Equipment Operator - Solid Waste

Summary

Are you skilled with heavy equipment, comfortable working outdoors, and proud of doing hands-on work that keeps things running smoothly? We’re looking for a dependable, safety-focused Equipment Operator to help operate and maintain our solid waste disposal facilities.

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

• Competitive Pay: $20.43 to $22.27 per hour depending on experience
• Amazing Benefits: Includes health care for eligible employees and their dependents through a free medical clinic, offering primary care, medications, lab services, and more
• Generous Paid Time Off: Earn up to 8 hours of vacation each month, with increases based on years of service
• Secure Your Future: Benefit from a strong retirement plan through the Public Employees Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI)
• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement and eligibility for public student loan forgiveness

What You'll Do

• Operate a wide range of heavy wheeled and tracked equipment, including loaders, excavators, dump trucks, semi-trucks and trailers, forklifts, water trucks, and more
• Manage traffic flow and waste movement at transfer stations and landfill sites
• Inspect, service, and perform preventative maintenance on equipment
• Identify equipment issues and assist mechanics with repairs
• Perform physical labor such as site maintenance, snow removal, fencing, erosion control, and litter pickup
• Conduct waste screening and handle hazardous or unacceptable materials properly
• Educate customers on facility rules and acceptable disposal methods
• Respond to on-site incidents, spills, or emergencies when needed
• Support and mentor other staff and assist with crew leadership when required

What We’re Looking For

• Strong ability to safely operate heavy equipment in all weather and site conditions
• Solid understanding of safety procedures, traffic rules, and hazardous materials
• Good communication skills and the ability to work with the public professionally
• Reliability, strong follow-through, and good time management
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, overtime, and rotating on-call shift

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED
• 4+ years of related experience and/or training (or an equivalent combination of education)

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Must possess or obtain within 6 months of hire: Class A CDL with tanker endorsement
• Forklift, scale house, waste screening, and traffic flagging certifications
• Must possess or obtain within 1 year of hire: First Aid & CPR, Hazardous Waste Operations certification, CFC removal certification

Work Environment

• This is a physically demanding, outdoor role performed in all weather conditions
• You’ll be lifting, bending, climbing, and working around heavy machinery, noise, fumes, and other hazards—safety gear is required and provided

Ready to Apply?

Visit our online application page Kootenai County Employment Opportunities to submit your application, cover letter and resume.

Questions?

Contact our Human Resources team at (208) 446-1640 or email kcrecruit@kcgov.us.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets Preference/Drug-Free Workplace

Kootenai County Benefits: Kootenai County Benefits

Required Question

• 01 For this application we require a cover letter as well as resume. Please verify that you have attached a cover letter and resume prior to submitting this application.
• 02 If you are a veteran, did you attach a copy of your DD214?