About the Department

The Johnston County Solid Waste Department has an immediate opening for a Landfill Operations Specialist. 

Work includes operating heavy equipment to maintain the Johnston County Solid Waste Landfill, to clear land, haul dirt to cover landfill solid waste, grade and landscape the landfill sites.

Work is performed following an established route and/or procedure. Skill and care are required in operating the heavy equipment. Employees are subject to hazards in sanitation work including working in both inside and outside environments, and exposure to various hazards such as dust, odors, noise, vibration, moving mechanical parts, atmospheric conditions, and oils. Work is also subject to the final OSHA standards on bloodborne pathogens. 

This position is open until filled.

Position Duties

Employees will also be responsible for:

• equipment maintenance

• dust control

• installing erosion control 

• using GPS grading systems 

• general cleanup

Employees duties will include:

• Operates bulldozer, compactors, and off-road dump truck in clearing land and covering land debris 

• Operates heavy equipment to grade and excavate land and backfill excavations and trenches

• Operates motor grader in the grading, ditching and other construction and maintenance of dirt roads and the repair of road surfaces at the landfill

• Performs preventive maintenance and makes repairs and adjustments to heavy equipment; assists the mechanic; assists in other projects/events and duties as assigned

• Separates recyclable materials and loads into shipping containers 

• Mows and maintains landfill acreage

• Operates transfer trucks to transport solid waste to various sites

Minimum Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of the operation and maintenance of heavy construction equipment. 
• Considerable knowledge of the methods of landfill operation including grading and drainage requirements and regulation regarding solid waste materials disposed of in landfill. 
• Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and preventive safety measures of working in a landfill and operation of heavy equipment. 
• Ability to operate construction equipment to proper grade. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and other employees. 
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and dependably.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation and maintenance of heavy construction equipment. 
• Considerable knowledge of the methods of landfill operation including grading and drainage requirements and regulation regarding solid waste materials disposed of in landfill. 
• Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and preventive safety measures of working in a landfill and operation of heavy equipment. 
• Ability to operate construction equipment to proper grade. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and other employees. 
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and dependably.

• Must be able to perform basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, grasping, pushing, pulling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must have visual acuity to operate heavy equipment and distinguish types of materials being deposited in the landfill. 
• Must be able to perform basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, grasping, pushing, pulling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must have visual acuity to operate heavy equipment and distinguish types of materials being deposited in the landfill. 

Other Qualifications

• Ability to read and write and considerable experience with heavy equipment operation, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. 

• Prefer candidates with experience operating heavy equipment in a landfill environment.  

• An ideal candidate will hold a North Carolina Landfill Operations Specialist Certificate or obtain Landfill Operations Specialist certification within six months of employment (subject to SWANA scheduling). 

• A valid North Carolina driver's license is required.