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Landfill Operator Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Landfill Operator information

See Hawaii salary details

$14

$20

$27

How much do landfill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for landfill operator in Hawaii is $20.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $21.73 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 job categories do people searching Landfill Operator jobs in Hawaii look for?

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

Infographic showing various Landfill Operator job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,157 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Landfill Attendant (BC-05) LANAI ONLY

County of Maui

Wailuku, HI • On-site

$5.0K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Salary: $5,043.00 Monthly
Location : Lanai, HI
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: HC R-12821
Department: Department of Environmental Management
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Closing Date: 9/1/2026 11:59 PM Hawaii
Description
IMMEDIATE VACANCY: Lanai
Directs incoming refuse-carrying vehicles to proper dumping areas; ensures that users of the landfill observe applicable rules and regulations; assists bulldozer operator in establishing various dumping areas; and performs other related duties as required.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This class is distinguished by its responsibility for performing a variety of manual and supportive tasks at a sanitary landfill site to include directing incoming vehicles to proper dumping areas, ensuring that users of the landfill observe applicable rules and regulations, assisting bulldozer operator in establishing appropriate dumping areas, keeping unauthorized persons away from the landfill, and performing other related work as required under hazardous, dusty and obnoxious conditions.
Examples of Duties
The following are examples of duties and are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in this class. The omission of specific duties statements does not preclude management from assigning such duties if such duties are a logical assignment for the position and are consistent with the class concept.
  • assists the bulldozer operator in establishing separate dumping areas;
  • directs incoming vehicles to appropriate dumping areas;
  • explains rules and regulations to the public as required;
  • watches for and reports all abnormal operating conditions such as fires, overturned vehicles, injured persons, etc.;
  • keeps unauthorized persons away from landfill;
  • keeps landfill clear of scattered rubbish, and performs general cleanup, maintenance and groundskeeping tasks;
  • secures the site at the close of business;
  • operates a truck as required;
  • performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualification Requirements
Training and Experience: None
License Requirement: Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license (equivalent to State of Hawaii Type 3).
Knowledge of: common hand tools and their use; occupational hazards and precautionary measures applicable to the work.
Ability to: deal tactfully and effectively with the public; perform manual labor and other related work under hazardous, dusty and obnoxious conditions; understand and follow oral and written instructions; prepare simple reports.
Health and Physical Condition:
Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper for performance of the duties.
Physical Effort Grouping: Heavy
Special Working Conditions: Work is performed at a sanitary landfill site under hazardous, dusty and obnoxious conditions.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
If you have never applied for a job using the NEOGOV system, you must create an account. You will need a username, password, and working email address to create your account. Your detailed work history is required on the application. A resume submitted in lieu of an application will not be sufficient. Furthermore, "See resume" is NOT an acceptable response under the "Work Experience" section. An application containing this response may be deemed incomplete. Applications may be rejected if they are incomplete.
RECRUITMENT IS ADMINISTERED IN THE COUNTY OF MAUl ONLY
The above recruitment is being administered on an open-competitive basis to establish an eligible list which shall be effective for not more than one year unless extended by the Director of Personnel Services.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The County of Maui does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy, arrest and court record, assignment of child support, national guard participation or any other basis covered by state or federal laws governing non-discrimination
Pre-Employment/Post-Offer Drug Screening Test: All applicants, who will enter a safety sensitive position or certain designated categories that the Personnel Services Director has established or who are required by law to be drug tested must pass a pre-employment/post-offer drug screening test as a condition of employment. There is no retesting or re-evaluation process. Cost for the drug screening test shall be borne by the County of Maui.
Personnel Services Email:
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This position requires the possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license (equivalent to State of Hawaii Type 3). Do you possess a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question