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Landfill Spotter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Laborer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $24.50/hr

City: Mojave Location: 1026 - Mojave-Rosamond Landfill Subsidiary Name: BENA Recology Waste ... Relieves Spotter during lunch break and other times, as needed. * Repairs drainage flumes. * Moves ...

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Landfill Spotter information

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$11

$17

$23

How much do landfill spotter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for landfill spotter in the United States is $17.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a landfill spotter?

Landfill spotters are workers responsible for monitoring and directing the flow of vehicles and waste at landfill sites. Their primary duties include ensuring that only authorized and approved materials are deposited, guiding trucks to proper dumping locations, and inspecting loads for hazardous or prohibited waste. Spotters also help maintain safety by watching for unsafe behaviors and reporting issues to supervisors. Their role is essential for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operation of a landfill.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a landfill spotter?

To thrive as a Landfill Spotter, you need a good understanding of safety regulations, waste identification, and basic environmental practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with radio communication systems, personal protective equipment (PPE), and occasionally heavy equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and effective communication help spotters safely direct traffic and monitor site activities. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safety of workers and the public while maintaining regulatory compliance at landfill sites.

What are some common challenges faced by landfill spotters, and how can they be managed effectively?

Landfill spotters often face challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining vigilance to ensure the correct placement of waste, and communicating clearly with heavy equipment operators to avoid safety hazards. Effective management of these challenges involves wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, staying alert to surroundings, and actively participating in daily safety briefings. Additionally, building strong communication skills and understanding site protocols help spotters collaborate efficiently with team members, ensuring a safe and organized landfill operation.

What is the difference between Landfill Spotter vs Waste Management Technician?

AspectLandfill SpotterWaste Management Technician
Required CredentialsBasic safety training, possibly OSHA certificationOSHA training, waste handling certifications
Work EnvironmentLandfill sites, outdoor, variable weatherWaste facilities, outdoor and indoor areas
Employer & Industry UsageLandfill operators, waste disposal companiesWaste collection, recycling centers, disposal facilities

Landfill Spotters primarily focus on monitoring landfill sites for safety and environmental compliance, while Waste Management Technicians handle waste collection, sorting, and processing. Both roles require safety training and work outdoors, but their specific duties and certifications differ. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right position in the waste management industry.

More about Landfill Spotter jobs

What states have the most Landfill Spotter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Landfill Spotter jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Landfill Spotter jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Landfill Spotter jobs are:

Infographic showing various Landfill Spotter job openings in the United States 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 $36,749 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator-Chesapeake

SOUTHEASTERN PSA (VA)

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$20.87 - $27.54/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description The Heavy Equipment Operator safely and efficiently performs heavy equipment operation to move, load, and compact solid waste at SPSA's Transfer Stations or Tire Processing Facility. Observes instruments and surroundings while vehicle is in motion. Knows and follows all spotter rules.

Performs daily preventive maintenance and safety checks in a timely and efficient manner. Effectively monitors waste stream for hazardous and dangerous materials. Work is performed under regular supervision and is carried out in accordance with standardized equipment operation practice and general work instruction.

Direction is given through verbal and written communications. Examples of Duties Essential Duties & Responsibilities The approximate amount of time spent on essential duties & responsibilities areas are as follows: Essential Duties & Responsibilities % of Time Safely and efficiently performs heavy equipment operation to move, load, and compact solid waste. 65% Performs daily preventive maintenance and safety checks in a timely and effective manner.

15% Effectively monitors waste stream for hazardous and dangerous materials 10% Performs routine clerical duties such as completing station logs. 10% Safely and efficiently performs heavy equipment operation to move, load, and compact solid waste at SPSA's Transfer Stations or Tire Processing Facility. At Transfer Stations, utilize heavy equipment to push and pack household waste deposited on the floor into transfer vehicles.

At Tire Processing Facility, utilizes heavy equipment to move and stack discarded tires onto tire shredder equipment to produce cover material for Landfill and other purposes. Knows and follows all spotter rules. Safely directs traffic and keeps wait time to a minimum.

Maintains safe distances between vehicles and equipment. Performs daily preventive maintenance and safety checks in a timely and effective manner. Maintain basic fluid levels on assigned equipment.

Inspects equipment for proper operating condition and loose or worn parts. Reports defects or damage to equipment to the appropriate authority. Monitors performance of assigned equipment and provides accurate and timely reports of deficiencies or other needs to supervisor.

Observes instruments and surroundings while vehicle is in motion. Responsible for the proper use, operation, and cleanliness of the equipment. Conscientiously operates equipment in a manner which promotes longevity and maximum value.

Effectively monitors waste stream for hazardous and dangerous materials and for evidence of unacceptable waste. Ability to spot and make determination of possible hazardous or other non-acceptable waste and advise supervisor of potential hazard immediately. Performs routine clerical duties such as completing station logs, field and time reports and requisitions.

Participates in cleanup activities as directed. Performs other duties as required or assigned. Typical Qualifications Experience & Education Required Education - High school diploma or the equivalent required.

Required Experience - Three years of experience in the operation of heavy construction equipment with at least one year as the primary operator of assigned equipment. Experience requirements may be reduced if the candidate has successfully completed an approved SPSA on-the-job training course. Required Licenses - Valid driver's license and safe driving record required to operate SPSA owned or leased vehicles.

An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered. Knowledge & Skills Thorough knowledge of heavy equipment, components, and operating techniques. Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of heavy equipment use in a solid waste transfer facility environment.

Knowledge of traffic and safety rules and accident prevention. Skill in the safe and efficient operation of assigned equipment under adverse conditions. Basic mechanical knowledge and skills.

Basic computer skills to complete daily logs, reports, and requisitions. Good time management skills to ensure assigned responsibilities are completed in an efficient and safe manner while working through challenges as they may arise. Supplemental Information Working Conditions This position will work outdoors at SPSA Transfer Stations or the Landfill facility in all weather conditions, including adverse climatic conditions (i.e., dust, odor, hot, cold, rain, snow)

Subjected to work in cold weather, hot sun, extreme heat and around continuous noise, dust, and odor from trash. Requires wearing appropriate personal safety gear. Must be available for shift work at some locations.

Machines, Tools & Equipment This position will be required to regularly operate heavy and complex equipment, such as excavators or wheel loaders and yard tractors, in a safe and effective manner. Physical & Mental Requirements This position requires the ability to: Operate heavy industrial equipment in a safe and efficient manner. Follow standardized operation practices and guidelines.

Spot and make determination of possible hazardous or other non-acceptable waste. Demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to relay information. Read, write, and comprehend general instructions, safety procedures, and reports.

Accurately complete daily logs, reports, and requisitions. Understand and follow oral and written directions given in English. Operate machinery in close working conditions requiring good eye/hand coordination.

Perform maintenance checks and minor maintenance on equipment. Use both hands and both feet to operate equipment pedals, levers, steering wheels, and buttons. Physical ability to sit and adapt to constant jerking motions from equipment for extensive periods of time (8- or 10-hour shifts).

Use provided three-point support system(s) that enables a person to use simultaneously two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand while ascending, descending, or moving about the machine/equipment. Reach and extend hands and arms above shoulder and in any direction. Manual dexterity to work with hand tools on equipment, surfaces, and components.

Visually detect defective or worn-out parts and equipment and those which require cleaning and maintenance. Perform work in physically demanding environments, working in outdoor conditions year-round. Physically able to hold and maneuver water hose discharges of 75 psi and lift up to 80 lbs.

with assistance. Physically able to exert up to 50 pounds of force at all times and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently. Work in a dynamic environment requiring teamwork and responsiveness to changing priorities and needs.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Wear appropriate safety gear, including protective clothing, hearing protection, safety goggles, hard hat, and safety steel shank boots. Drive an automobile, pick-up truck, and various heavy equipment safely.

Understand oral and written instructions to perform lock-out on equipment being worked on as per SPSA Safety Policy and Programs. Work in a confined area for extensive periods. Climb, crouch, stoop, handle repetitive motion, walk, be focused, aware, and communicate.

Thrive in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines, as needed.