Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Wichita, KS

Salary: $19.75 - $27.91 Hourly
Location : Brooks Landfill, KS
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: EO2 O - Landfill NJD
Department: Public Works and Utilities
Division: PWU Public Health
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: 2000
The City of Wichita is NOT an E-Verify Employer.
Distinguishing Features of Work
AbouttheEnvironmentalHealth/LandfillDivision:
Landfill Operations include operating the City's construction and demolition landfill, industrial landfill, and composting site as well as maintaining the current and past landfills following closure, per State and Federal regulations. These operations provide a means of disposal for City waste, primarily street sweepings, illegal dumping, neighborhood cleanups, construction debris, and grass clippings. The operation of open and closed landfills is key in ensuring Wichita's continued focus on Environmental Health and Safety.
Vision Statement:
Provide environmentally sustainable composting, recycling, and landfill facilities for City and public waste, and manage the long-term closure process of past and current landfill facilities.
Whatwearelookingfor:
Looking for individuals who take pride in their work. Seeking individuals to join a team that is dedicated to providing excellent service. Are you ready to be part of an organization that will help you achieve your career goals? Are you ready to see what your work can accomplish for the community?
RoleDescription:
The main responsibility of this position is skilled and safe operation of specialized automotive equipment in a landfill environment, including servicing and making minor repairs to equipment operated. Employees also perform manual work, usually of an unskilled or semiskilled nature, in connection with maintenance or landfill activities. Occasionally the employee may act as a crew leader over a small number of employees to accomplish specific tasks or assignments. A supervisor gives general directions in routine tasks and special instructions when changes are made in established procedures. Work is reviewed through inspections and through discussions with a supervisor.
Work Location: Brooks Landfill - 4100 N. West Street - Wichita, KS
The days and hours for this position: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm and alternating Saturdays 7:30am - 12:30pm.
Anticipated starting salary: $19.75 (based on experience and qualifications)
Bargaining Unit: Service Employee's International (SEIU)
**"Employees within the department or division shall be given first consideration**
Examples of Work Performed

• Operates a wheel loader, water truck, backhoe, skid steer, track loader, and tractor with attachments.
• Operates a pickup truck; may operate a dump truck with trailer depending on driver's license type and endorsements.
• May be crossed trained to operate larger pieces of equipment, such as a landfill compactor or bulldozer.
• Preforms service work on equipment, such as refueling, lubricating, washing, and making minor repairs and adjustments.
• Completes daily inspection logs.
• Directs traffic at and around the working face of a construction and demolition (C&D) landfill. Monitors, sorts, and buries materials brought into a C&D and industrial landfill.
• Maintains composting windrows.
• Assists customers with the loading of compost, mulch, or other items purchased.
• May function as backup operator or assistant to an Equipment Operator III.
• The examples of work performed are not intended to be all-inclusive.
• The City of Wichita reserves the right to assign additional duties as needed.

Requirements of Work

• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to acquire within a reasonable period of time knowledge of the procedures, tools, equipment, and materials used in landfill work.
• Ability to maneuver self into and/or onto vehicular equipment with two-foot steep first step, and onto frame or fender as required to perform fluid/filter check daily and maintenance every 100 hours or as needed.
• Ability to maintain balance and physically tolerate operating and riding heavy equipment over rough terrain for long periods of time.
• Ability to follow simple oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• May require the ability to lead the work of a small number of employees on landfill maintenance operations. Ability to operate, with training, a two-way radio.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to airborne environmental nuisances associated with traffic and machine exhaust, open grounds, construction, and composting operations.
• Ability to tolerate equipment and machinery noise with the use of ear plugs. Ability to lift and carry bulky items weighing up to 90 pounds.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 150 pounds with the assistance of another.
• Ability to pull, shove or otherwise maneuver items weighing up to 150 pounds.
• Ability to be continuously performing tasks that require one to push, pull, climb (ladders and in and out of vehicular equipment), bend, twist, reach, stand, and walk about (up to a half mile at a time) for most of a ten-hour shift.
• Ability to wear safety toed boots and other personal protective equipment as required.
• Ability to acquire (within 120 days of start date) and maintain a valid Kansas class A commercial driver's license (CDL) Class A CDL is preferred; Class B with air brake and tanker endorsements will be considered . If you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen, you will be required to have or obtain a CDL from your home country.
• This position will require working outdoors in inclement weather including but not limited to, rain, snow, ice, sleet, heat, and humidity plus snow and ice removal and/or emergency response operations that would include operating equipment and vehicles on overnight shifts and weekends.
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Experience and Training
Required Experience and Training

• Must be 18-years or older.
• One and one-half (1.5) years of experience in the operation of heavy or specialized equipment used in landfill, construction, or farming activities.
• A valid Driver's License.
• Ability to acquire a valid Class B CDL within 120 days of employment. If you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen, you will be required to have or obtain a CDL from your home country.
• Ability to acquire a valid Class A CDL within 365 days of employment. If you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen, you will be required to have or obtain a CDL from your home country.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.

Preferred Experience and Training

• A current, valid Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) or a Class B CDL.
• A valid Class A or B CDL with one or more of the following endorsements: Tank Vehicle (N), Hazardous Materials (H), or Combination Hazardous Materials and Tank Vehicle (X).
• A valid Class A or B CDL clear of the following restrictions: No Air Brake Equipped CMV (L), No Full Air Brake Equipped CMV (Z), and No Manual Transmission (E).
• Experience in the operation of a backhoe, wheel loader, tractor, and/or skid steer.
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) speaking.
• High school diploma, GED, or vocational degree in equipment operation or construction field. Completion of a military occupational specialty (MOS) related to heavy equipment operation may be substituted for a vocational degree.
• OSHA 10-Hour Certified (General Industry or Construction).
• OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certified.
• Related work experience in landfill, construction, landscaping, and similar jobs involving physical/manual labor and operation of heavy equipment.

Please note that this position is part of a random drug testing pool, and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.
Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal records check.
Starting pay for current City employees will be determined by City of Wichita policy or applicable bargaining unit agreement.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following links:
CITY OF WICHITA
FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
1. VACATION - Most employees with less than five years employment earn 10 days of vacation per year. After five years, accrual rates increase at varying rates to varying maximums, depending on work schedule and/or union representation. Employees can accumulate and carry forward up to 240 hours each year.
2. HOLIDAYS - There are eleven paid holidays. Employees also receive one Personal Holiday that is granted after the first six months of employment.
3. SICK LEAVE - Sick leave accrual begins at one-half day per month. After five years, sick leave accruals are one work day per month. Employees can accumulate and carry forward all unused sick leave each year. Employees who use 24 hours (3 days) or less of sick leave in a calendar year earn a "Well Day." An additional "Well Day" can be earned following a year of perfect attendance.
4. HEALTH INSURANCE - UMR / United Healthcare provides two levels of medical and prescription drug plans. Both medical plan are PPOs and do not require selecting a physician or referrals for specialty care. Both medical plans include Teladoc virtual care (primary care/mental health benefits at no charge), Dario healthy living programs, and VSP Vision benefits. Pre-tax premium deductions are offered. The City contributes 80% of the premium cost towards medical, prescription drug and vision insurance.
5. DENTAL INSURANCE - Two Delta Dental plans are offered - Preferred and Traditional. The Delta Preferred plan requires using a dentist from a smaller network for a lower premium. The Delta Traditional plan allows use of any dentist, although benefits are higher using a dentist from the large Delta network. Benefits under both plans are the same (with the exception of some Orthodontic benefits) Pre-tax premium deductions are offered.
6.LIFE INSURANCE - Low-cost voluntary term life insurance is available. Employees pay one-third of the cost. The amount of Basic Life coverage is two times annual pay up to a determined maximum amount. Dependent coverage is available at $20,000 spouse / $10,000 child(ren) for an additional $0.14 per pay period. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The plan is through MetLife.
7.SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE - Additional voluntary employee-paid term life insurance is available from MetLife at low group rates. Participation in Basic Life is required. The Life Insurance plans are portable.
8. LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE- The voluntary employee-paid group disability plan from MetLife provides 60% of pre-disability income for injury or health related disabilities. Premiums are determined by income and age.
9.VOLUNTARY ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT - Voluntary employee-paid AD&D from MetLife offers coverage for accidental death and dismemberment.
10.RETIREMENT - The City offers two retirement plans - Wichita Employees (WER) Plan 3, and Commissioned Police & Fire Plan C-79. The WER plan is a defined contribution plan; Police & Fire is a defined benefit plan. Both are contributory - employees and the City share the cost.
11.FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS - Employees may elect to make FSA pre-tax deductions for dependent care and/or unreimbursed medical expenses, reducing the cost of these expenses by eliminating taxes on the amount deducted.
12. LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE - This plan from UNUM offers facility and home care benefits for employees, spouses, and some other family members. Several options for benefit amount and duration, and specific plan features, are available.
13.MORE BENEFITS & SERVICES
Deferred Compensation Investment Program
Employee Discounts and Wichita Employee Association (WEA)
Bereavement Pay
Employee Emergency Assistance Fund
Voluntary Shared Leave Program
Training Programs
Longevity Pay
Credit Union
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Injury Leave (on-job injury)
Community Volunteer Events
01
Are you 18 years of age or older at the time of application?

• Yes
• No

02
The following validates my highest level of education:

• High School/GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Vocational Degree or Certificate
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate/JD

03
I have the following years of experience in the operation of heavy or specialized equipment used in landfill, farming, or construction activities

• Less than 1 year experience
• 1-2 years' experience
• 3-4 years' experience
• +5 years' experience
• I do not have experience in the operation of heavy or specialized equipment used in landfill, farming, or construction activities.

04
This position requires a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Please identify your current CDL status.

• I currently have a valid Class A CDL
• I currently have a valid Class B CDL
• I currently do not have a Class B CDL license, but am willing to and able to obtain this license within the 120 days of employment.
• I currently do not have a valid Class B CDL license, and I am not willing to or able to obtain this license.

05
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