County Landfill Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $32.70 - $35.39 Hourly
Location : Dane County Landfill, 7102 USH 12&18, Madison WI 53718, WI
Job Type: Full time (1.0FTE)
Job Number: 2026-00190
Department: Waste & Renewables
Opening Date: 06/26/2026
Closing Date: 7/13/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 65
Description
The Dane County Department of Waste and Renewables in Madison, Wisconsin is recruiting for a full-time (1.0 FTE) Mechanic - Landfill position.
The Eligibility List created may be used to fill future vacancies over the next six (6) months.
Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
Under supervision, performs skilled work in the preventive maintenance and repair of gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas, and other power driven equipment, and other related work, as required.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
This section lists several examples of duties, but not all mechanic positions perform all that are listed below. Duties are dependent upon work location and department needs.
Inspects, maintains and repairs varied automotive and heavy equipment, including large-to-small diesel and gasoline engines, trucks, automobiles, tractors, forklifts, graders, sweepers, snow blowers (Airport: high capacity snowblowers and runway brooms), (Landfill: waste compactor, excavator, vac truck), snow plows, wheel loaders, bulldozers, cranes, rollers, turf mowing equipment, compressors and associated equipment. Inspects, maintains, repairs or replaces engine, electrical, fuel, hydraulic, brake and driveline components. Troubleshoots mechanical, electrical and computer-related problems on vehicles and equipment. Performs regular inspection and servicing of vehicles and equipment. Performs regular preventive maintenance in accordance with manufacturer specifications. Uses and maintains computerized fleet management program to track vehicle and equipment maintenance. Assists in building and fabricating construction, maintenance or other equipment. Makes service calls on equipment to perform emergency repairs. At Highway, may be required to fabricate and assemble plow trucks from a bare chassis, assembling needed components to complete a running, operating snow plow. Conducts road tests on equipment and maintains equipment in clean and orderly condition. Read and interpret diagrams, schematics and other technical drawings. Perform welding, brazing, cutting, or other shop work. Operate a variety of snow and ice control equipment including snow plows. May perform other road construction and road maintenance work. May instruct, train and direct the work of others. Performs other duties, as required.
Education, Experience and Special Requirements
Education, Training and Experience:
Minimum requirements include any combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and three (3) years of experience in the repair of light and heavy automotive, construction and maintenance equipment which includes a substantial emphasis on diesel engines; or a vocational diploma as a diesel and heavy equipment technician; or a two (2) year associate degree in diesel equipment technology. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification may be desired for some positions.
Certifications/Licenses:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirements vary by department, see Special Requirements section below. Everyone who has a CDL must be registered in the US Department of Transportation's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. Registration is available at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/reister. Applicants must pass drug/alcohol testing after a conditional offer of employment has been made. Random drug and alcohol testing required for all CDL holders.
Special Requirements:
On-call and emergency requirements may vary by department: Must be available and willing to work nights, holidays and weekends during snow and other emergencies. Some positions require that you provide your own set of hand tools.
Airport Must have (or be eligible for) a valid Wisconsin driver's license. Commercial Driver's License, Class "A" with "N" (tanker) endorsement required within ninety (90) days of appointment. Candidates who reach the final selection stage will be subject to an FBI criminal history records check, TSA security assessment, employment history verification, and a driving record background check.
Alliant Energy Center positions do not require a Wisconsin Commercial Driver's license.
Highway Department positions require a valid Wisconsin class "B" commercial driver's license at time of hire. A valid Wisconsin class "A" commercial driver's license with air brake endorsement within six (6) months of appointment.
Land and Water Resources Department positions require a valid Wisconsin Class "A" Commercial Driver's License with Air Brake within one (1) year of hire.
Waste & Renewables Department positions require a valid Wisconsin Class "B" Non-Restricted Commercial Driver's License with Air Brake at time of hire. Required within 12 months of hire: Valid Wisconsin Class "A" Commercial Driver's License, WDNR NR 524 Certified Landfill Operator License, and Certified confined space entrant and attendant. Preferred but not required: CDL endorsements N, P/S (double/triple trailers and passenger/school bus). Hand tools provided by Waste & Renewables Department.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 - 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
For Bilingual Positions:

1. Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).
2. Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.

*If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position's bilingual designation.
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
Ability to wear a respirator and ability to enter and work in small confined spaces. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges. Physically capable of running heavy and light equipment, operating hand tools and power tools. Physically capable of working in small confined spaces and with poor lighting. Ability to work in severe weather conditions including wind, dust, rain, snow, ice, extreme temperatures, uneven surfaces and excessive noise. Ability to use hand/feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulations, pushing and pulling and operating controls and equipment.
Lifting
Airport positions must be able to lift a minimum of 75 pounds unassisted and heavier loads with assistance.
Highway positions must be able to lift and stabilize heavy objects up to 50 lbs. unassisted on a regular basis (seldom too repeatedly in a day) and heavier loads with assistance. Must have good hand and arm strength to push, pull, and move parts up to 50 lbs. unassisted on a regular basis (seldom too repeatedly in a day) and heavier loads with assistance to proper locations.
Land and Water Resources Department positions must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds unassisted and heavier loads with assistance. Ability to do manual labor, including repetitive lifting, bending, reaching, kneeling and squatting.
Waste & Renewables Department positions require the ability to perform "light/heavy work" defined as being able to lift 70 pounds maximum with frequent lifting (up to 50 times a day) and/or carrying of objects weighing up to forty pounds.
Alliant Energy Center positions must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds unassisted and heavier loads with assistance. Ability to climb ladders. Ability to work long hours.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the standard practices, methods, tools, and materials used in the maintenance and repair of light and heavy automotive, construction, snow removal and maintenance equipment. Knowledge of the standard practices, methods, tools, and materials used in mechanical trades. Knowledge of safety hazards and relevant safety precautions. Knowledge of the theory, care and operation of gasoline and diesel engines. Knowledge of preventive maintenance programs. Knowledge of computer diagnostics and skill in troubleshooting and diagnosing mechanical troubles. Ability to determine, and perform, appropriate maintenance, repairs or replacement work. Skill in working from technical drawings, sketches, and broken parts to fabricate non standard or specialized equipment. Ability to perform heavy manual work. Ability to do all position welding. Ability to instruct and train employees. Ability to keep detailed maintenance records. Ability to use computers and maintenance management software. Ability to operate heavy construction and maintenance equipment, including snow plows. Ability to work without close supervision, make independent decisions, follow instructions and accept criticism. Ability to work effectively with other employees and supervisory staff. Ability to communicate using two-way radio. Ability to communicate tactfully and courteously with the public and co-workers Ability to be safety conscious at all times regarding physical activity (lifting and moving items). Mental ability to address potential adverse or negative situations that may arise from time to time. Must be dependable, reliable and have a previous history of good attendance and punctuality. Must be able to attend staff and training meetings as required.
Become a part of the Dane County Team!
We offer a wide range of benefits including fully paid dental and HMO health insurance premiums for full time employees/pro rated for part time employees. The County will also provide contributions towards POS health insurance premiums and short/long term disability. Additional benefits available include long term care, vision coverage, flex spending account and deferred compensation programs paid in full by the employee and a wellness program. For further details on insurance benefits visit
Bilingual Pay: Employees who work in bilingual designated positions receive an additional $2.00 per hour.
Undesirable Hours Premium Pay: Employees may receive undesirable hours pay of $2.00 for anytime worked between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m and for anytime on Saturday and/or Sunday. (not applicable with all employee groups).
Paid Parental Leave: Dane County also provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption of a child.
Caregiver Leave: Dane County offers 80 hours of paid leave to care for an ill family member.
Telecommuting: Telecommuting allows employees to work remotely for all or part of their work week. Dane County considers telecommuting to be a viable, flexible option when both the employee and the job are suited to such an arrangement. Dane County will permit telecommuting when it benefits the productivity of the employee and their department and if determined by employee's department that telecommuting is not detrimental to either the County or the employee.
Student Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
WI Retirement System: Employees hired after 7-1-11 must be expected to work a minimum of 1200 hours annually to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System when hired.
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Dane County participates in E-Verify. For more information see the Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters here" and then the 'here' links to this page:
01
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have three (3) years of experience in the repair of light and heavy automotive, construction and maintenance equipment which includes a substantial emphasis on diesel engines; or a vocational diploma as a diesel and heavy equipment technician; or a two (2) year associate degree in diesel equipment technology.

• Yes
• No

03
From question 2, please identify why you replied yes.
04
Do you have a valid Wisconsin Class "B" Non-Restricted Commercial Driver's License with Air Brake?

• Yes
• No

05 <