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Landfill Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waste Connections of Canada

$35.83/hr

As a Landfill Equipment Operator, your primary responsibility is to operate heavy machinery and assist in various labor-intensive tasks at a landfill site. You will play a crucial role in ensuring ...

Waste Connections Inc

$35.83/hr

As a Landfill Equipment Operator, your primary responsibility is to operate heavy machinery and assist in various labor-intensive tasks at a landfill site. You will play a crucial role in ensuring ...

Veitusa

Landfill Operator/Laborer

Becker, MN · On-site

$23/hr

Equipment includes but is not limited to dozer, compactor, water truck, skid steer, backhoe. * Performs general maintenance on landfill equipment. * Screens loads for unacceptable waste and valuable ...

Veit

Landfill Operator/Laborer

Becker, MN · On-site

$23/hr

Equipment includes but is not limited to dozer, compactor, water truck, skid steer, backhoe. * Performs general maintenance on landfill equipment. * Screens loads for unacceptable waste and valuable ...

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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 7, 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

What cities are hiring for Landfill Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Landfill Equipment Operator job openings:

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.

Heavy Equipment Operator- Landfill

Brown County South Dakota

Aberdeen, SD

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

This position is located in Aberdeen, SD

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for operating heavy equipment in support of county landfill operations.

MAJOR DUTIES

  • Operates loader to push solid waste, load and unload trucks, and assists with snow removal.

  • Operates a compactor; places and packs solid waste.

  • Operates a scraper to move dirt and cover solid waste.

  • Operates a roll-off truck/hook truck to load and unload various materials.

  • Operates skid steer, dozer, road grader, water truck, tractor and chip spreader, and other landfill equipment.

  • Maintains roads and grading of landfill site.

  • Ensures proper erosion control of landfill area.

  • Compacts waste into landfill space to ensure proper compaction is achieved.

  • Fuels equipment daily; completes daily equipment inspections; records daily inspection and service log.

  • Cleans equipment and performs routine maintenance.

  • Loades roll-off containers with residential waste for hauling to compaction area.

  • Patrols county dump sites; removes large or potential damaging materials; collects litter.

  • Provides direction and assistance to customers.

  • Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

  • Knowledge of landfill operations rules and regulations.

  • Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of landfill operation.

  • Knowledge of heavy equipment operation and maintenance principles.

  • Skill in planning, organization, and decision making.

  • Skill in the operation of landfill equipment.

  • Skill in providing customer services.

  • Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Landfill Manager assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include state and federal environmental rules and regulations and county and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

  • The work consists of related equipment operation duties. Inclement weather conditions contribute to the complexity of the position.

  • The purpose of this position is to operate heavy equipment in support of county landfill operations. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of those operations.

CONTACTS

  • Contacts are typically with co-workers and the general public.

  • Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • The work is typically performed while intermittently standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and must distinguish between shades of color.

  • The work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggle, or gloves.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to a high school diploma.

  • Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

  • Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid Class A commercial driver’s license issued by the State of South Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Equal Opportunity Employer


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