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Landfill Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Waste Connections

Landfill Laborer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Cold Canyon Landfill , a Waste Connections company, is looking for a laborer to join our team in ... Experience operating equipment is a plus * Ability to work in all weather conditions throughout ...

Athens Services

Heavy Equipment Operator - Landfill

Rialto, CA · On-site

$34.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary The Heavy Equipment Operator - Landfill processes trash by compacting and pushing the waste with a dozer, at the landfills. Places soil cover over the trash with other heavy equipment ...

Waste Connections Inc

Landfill Operations Manager

Wasco, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Landfill Operations Manager The Dalles, OR (Wasco County Landfill) Full-Time | Monday-Friday | On ... Coach and develop operators and frontline employees * Coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs

Athens Services

Operations Supervisor - Landfill

Landers, CA · On-site

$70K - $92K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Control operating costs and support budget goals. * Improve processes to enhance efficiency and environmental performance. * Monitor landfill systems including leachate, gas collection, stormwater ...

City of Lompoc, CA

Landfill Coordinator

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$4.3K - $5.5K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Landfill, South Avalon, Lompoc, CA Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent Job Number: 3570726 Department ... Assists the equipment operators in the minor maintenance and cleaning of power-driven equipment

Waste Connections

Landfill Operations Supervisor

Suisun City, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Landfill Operations Supervisor đź“Ť Potrero Hills Landfill -- Suisun, CA đź’° Salary: $85,000 - $100,000 annually + 10% Annual Cash Bonus đź•— Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 4 AM - 7 PM and Saturday ...

City of Lompoc

Landfill Coordinator

Lompoc, CA

Job knowledge relative to the landfill site may be gained through on-the-job experience ... operators in the minor maintenance and cleaning of power-driven equipment Assists in the placement ...

Waste Connections Inc

Landfill Operations Supervisor

Tehama, CA · On-site

$80K - $83K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Assign and supervise work crews operating in the landfill, self-haul pad, and material recovery facility. * Monitors progress of daily operations, and reassigns employees and makes staffing changes ...

Waste Connections

Landfill Operations Supervisor

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$80K - $83K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Assign and supervise work crews operating in the landfill, self-haul pad, and material recovery facility. * Monitors progress of daily operations, and reassigns employees and makes staffing changes ...

Waste Connections Inc

Landfill Operations Supervisor

Potrero, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Landfill Operations Supervisor đź“ŤPotrero Hills Landfill -- Suisun, CA đź’°Salary: $85,000 - $100 ... Lead and supervise work crews operating heavy equipment and waste handling operations. * Monitor ...

Waste Connections of Canada

Landfill Operations Supervisor

Potrero, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Landfill Operations Supervisor đź“ŤPotrero Hills Landfill -- Suisun, CA đź’°Salary: $85,000 - $100 ... Lead and supervise work crews operating heavy equipment and waste handling operations. * Monitor ...

Republic Services

Landfill Laborer

Manteca, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... or landfill. Responsibilities may include such things as yard clean-up, fueling vehicles and ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

WEAVER CONSULTANTS GROUP

Operator

Sunnyvale, CA

$20 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operator Who We Are Landmarc Environmental Systems, LLC (Landmarc) was conceived by a few ... landfill construction and service company. Our resources and unbeatable expertise enable us to ...

Republic Services

Landfill Laborer

Manteca, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... or landfill. Responsibilities may include such things as yard clean-up, fueling vehicles and ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

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All JobsLandfill Operator JobsLandfill Operator Jobs in California

Landfill Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$19

$26

How much do landfill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for landfill operator in California is $19.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a landfill operator?

Landfill operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of landfill sites where waste is disposed of in a controlled manner. They ensure that waste is properly deposited, compacted, and covered to minimize environmental impact and comply with regulations. Their duties often include monitoring equipment, managing records, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Landfill operators play a crucial role in protecting the environment by preventing pollution and managing waste efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a landfill operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Landfill Operator, you need knowledge of waste management practices, heavy equipment operation, and compliance with environmental regulations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with machinery such as bulldozers, compactors, and landfill gas monitoring systems is typically required, and certifications like OSHA safety training can be advantageous. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help ensure safe and efficient operations. These skills are essential to maintain environmental standards, protect public health, and keep landfill sites running smoothly.

What are some common challenges faced by landfill operators and how can they be managed?

Landfill Operators often encounter challenges such as managing heavy equipment in variable weather conditions, adhering to strict environmental regulations, and ensuring personal safety in potentially hazardous environments. To manage these challenges, operators receive thorough safety training, follow established protocols, and work closely with environmental and maintenance teams to address issues promptly. Staying up-to-date with regulatory requirements and participating in regular equipment inspections also help minimize risks and maintain efficient operations.

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

AspectLandfill OperatorWaste Management Technician
CertificationsOSHA safety training, CDL often preferredOSHA safety training, hazardous waste handling certifications
Work EnvironmentLandfill sites, outdoor, heavy machineryWaste collection sites, outdoor, equipment operation
Industry UsageSolid waste disposal, landfill managementWaste collection, recycling, waste processing

Both roles involve outdoor work and safety certifications, but Landfill Operators focus on managing landfill sites and operating heavy machinery, while Waste Management Technicians handle waste collection and recycling processes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit in the waste management industry.

What are popular job titles related to Landfill Operator jobs in California?

For Landfill Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Landfill Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Landfill Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Landfill Operator job openings:

Landfill Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Landfill Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,045 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Landfill Laborer

Waste Connections

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Waste Connections rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 264 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 90 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Cold Canyon Landfill, a Waste Connections company, is looking for a laborer to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA!
Waste Connections has many stable opportunities for qualified and motivated individuals who want to be part of a dynamic organization. We provide competitive benefits and lots of room for individual growth as the company expands. Because we operate with a highly decentralized structure, we look for individuals who are energetic and have individual initiative and creativity. Join us and be a part of a winning team!
The typical schedule is Monday - Friday starting at 7:45am. Shifts are 8-10 hours per day. Must also be willing to work 8 hours every third Saturday of the month as overtime.
Starting hourly rate will be $18 per hour. After 6 months of employment, there is potential for a $2.00/hour wage increase. The pay range for this job category is $18 - $22/hour
Position Responsibilities:
  • Spotting trucks / Traffic control
  • Cleaning equipment
  • Picking up litter
  • General site cleanup / Landscaping
  • Work in scale house - communicating with drivers, cash handling, data entry
  • Driving employees to their work stations
  • Performing other assigned duties at the landfill

Requirements:
  • At least 2 years of work experience. Preferably in a labor type position.
  • Computer skills required.
  • The ability to continually lift up to 75lbs repeatedly throughout an 8 hr shift.
  • Experience operating equipment is a plus
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions throughout entire shift
  • Mechanical ability a plus.

To be considered for any of our current openings you must complete an application at www.wasteconnections.comApplication information and additional instructions can be found once you select your position of interest.
We offer excellent benefits including: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, long term & short term disability, life insurance, 401K retirement and unlimited opportunities to "Connect with Your Future".
Waste Connections is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or protected veteran status.

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