Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator Lead

About the role

The Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator Lead provides advanced-level operation of heavy equipment at the landfill and serves as the lead for daily field activities. This role is responsible for safe and efficient waste placement, compaction, cover operations, and directing equipment operators and laborers to ensure regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and smooth daily operations.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy equipment including landfill compactors, dozers, excavators, loaders, haul trucks, and other assigned machinery.
• Lead daily work activities for equipment operators; provide direction, training, and guidance.
• Coordinate waste placement, compaction patterns, and cover procedures to maximize airspace and ensure compliance with the facility’s operating plan.
• Inspect working face and equipment daily; report mechanical or safety issues promptly.
• Assist with maintaining proper grades, drainage, and site roads.
• Perform and document daily equipment inspections, minor maintenance, and cleaning.
• Monitor incoming waste loads for prohibited materials and communicate with scale house or management as needed.
• Support environmental compliance including litter control, stormwater management, erosion control, and dust mitigation.
• Communicate with superintendent regarding staffing needs, equipment conditions, and operational improvements.
• Serve as acting lead on the working face to enhance safety, productivity, and teamwork.
• Assist with special projects such as cell construction, closure work, leachate system maintenance, or storm response as necessary.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5 years of experience operating heavy equipment, preferably in a landfill or earthwork environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead crews or serve in a lead-worker role.
• Knowledge of landfill operations, safety procedures, and environmental regulations.
• Ability to read grade stakes, site plans, and follow operational layouts.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with landfill compactors and dozers. Certification in heavy equipment operation or landfill operations (e.g., SWANA). Basic mechanical aptitude.

Skills & Abilities

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Analytical – Ability to analyze statistical data, keep accurate records and complete reports.
• Autonomy – Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers’ needs while following company procedures.
• Ethical - Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.
• Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful, maintain high level of confidentiality and be seen as credible in the workplace.
• Judgement – Ability to use good judgement and discretion as