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Landfill Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Meridian Waste

Landfill Operator

Knoxville, TN

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

Meridian Waste

Landfill Operator

Knoxville, TN

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

Meridian Waste

Landfill Operator

Knoxville, TN

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

Meridian Waste

Landfill Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

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

Meridian Waste

Landfill Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

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

Meridian Waste

Landfill Operator

Knoxville, TN

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

Waste Pro

Landfill Equipment Operator

Clarksville, TN · 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 ...

Augment

Landfill Laborer

Johnson City, TN

$17.50/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 ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator Landfill

Camden, TN · On-site

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Landfill in Camden, TN Those are the key details on pay and schedule - now here's more on what you'll be doing as a Heavy Equipment Operator I at WM. Each day you'll work at one of our recycling ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator Landfill

Camden, TN · On-site

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The normal setting for this job is our Landfill in Camden, TN Those are the key details on pay and schedule - now here's more on what you'll be doing as a Heavy Equipment Operator I at WM. Each day ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator Landfill

Camden, TN

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The normal setting for this job is our Landfill in Camden, TN Those are the key details on pay and schedule - now here's more on what you'll be doing as a Heavy Equipment Operator I at WM. Each day ...

Waste Management

Heavy Equipment Operator Landfill

Camden, TN

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The normal setting for this job is our Landfill in Camden, TN Those are the key details on pay and schedule - now here's more on what you'll be doing as a Heavy Equipment Operator I at WM. Each day ...

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All JobsLandfill Operator JobsLandfill Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Landfill Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$12

$17

$24

How much do landfill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for landfill operator in Tennessee is $17.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $18.99 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Landfill Operator jobs in Tennessee? For Landfill Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Landfill Operator jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Landfill Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Landfill Operator jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Landfill Operator job openings:
Landfill Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Landfill Operator job openings in Tennessee 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 $36,828 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Landfill Operator

Meridian Waste

Knoxville, TN

Full-time

Re-posted 11 hours ago

Meridian Waste rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 90 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Summary:

The Operator – Heavy Equipment is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering, loading and/or compacting waste or soil in an efficient and safe manner.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform pre- and post-operation inspection of the equipment in accordance with Company policy to ensure windows, lights, mirrors and rear-view camera are clean.
  • Safely and efficiently operate equipment that may include: forklift, excavator, bulldozer, front-end loader and other equipment using proper safety standards.
  • Continuously monitor waste for evidence of unacceptable waste in materials.
  • Continuously monitor the condition of the equipment to ensure it is operationally ready at all times to minimize down time; clean tracks or wheels on equipment, as needed.
  • Perform and document minor service on equipment, referring more complicated mechanical issues to Maintenance Shop for repair.
  • Complete Equipment Condition Report and other reports, as necessary; report any necessary repairs to supervisor, as needed.
  • Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
  • Ensure that shop is clean, serviced and stored at the completion of each shift.
  • Follow and comply with all safety policies.
  • Additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/ and or Experience:

  • Good customer services skills to meet and exceed customer expectations; acts in a professional, courteous and cooperative manner toward customers and co-workers; works with a sense of honesty and trustworthiness.
  • Good time management skills to ensure assigned responsibilities are completed in an efficient and safe manner.
  • Good follow through ability; ability to adhere to work schedule and follows through on challenges as they arise.
  • Ability to adhere to Company policies and rules set forth; promotes the Company’s safety standards; does not take inappropriate risks.
  • Maintains a feeling of pride in work; strives to achieve all goals.
  • High School diploma or GED.
  • One year of prior experience working at sites regulated by OSHA.
  • Experience in the Solid Waste Industry preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Lifting (50-100 pounds), outside environment
 WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Outdoors

In addition to the above, the performance of other related duties may be required.

I have read and understand the contents of the above job description.

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