Landfill Equipment Operator III

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 9/2/2026, 9/16/2026 (final).

About the Role

Under general supervision, the Landfill Equipment Operator III leads, plans, schedules, and oversees the work of Landfill Equipment Operators and lower-level staff while performing the same and/or more difficult duties as those being led. Ensures completion of tasks in accordance with established policies and procedures; communicates policies, procedures, and job expectations; and provides training to staff.

Knowledge

• Principles and practices of training, mentoring, and leadership
• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of assigned programs and functions
• Procedures and policies pertaining to landfill regulations
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to refuse collection and disposal
• Procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as databases, two-way radio communication devices, GPS navigation systems, and other specialized applications related to area of assignment
• Basic arithmetic (i.e., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, percentages, ratios, and fractions)
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Heavy-duty landfill and earthmoving equipment operation
• Grade staking procedures
• Safety rules and regulations pertaining to refuse disposal
• Principles of effective customer service

Abilities

• Lead and train Landfill Equipment Operator staff and Sanitation Workers
• Plan, coordinate, assign, and review the work of staff
• Provide work direction and instruction to subordinates and/or new employees
• Research and evaluate work problems, and recommend solutions
• Develop and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with co-workers and the public
• Make arithmetical computations accurately and rapidly
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Maintain current training records, certification records, and other required records up to date
• Read, understand, and adhere to County and department policies and procedures relating to area of assignment
• Complete and submit basic written reports when required
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Apply customer service skills, including the identification of customer needs and follow-up to ensure customer commitments have been met
• Operate landfill and heavy equipment vehicles
• Use hand levels, laser equipment, and GPS systems
• Adapt to new technologies, work processes, and equipment
• Use electronic technology for record keeping, training, and communication

Requirements

• Five years of full-time paid experience in landfill and/or road construction work operating heavy equipment, such as dozers, wheeled or track loaders and backhoes, landfill compactors, articulated haul trucks, motor graders, wheeled or track excavators, and scrapers or earth-movers.
• A valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, is required prior to appointment. Incumbents must obtain a valid California Commercial Driver’s License, Class B or higher, without an Airbrake Restriction, within 90 days of appointment.

Physical Requirements

• Have sufficient strength, stamina, and agility to perform medium to heavy manual labor for brief periods of time.
• Sit for extended periods of time while operating equipment.
• Occasionally climb on ladders.
• Climb on and off equipment.
• Assist in changing wear teeth and blades which requires bending, stooping, and lifting weights up to 50 pounds.
• Operate heavy equipment on uneven terrain for an extended period of time.

Working Conditions

• Work outside in all types of climatic conditions including inclement and very hot weather.
• Work around dust, dirt, odors, and refuse.
• Work in loud or noisy areas.
• Work around machinery and equipment with moving parts.
• Work in enclosed tight spaces.
• Work various shifts, overtime, weekends, holidays, and non-routine hours.
• May occasionally work indoors in the Landfill office building.

Criminal History and Background Checks

The County may access criminal history information on candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment consistent with applicable laws. The County shall not consider for employment any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the candidate’s ability to perform the job duties of this class unless mitigating circumstances exist. Background checks may include personal and professional reference checks, credit history checks, Social Security Number verification, professional license/registration verification, military service information, and driving history.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.