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Landfill Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Augment

Landfill Laborer

Harper, KS

$17/hr

As a Landfill Laborer, you'll support a variety of daily tasks to help keep the site clean, organized, and operating safely. This is an active, outdoor role that's ideal for someone who doesn't want ...

Augment

Landfill Laborer

Harper, KS

$17/hr

As a Landfill Laborer, you'll support a variety of daily tasks to help keep the site clean, organized, and operating safely. This is an active, outdoor role that's ideal for someone who doesn't want ...

Augment

Landfill Laborer

Topeka, KS

$16/hr

As a Landfill Laborer, you'll support a variety of daily tasks to help keep the site clean, organized, and operating safely. This is an active, outdoor role that's ideal for someone who doesn't want ...

Butler County

Light Equipment Operator II

El Dorado, KS · On-site

$17.50 - $24.50/hr

Under the supervision of the Road or Landfill Supervisor, the Light Equipment Operator II hauls material to the job site for repair and construction of roads within Butler County. In addition to ...

Butler County

Light Equipment Operator II

Augusta, KS · On-site

Under the supervision of the Road or Landfill Supervisor, the Light Equipment Operator II hauls material to the job site for repair and construction of roads within Butler County. In addition to ...

Aerotek

Heavy Equipment Operator

Saint Marys, KS

$25 - $26.50/hr

This role supports daily operations by managing the on-site landfill, taking gypsum from the plant ... Proficiency in operating heavy equipment, including skid steers, dump trucks, and wheeled loaders.

Luminous Personnel

Scale Operator

Park City, KS · On-site

$17/hr

... landfill. · Verify incoming loads are safe and do not contain unacceptable material. · Ensure that customers and employees conduct all business in a safe manner and wear all required Personal ...

Republic Services

TS Heavy Eqp Operator

Manhattan, KS · On-site

The Operator - Heavy Equipment is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling facility, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering ...

Republic Services

TS Heavy Eqp Operator

Manhattan, KS · On-site

The Operator - Heavy Equipment is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling facility, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering ...

bp

Wellfield Construction Manager

Shawnee, KS · On-site

Operations Group About Archaea Archaea Energy, a bp company, is a leader in landfill gas to energy ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ...

CRH

Financial Controller - Sapphire

Overland Park, KS · On-site

Through our work, we reduce landfill dependency, lower carbon emissions, and unlock long-term ... Provides monthly operating reports to appropriate teams and groups. Work closely with those groups ...

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Landfill Operator information

See Kansas salary details

$12

$17

$24

How much do landfill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for landfill operator in Kansas is $17.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are landfill operators?

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 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 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 is the highest paying heavy equipment operator?

The highest paying heavy equipment operators are often those who specialize in crane operation, excavators, or bulldozers, especially with advanced certifications and experience. Crane operators, in particular, tend to earn the highest wages due to the skill and safety requirements involved. Experience, certifications, and working in specialized environments can significantly increase earning potential for heavy equipment operators.

What are the daily tasks of a landfill operator?

A landfill operator's daily tasks include operating heavy machinery such as bulldozers and compactors to manage waste, monitoring landfill conditions, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and performing maintenance on equipment. They also inspect the site for hazards, record waste levels, and may assist with environmental compliance and record-keeping.

How much do landfills make?

Landfill operators typically earn an average annual salary between $40,000 and $60,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the size of the facility and the complexity of operations, with some experienced operators earning higher wages. The job often requires knowledge of environmental regulations and equipment operation.

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's the highest paying job in waste management?

In waste management, landfill managers or facility directors typically earn the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. These roles require experience, management skills, and knowledge of environmental regulations, and they oversee operations at waste disposal sites or landfills.
What are popular job titles related to Landfill Operator jobs in Kansas? For Landfill Operator jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Landfill Operator jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Landfill Operator jobs in Kansas are:
Landfill Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Landfill Operator job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,188 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

APPLY BY TH 07/30/2026: Landfill Operator I

City of Salina, KS

Salina, KS • On-site

$43K - $46K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

LANDFILL OPERATOR I City of Salina, Kansas
Public Works / Salina Municipal Landfill
The Landfill Operator I plays a crucial role in responsible waste management. This position operates heavy equipment such as dozers, compactors, & loaders to ensure the efficient movement, compaction, & covering of municipal solid waste. By maintaining landfill safety, preventing hazardous waste entry, & ensuring environmental compliance, this position directly contributes to protecting public health & the environment.
Career Advancement: Landfill Operator II
Duties:
• Performs skilled & semi-skilled work in the maintenance & operation of the City of Salina's municipal solid waste landfill.
• Operates & maintains medium & heavy equipment such as compactors, dozers, motor graders, front-end loaders, self-propelled scrapers & similar equipment.
• Assists in planning fill cells; moves, levels, compacts & covers solid waste at landfill.
• Looks for & prevents hazardous waste from entering into landfill.
• Mows grounds; collects litter; maintains landfill roads; extinguishes fires at landfill.
• Performs maintenance checks on equipment & makes repairs; welds.
• Prepares minimal records of own activities, including burial logs & special wastes.
Education:
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
Experience:
• One (1) year of progressively responsible construction & maintenance work operating light & medium equipment (tractor, loader, skid steer).
• One (1) year of experience operating heavy equipment (dozer, compacter, earth scraper). • Horizontal land construction work preferred.
• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions.
Requirements:
• Must possess valid Kansas driver's license at hire.
• Must obtain a valid Kansas commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brake & tanker endorsement within one (1) year from hire date.
Work Type:
• Heavy, exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Equipment:• Bulldozer, earth scraper, front-end loader, mechanic's hand and power tools, motor grader, roll off truck, self-propelled scrapers, skid steer, tractor, tractor mower, trash compactor, water truck, weed-eater, welder, wheel loader, etc.
Hours:• 4 (10 hour days) & quarterly shift change (3-10.5 hours, & 1-8.5 hour days)
Starting Pay DOQ EOE:• $21.14-22.20/hr.
• $43,971-46,176/yr.
• Additional $1.50/hour paid for hours worked after 6:00 p.m. & before 6:00 a.m.
Paid Time Off:• 48 hours of vacation available upon hire; additional 48 hours earned during the year (96 hours in first year).
• 96 hours of sick leave during first year.
Application Deadline:• TH 07/30/2026
• To be considered, fully complete applications are required.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug-Free Workplace: We consider applicants for all jobs without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or familial status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the Human Resources Department at 785-309-5710.
ADA Notice: For needed accommodations, please call 785-309-5745 Office or 785-309-5747 TDD Number between the hours of 8:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. Every effort will be made to accommodate known disabilities. For material or speech access, please call at least 5 working days prior to the event.
TH 07/09/2026
The City of Salina is an E-Verify employer

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