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Landfill Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waste Pro

Landfill Equipment Operator

Ball Ground, GA · On-site

The Landfill Equipment Operator is Responsible for the inspection of incoming waste and the placement and management of that waste on the site as well as moving and spreading waste and earth. The ...

GFL Environmental

Landfill Equipment Operator

Apex, NC · On-site

... equipment daily • Operator will steer, guide and or drive the above listed equipment at the ... Station / Landfill Operations Certification if needed. • Operate excavator, forklift/bobcat ...

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Landfill Equipment Operator information

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How much do landfill equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for landfill equipment operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a landfill equipment operator do?

A Landfill Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery such as bulldozers, compactors, loaders, and excavators at landfill sites. Their main duties include spreading and compacting waste, covering refuse with soil, maintaining site safety, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. They also help with routine equipment maintenance and may assist in monitoring site conditions to prevent hazards. This role is essential for the efficient and safe management of solid waste at landfill facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a landfill equipment operator?

To thrive as a Landfill Equipment Operator, you need experience operating heavy machinery such as bulldozers, compactors, and loaders, along with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with landfill management systems, GPS technology, and safety protocols is typically required, and some positions may ask for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or related certifications. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and a commitment to safety are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient, compliant, and environmentally responsible landfill operations.

What are some common challenges faced by landfill equipment operators, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Landfill Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating uneven or unstable terrain, and maintaining safety standards around heavy machinery. Staying vigilant, following safety protocols, and participating in ongoing training can help mitigate these risks. Additionally, effective communication with team members and regular equipment inspections are essential to ensure smooth operations and a safe work environment.

What is the difference between Landfill Equipment Operator vs Waste Management Technician?

AspectLandfill Equipment OperatorWaste Management Technician
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation licensesHazardous waste handling, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentLandfill sites, outdoor, heavy machineryWaste collection sites, indoor/outdoor, inspection tasks
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal waste departments, private landfill companiesWaste collection companies, environmental services

While both roles involve waste management, Landfill Equipment Operators focus on operating heavy machinery at landfills, whereas Waste Management Technicians handle waste collection, inspection, and hazardous waste procedures. The roles often overlap in safety training and work environments but differ in daily tasks and certifications required.

More about Landfill Equipment Operator jobs

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What states have the most Landfill Equipment Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Landfill Equipment Operator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Landfill Equipment Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Landfill Equipment Operator jobs are:

Landfill Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Landfill Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Landfill Equipment Operator

Waste Pro

Ball Ground, GA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Waste Pro rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 92 rated recycling and waste

Job description

The Landfill Equipment Operator is Responsible for the inspection of incoming waste and the placement and management of that waste on the site as well as moving and spreading waste and earth. The efficient and safe operation of the site.
Bull Dozer, Landfill Compactor, Wheel Loader experience highly desired!
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
* Able to operate a front-end loader and other heavy equipment.
* Understand refuse disposal policies, procedures, guidelines and practices.
* Ability to manipulate heavy equipment control levers.
* Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
* Ability to maintain written records.
* Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
* See in the normal visual range with or without correction
* Exhibit normal range of body motion
QUALIFICATIONS:
* Must have a valid driver's license for the state in which the position works. Requires a clean driving record.
* 2 years of experience operating heavy equipment
* 24 hour Landfill Operators License preferred.
* High school Diploma or GED preferred
OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Employees in this job classification must attend and participate in corporation sponsored training courses as assigned.
* Employees in this job classification are responsible for keeping up to date on current technology, as job appropriate, being used by Waste Pro USA.
* Any additional job duties that may be assigned by the Supervisor.
Special Considerations/Physical Work Requirements:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
* Ability to perform pushing, pulling, bending, lifting of up to 75 pounds throughout the shift with or without reasonable accommodations. As well as climb into and out of a truck repeatedly.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Works in a variety of environment conditions, including wide temperature and weather variations including heat, cold, snow, rain, wind; noise and vibrations, fumes, odors and dust

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