoes, skid steers, forklifts, telehandlers, off road semis, and other assigned heavy equipment as needed; load and unload materials, and maintain safe site operations.
• Load transfer trailers using appropriate equipment; ensure loads meet Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) regulations and disposal site requirements; assist with trailer movement, tarping, and staging as needed.
• Monitor waste streams including demolition debris, brush, tires, scrap metal, appliances, and bulky materials; maintain designated storage areas and ensure compliance with applicable permits and regulations.
• Perform routine inspection, operation, and maintenance of facility systems including compactors, scales, fuel systems, and related equipment; document maintenance and coordinate repairs as needed.
• Maintain facility buildings and grounds, including snow removal, building upkeep, general cleaning, mowing, and upkeep of disposal areas.
• Maintain safe working conditions in high-traffic areas with public interaction and heavy equipment activity.
• Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations related to solid waste operations.
• Assist in other areas of the department as assigned in support of overall operations.
• Maintain regular attendance and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Minimum qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent, or work experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Valid Class D driver’s license.
• Successfully complete all pre-employment screening requirements, contingent upon a conditional offer of employment.
• Complete OSHA Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) training within 1 year of hire.
• Obtain Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Type III Solid Waste Facility Operator Certification within 6 months of hire.

Knowledge

Basics of general maintenance of light and heavy equipment, hazardous waste identification and handling, and applicable laws, regulations, and County policies related to solid waste, recycling, and household hazardous waste operations. Understanding of safety practices and procedures required to perform duties in a public-facing and regulated environment.

Skills

Skill in working safely around heavy equipment in areas with public traffic. Skill in maintaining accurate records for load documentation, billing, receipts, and maintenance activities. Proficient in using automated systems and tools relevant to the position. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all stakeholders. Demonstrates strong attention to detail, organizational skills, accuracy, and problem-solving ability.

Abilities

Ability to work a flexible schedule and perform duties in high-traffic areas, extreme weather conditions, and fast-paced environments. Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks and frequent interruptions, maintaining attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and follow established procedures and supervisor direction. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Class A or Class B, with air brake endorsement
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Type III Solid Waste Facility Operator Certification.
• OSHA Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) training.
• Experience operating heavy equipment such as compactors, balers, loaders, backhoes, skid steers, forklifts, and related machinery.
• Mechanical aptitude or experience performing routine equipment maintenance.
• Forklift certification.

Physical Requirements

To view the Functional Job Analysis, click here.

Note (Management Right)

The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.  Regular attendance on the job and the performance of other duties as assigned are required.  The County retains the discretion to add or change the contents of this position description at any time.