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County Landfill Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

County Landfill information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$22

$56

How much do county landfill jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for county landfill in Raleigh, NC is $22.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.01 and $26.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a county landfill?

A county landfill is a designated site managed by local government where waste from households, businesses, and sometimes municipalities is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. These landfills are regulated to minimize pollution, manage hazardous materials, and control landfill gases. They play a crucial role in waste management by safely containing solid waste and often include recycling and composting programs. County landfills are subject to strict environmental regulations to protect groundwater, air quality, and public health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a county landfill operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a County Landfill Operator, you need knowledge of waste management regulations, heavy equipment operation, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant certifications. Familiarity with landfill management systems, GPS tracking, and machinery such as bulldozers and compactors is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills are important soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient landfill operations that protect the environment and community health.

What are some common challenges faced by workers at a county landfill, and how are they addressed?

Workers at a county landfill often encounter challenges such as exposure to varying weather conditions, managing heavy equipment safely, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. To address these, landfills typically provide comprehensive safety training, proper personal protective equipment, and regular equipment maintenance. Additionally, teams work closely together to monitor waste sorting and site operations, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and in accordance with regulatory standards. Ongoing communication and support from supervisors help workers adapt to changing conditions and resolve issues promptly.

What is the difference between County Landfill vs Waste Management Technician?

AspectCounty LandfillWaste Management Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety trainingHigh school diploma, safety and equipment training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, landfill sitesOutdoor, waste collection and processing sites
Employer & IndustryCounty government, waste disposalPrivate companies or municipalities, waste services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a County Landfill worker and a Waste Management Technician lies in their work scope and employer. County Landfill workers typically operate within county-run waste disposal sites, focusing on landfill maintenance and safety. Waste Management Technicians often work for private waste collection companies, handling waste pickup, sorting, and processing. Both roles require safety training and outdoor work, but their specific duties and employment settings differ.

Is it safe to work at a county landfill?

Working at a county landfill involves exposure to waste, heavy machinery, and potentially hazardous materials, so safety protocols and protective equipment are essential. Employees typically receive safety training and must follow regulations to minimize risks associated with the job environment.

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for County Landfill jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most County Landfill job openings:

Infographic showing various County Landfill job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,162 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Landfill Grounds Technician

Harnett County, NC

Lillington, NC • On-site

$34K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Lillington, NC
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: SW 2459
Department: Solid Waste/Recycling
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
POSITION SUMMARY
An employee in this position performs unskilled maintenance work associated with landfill disposal operations for Solid Waste Management of Harnett County. This includes: maintaining public grounds and related facilities; operating equipment; picking up trash; and assisting in loading and unloading trucks.
Hiring Salary: $34,948.00
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:
  • Performs load checking to prevent hazardous and prohibited waste from disposal in the landfill; identifies, removes, or advises supervisor of hazardous, non-compliant materials.
  • Performs litter collection and landscape/landfill maintenance inside landfill and areas surrounding landfill as directed.
  • Serves as lead worker as assigned over temporary and community service workers to complete maintenance and/or repair projects in timely manner following safety standards; monitors and reviews work in progress; and ensures work is completed safety and on time.
  • Constructs and installs landfill fences.
  • Assists in loading and unloading vehicles.
  • Directs customers to appropriate location within the landfill to unload refuse.
  • Assists with a variety of basic tasks as required.
  • Cleans, maintains, and accounts for basic tools.
  • Operates light trucks and equipment as required.
  • Maintains records of work activities.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:
  • High school diploma or equivalent;
  • One (1) year of work experience in grounds maintenance and/or landscaping work;
  • Or equivalent education and/or experience.
  • Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of the methods, tools, and equipment utilized in the landfill.
  • Knowledge of the safe and proper use and maintenance of various hand and power tools used in building and grounds maintenance work.
  • Knowledge of the occupational hazards and preventive safety measures of working in a landfill and operating heavy equipment.
  • Knowledge of County purchasing, budgeting, and personnel policies and procedures.
  • Skill in operating assigned equipment and tools, tractor, riding mowers, drag and line attachments, chain saws, etc.
  • Ability to serve as lead worker to create a productive work team and ensure work is completed correctly and safely.
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and other employees.
  • Ability to prepare simple work records.
  • Ability to execute details of work according to specific instructions.
  • Ability to adapt to frequent and varying changes in the work schedule.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting up to 20 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; frequently requiring 50 pounds of force to move objects; and occasionally requiring to exert up to 100 pounds of force to move objects. This work also involves the physical abilities of balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, grasping, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, performing repetitive motion, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, and walking. An incumbent must also possess the visual acuity to distinguish types of materials being disposed of in the landfill, operate equipment, and use tools.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The employee is subject to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions including extreme heat, cold, and noise. Work at the landfill also involves exposure to physical conditions such as moving mechanical parts; atmospheric conditions such as odors and dust; and skin exposure to oils. Work may be subject to OSHA's bloodborne pathogen standards.
Harnett County takes pride in offering an excellent benefit package including health, dental, vision and life insurance, membership in the North Carolina Local Government retirement, free health clinic for employees and anyone in their household and other benefits. To see more information about the benefits offered by Harnett County, click
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