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Entry Level Landfill Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This is the entry-level classification in the Landfill Maintenance Worker series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine landfill site maintenance tasks. As ...

This is an entry level, non-supervisory position focused on hazardous and non-hazardous waste ... landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill ...

Engineer - Assistant

Auburn, CA · On-site

$49.94 - $62.38/hr

... entry level. This class is distinguished from the Associate Civil Engineer in that the latter ... Oversee County landfill and other solid waste disposal facilities, including active, inactive and ...

This is an entry level, non-supervisory position focused on hazardous and non-hazardous waste ... landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill ...

Engineer - Junior

Auburn, CA · On-site

$43.15 - $53.88/hr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the entry level class in the Engineer series. This class is ... Oversee County landfill and other solid waste disposal facilities, including active, inactive and ...

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Entry Level Landfill information

What is an entry level landfill?

Entry level landfill jobs typically involve tasks such as sorting and disposing of waste, operating basic machinery, maintaining site cleanliness, and performing routine inspections. Employees in these roles assist with the daily operations of a landfill under the supervision of more experienced staff. These positions often require physical labor and adherence to safety regulations, but usually do not require extensive prior experience or specialized education. Entry level landfill jobs are a good starting point for individuals interested in environmental services or waste management careers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level landfill worker?

To thrive as an Entry Level Landfill Worker, you need basic knowledge of safety practices, physical stamina, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with operating heavy equipment, such as loaders and compactors, and understanding waste management protocols are typically required. Dependability, teamwork, and attention to detail are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient landfill operations and compliance with environmental regulations.

What are common challenges faced by entry level landfill workers, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level landfill workers often encounter challenges such as adapting to outdoor working conditions, handling heavy equipment, and maintaining strict safety and environmental regulations. To address these challenges, new employees should take advantage of comprehensive training programs, adhere closely to safety protocols, and communicate openly with team members and supervisors. Building strong teamwork skills and staying up-to-date with operational procedures can also help workers perform their duties efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Entry Level Landfill vs Entry Level Waste Management Technician?

AspectEntry Level LandfillEntry Level Waste Management Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety trainingHigh school diploma, safety training
Work EnvironmentLandfill sites, outdoor, physical workWaste facilities, outdoor/indoor, physical and technical work
Industry UsagePrimarily in waste disposal and landfill operationsIn waste collection, recycling, and disposal services

Entry Level Landfill and Entry Level Waste Management Technician roles share similar credentials and work environments, focusing on waste disposal and environmental safety. However, landfill roles are more specialized in landfill site operations, while waste management technicians often work across various waste handling and recycling facilities. Both positions serve the waste industry but differ slightly in scope and daily tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Landfill jobs in California?

The most popular types of Landfill jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Landfill jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Landfill job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Landfill job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Landfill Maintenance Worker I

Butte County

Oroville, CA • On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Butte County rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

546th of 852 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027. This recruitment is for level I. The salary range for level I is $1,498.40 - $2,008.80 biweekly ($18.73 -$25.11 per hour)

Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process.

All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question. FLSA: Non-Exempt DEFINITION Under immediate (Landfill Maintenance Worker I) or general (Landfill Maintenance Worker II) supervision, performs unskilled and heavy manual labor tasks, using common tools and operating light equipment associated with landfill disposal operations; salvages and recycles a variety of materials; dismantles appliances; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives immediate (Landfill Maintenance Worker I) or general (Landfill Maintenance Worker II) supervision from the Landfill Operations Supervisor or designee. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS Landfill Maintenance Worker I: This is the entry-level classification in the Landfill Maintenance Worker series.

Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine landfill site maintenance tasks. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Landfill Maintenance Worker II but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.

Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Landfill Maintenance Worker II: This is the journey-level classification in the Landfill Maintenance Worker series.

Positions at this level are distinguished from the Landfill Maintenance Worker I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in the Landfill Maintenance Worker class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level.

Essential Job Functions EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions. 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 placement, removal, and repair of landfill alternative daily cover tarps.

Salvages recyclable materials. Dismantles or processes recyclable materials and appliances; prepares electronic waste for off-site transport. Removes unpermitted waste; pushes and loads waste; sorts hazardous waste and prepares for off-site transport.

Performs unskilled and semi-skilled manual labor tasks including, but not limited to, installing, and repairing guardrails and fencing and welding pipe to maintain and construct methane gas lines. Operates water truck to mitigate dust in landfill areas. Operates light trucks and equipment; and heavy equipment and vehicles to load and unload dirt and green waste for landfill cover areas.

Performs weed and pest control activities. Performs litter collection, landscape, and landfill maintenance. Directs customers to appropriate location within the landfill to unload refuse.

Assists in loading and unloading vehicles. Assists in placement, removal, and repair of landfill alternative daily cover tarps. Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of: Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility. Principles and practices of performing semi-skilled welding and construction work. Principles and practices of weed and pest control.

Operation of light to heavy vehicles, equipment, and machinery. Hazards associated with common household chemicals and hazardous waste. Safety and emergency response procedures.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff. The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To: Perform sustained heavy physical labor. Perform semi-skilled welding and construction work. Operate weed and pest control equipment.

Use basic tools and operate heavy vehicles, equipment, or machinery. Identify and report hazardous materials. Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow-up on assignments.

Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines. Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; and Landfill Maintenance Worker I: One (1) year of experience performing maintenance and repair work in open spaces or facilities.

Landfill Maintenance Worker II: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience performing maintenance and repair work in open spaces or facilities at a level equivalent to the County's class of Landfill Maintenance Worker I. Certifications and Licenses: Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Landfill Maintenance Worker II: Possess and maintain a valid Class A California driver's license. Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements PHYSICAL DEMANDS Mobility to work in the field; to sit, stand and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb on and off equipment, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites. Strength and stamina to perform medium to heavy physical work; to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

Vision to inspect and operate equipment. Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity to operate and repair tools and equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS Field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, biologic and infectious agents, vermin, insects and parasites, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED Equipment utilized includes County vehicles, forklift, telehandler, excavator, auto tarper, compactors, water trucks, water pump generator, weed and pest control equipment, welding tools, and landscaping tools.

Disaster Service Worker All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.


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