Landfill Operator Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $31.34 Hourly
Location : Dane County Landfill, 7102 USH 12&18, Madison WI 53718, WI
Job Type: Limited Term Employee
Job Number: 2026-00170
Department: Waste & Renewables
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 65
Description
Dane County Waste & Renewables has a current vacancy for an LTE Semi-Skilled Laborer.
Limited Term Employees (LTEs) are limited to 1,200 hours in a payroll year and are not guaranteed any hours per week.
Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & INCLUSION
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables (W&R) owns and operates the County's landfills, household hazardous waste collection site, a construction and demolition recycling facility, various other recycling programs, and a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Plant that converts landfill gas to pipeline quality RNG. This classificationoperates heavy equipment and performs or assists with manual work in maintenance or construction and repair at the landfill, Clean Sweep, construction and demolition recycling facility, RNG plant, or other offsite locations.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Performs heavy equipment operator duties. Performs heavy equipment maintenance and over the road truck driving Performs landfill system operation, maintenance, and repair. Performs or assists with manual work in maintenance or construction and repair at the landfill, Clean Sweep, Construction and Demolition recycling facility, biogas plant, or other offsite locations. Duties include mowing, snow removal, loading shingles, picking up trash and litter, cleaning work areas, assisting with construction activities, performing load inspections, directing traffic, processing paint or household hazardous waste at the Clean Sweep, and other duties as assigned.Receives training on and operates light to medium-sized motorized equipment, including water trucks, snow removal equipment, haul truck, mowers, skid steers, front end loaders. Ensures equipment is serviced with gas, oil, water and lubricants.
Education, Experience and Special Requirements
Education, Training and Experience:
Must possess a high school diploma or equivalency and one (1) year of experience in the construction or maintenance of buildings and grounds, which includes operating medium-sized motorized equipment. Possess at least six (6) months of experience operating medium-heavy sized motorized equipment (front end loader, bulldozer, skid steer, excavator, semi-truck, etc.). An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered. Applicants who have participated and completed a County sponsored internship program will be considered to have met the minimums of this position.
Special Requirements:
Must have a valid driver's license and access to reliable personal transportation. A safe driving record is required. Must be available to work some nights, weekends, holidays, and during emergencies or unexpected maintenance events. Must be able to be on-call for night and weekend work.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Wisconsin Class "B" Commercial Driver's License required at time of hire. N (Tanker) endorsement preferred but not required. Everyone who has a commercial driver's license ("CDL") must be registered in the US Department of Transportation's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. Registration is available at Applicants must pass drug/alcohol testing after a conditional offer of employment has been made. NCCCO crane operator certification preferred but not required. WDNR NR 524 Certified Landfill Operator License required within 12 months of hire.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 - 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.). Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
Ability to perform "light/heavy work" defined as being able to lift 70 pounds maximum with frequent lifting (up to 50 times a day) and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Medical clearance and ability to wear a respirator. Ability to enter and work in small confined spaces. Physically capable of running heavy and light equipment; operating hand tools and power tools; climbing ladders; working from heights; working with poor lighting; and working in conditions of wind, dust, rain, snow, ice, extreme temperatures, and excessive noise. Able to work in an active landfill construction site that is open in all weather conditions, and in unheated buildings with large moving vehicles in close proximity. Over 75% of work is performed outside. Must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, and during emergencies or unexpected maintenance events. Potential exposure to some chemicals, landfill leachate, and landfill gas. Must be able to be on-call for night and weekend wor
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Equipment & Heavy Machinery: Demonstrated ability to operate, maintain, and service all types of ground maintenance and snow removal equipment. Skilled in heavy equipment operation (e.g., cutting to grade, moving earth, loading trucks, grading/rolling road surfaces, and operating near fixed objects). Ability to operate a personal computer. Facility & Road Maintenance: Ability to repair and maintain facilities, construct gravel roads and highways, and perform basic construction. Waste Facility Operations: Knowledge of methods and equipment used in the operation of sanitary landfills, recycling facilities, and compost sites. Safety & Compliance: Ability to adhere to safety rules and perform all tasks in accordance with standard operating procedures. Math & Record Keeping: Ability to accurately perform simple mathematical calculations, read and write, and maintain accurate reports. Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with employees, partners, and the public. Ability to project a positive image and provide a high level of customer service. Instruction & Task Management: Ability to follow oral and written instructions, read blueprints or sketches, and make independent decisions. Physical & Adaptability: Ability to accept constructive criticism and perform heavy manual work.