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Landfill Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ops Manager Landfill

Santee, CA ยท On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

Certification as a Landfill Operator. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: * High School Diploma or GED. * Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or management experience or participation in Republic Services ...

Certification as a Landfill Operator. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: * High School Diploma or GED. * Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or management experience or participation in Republic Services ...

New

Operations Manager - Landfill

Argos, IN ยท On-site

$90K - $124K/yr

Certification as a Landfill Operator. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: * High School Diploma or GED. * Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or management experience or participation in Republic Services ...

$24/hr

Landfill Tipper Operator & Laborer Rogue Waste Systems - Dry Creek Landfill Location: 6260 Dry Creek Rd., Eagle Point, OR . Work Schedule: Landfill operating hours are Monday - Saturday . 6:30 AM ...

Certification as a Landfill Operator. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: * High School Diploma or GED. * Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or management experience or participation in Republic Services ...

New

Operations Manager - Landfill

Argos, IN ยท On-site

$90K - $124K/yr

Certification as a Landfill Operator. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: * High School Diploma or GED. * Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or management experience or participation in Republic Services ...

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Landfill Operator information

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How much do landfill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for landfill operator in the United States is $19.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.91 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's the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

The highest paid heavy equipment operators are often those who specialize in operating large machinery such as cranes, bulldozers, or excavators in industries like construction, mining, or oil and gas. Experienced operators with certifications and advanced skills can earn significantly higher wages, especially in high-demand regions or projects requiring specialized equipment. Salaries can reach over $70,000 annually, with top earners making even more depending on experience and location.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Landfill operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; their wages are usually based on hourly rates or salaries. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2000 daily often include specialized roles such as surgeons, corporate executives, or certain skilled trades with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require advanced education, training, or significant responsibility.

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 increase with additional skills such as equipment operation or environmental management, and some positions offer overtime or shift differentials.

What jobs make 5000 a week without a degree?

Landfill operators typically do not earn $5,000 a week without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades such as commercial pilots, certain sales roles, or entrepreneurship, but these usually require specific skills, licenses, or significant experience. Most roles paying this much without a degree are rare and often involve high risk or specialized expertise.

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.
More about Landfill Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Landfill Operator jobs? Cities with the most Landfill Operator job openings:
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What states have the most Landfill Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Landfill Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Landfill Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,576 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR II LANDFILL

Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County

West Palm Beach, FL โ€ข On-site

$42K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Position Summary This position operates a variety of heavy and light equipment vehicles used in the processing and disposal of solid waste in Landfill Operations. The position performs the spreading and compaction of Class I and Class III waste, segregation of waste to maximize waste reduction/recycling and related supporting operational and maintenance functions. Responsible for following the Landfill Operations Plan when processing/disposing of solid waste.

The position works under the direction of the Supervisor of Landfill Operations and in their absence may take direction and work assignments through the Assistant Supervisor and/or delegated lead staff. The position requires reliability, dependability, and accountability in all aspects of the defined role. The full pay range for this position is $20.41/hour $42,452.80/annually - $35.72/hour $74,297.60 annually

Essential Functions & Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Skilled in the operation of water trucks, off-road dump trucks, front-end loaders, excavators (on flat ground), bulldozers (on flat ground) and general work vehicles, and the willingness to learn to operate landfill compactors, excavators (on all surfaces/slopes), bulldozers (on all surfaces/slopes) and other specialized equipment used in a landfill environment. Grades, compacts solid waste in a Class I and/or Class III landfill environment. Segregates waste to maximize waste reduction/recycling.

Performs manual labor and uses hand tools to support construction, maintenance and service actives in a Landfill Operation. Inspects equipment before and during work, reports malfunctions, and checks equipment after servicing. Performs daily routine preventive maintenance and servicing (e.g., refuels, checks fluid levels, hoses, signal operation, brakes, and lights) and refers major repairs

Performs minor mechanical maintenance work including daily-lubrication and cleaning of equipment. Documents and records waste acceptance and provides traffic control. Follows Landfill Operations Plan when processing/disposing of solid waste.

Follows all safety procedures in the operation and use of equipment and tools. Coordinate work activities with co-workers to ensure safe and effective operation of work. Perform regular safety and environmental inspections of the landfill and related areas.

Other duties as required. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Knowledge and ability to safely operate and maintain select light and heavy equipment and vehicles in a landfill environment. Ability to work with fellow employees, understand and follow written and oral instructions, and assist in job performance to achieve group goals. Ability to detect and identify malfunctions while operating assigned heavy equipment.

Ability to perform manual labor in a landfill environment in all work conditions and maintain physical stamina. Knowledge of safety requirements applicable to landfill and other related heavy equipment. Ability to record and document safety records of equipment and waste acceptance.

Ability to communicate with the general public, peers, and superiors. Ability to work independently and maintain self-direction and motivation. Ability to respond to inquiries and make entries on reports and records.

Ability to make adjustments and to perform minor mechanical maintenance to assigned equipment. Ability to read and comprehend written manuals and follow oral instruction. Ability to understand the principles of landfill and related operations.

Education, Experience, Certificates and Licenses The ideal candidate possesses the education and experience listed below. Minimum eighth (8th) grade education. Experience performing manual labor outdoors under unfavorable conditions.

Minimum of two years' experience operating heavy equipment, preferably at a landfill or operation of a similar complexity. Any combination of experience, education and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES Florida Driver's License required.

Florida Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A or Class B preferred. Certification as Landfill Operator preferred. Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and will encounter in the work environment.

Work requires proficiency and dexterity in operating landfill and related heavy equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand, walk, climb, stoop, twist and turn body, kneel, crouch or crawl, bend, talk and hear. The employee is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, push and pull or lift objects up to 100 pounds with assistance.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The duties of this position are consistently performed outdoors where the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions, extreme heat, wet and humid conditions. The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, and high, precarious place, odors, fumes or airborne particles, vibration, and loud noise levels.

The employee is rarely exposed to electric shock, toxic or caustic chemicals, explosives, or radiation in the work environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.