Waste Compactor Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $41,704.33 Annually
Location : 698 Ann Street Fayetteville, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202603072
Department: Solid Waste Management
Opening Date: 08/27/2026
Closing Date: 9/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Salary Grade: 105
Position Overview
Join Cumberland County Solid Waste Management and play an essential role in protecting the environment while supporting safe, reliable, and efficient services for the community. The department provides environmentally responsible disposal and recycling services for solid waste materials generated throughout Cumberland County. Operations include Transportation, Container Sites, the Ann Street Landfill, the Construction and Demolition Landfill, Household Hazardous Waste and Planning, Maintenance, Recycling, White Goods, the Wilkes Road Treatment and Processing Facility, and Scale House operations.
Under limited supervision, this position independently performs advanced work operating complex heavy construction equipment. Responsibilities include clearing and preparing sites, moving earth, and spreading and compacting solid waste and other materials within designated areas.
The ideal candidate is a skilled, safety-focused equipment operator who takes pride in maintaining dependable equipment and supporting responsible waste-management operations. Work is performed in accordance with applicable safety standards, environmental regulations, departmental procedures, and operational requirements to promote site safety, regulatory compliance, and equipment readiness.
Examples of Duties

• Operates complex and specialized heavy equipment used in the safe and efficient disposal, compaction, and covering of solid waste and other materials
• Trains in and develops proficiency in operating one or more types of motorized heavy equipment used in landfill operations
• Operates an off-road dump truck to transport soil for covering solid waste and gravel for road construction and maintenance
• Operates a compactor to spread and compact solid waste within designated landfill areas
• Operates a foam-application machine to properly cover exposed waste at the end of the workday
• Operates a bulldozer to spread solid waste, soil, and other cover materials
• Operates a track hoe to excavate and load soil used for landfill cover
• Conducts routine equipment inspections and assesses work areas to identify unsafe conditions, operational concerns, or equipment-related issues
• Takes appropriate action within assigned authority to address safety or operational concerns and promptly reports unresolved hazards
• Cleans assigned equipment and performs routine preventive maintenance to support safe operation and equipment readiness
• Accurately completes and maintains daily records of equipment inspections, usage, maintenance, and related activities
• Provides job-related training, guidance, and operational support to coworkers, as assigned
• Assists with ensuring landfill activities comply with established policies, procedures, safety requirements, and operational standards
• Identifies and reports suspected violations of applicable solid waste ordinances in accordance with departmental procedures
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support safe, compliant, and efficient landfill operations

Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED and two (2) years of experience involving the operation of heavy equipment in a landfill or construction setting; or an equivalent combination of education experience.
Must meet industrial physical examinations such as sight, hearing, cardiovascular, pulmonary, chest x-rays, blood pressure, blood sugar and lead levels; chemistry profiles such as cholesterol and liver functioning, etc., prior to employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the operating principles, procedures, and proper use of heavy construction equipment and stationary landfill equipment
• Knowledge of landfill operating methods, including grading, drainage, compaction, covering, and solid waste disposal procedures
• Knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, and departmental requirements governing solid waste disposal and landfill operations
• Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety regulations, and required precautions associated with landfill work and heavy-equipment operation
• Knowledge of Cumberland County's geography, roadways, and roadside container-site locations
• Skill in safely and efficiently operating assigned heavy construction and landfill equipment in accordance with established standards, manufacturer guidance, and departmental procedures
• Skill in developing proficiency in the operation of unfamiliar or newly assigned heavy equipment
• Skill in cleaning, inspecting, and assisting with routine maintenance and minor repairs of heavy equipment and related machinery
• Ability to identify and promptly report equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, and operational concerns
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, safety procedures, work assignments, and established operational standards
• Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, and professionalism when interacting with coworkers and members of the public
• Ability to safely perform the physical labor and essential job functions required of the position
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, other departments, regulatory agencies, and the public
• Ability to safely and legally operate a motor vehicle as required to perform assigned duties

Conditions of Employment
Must obtain Landfill Operations Specialist certification within one year of employment (subject to Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) scheduling).
Driving is an essential function of this position. To be considered, you must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. If your driver's license is from another state, you will be required to obtain and show proof of a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire.
Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.
Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Cumberland County offers a generous benefit plan including a Government Retirement Plan, 13 paid holidays per year and an Employee Wellness Center Clinic.To see more information about the benefits offered to employees
01
Do you currently have a Landfill Operations Specialist certification?

• Yes
• No

02
Duties for this position include physical activity such as operating heavy equipment and lifting heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Are you willing and able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodations?

• Yes
• No

03
Please verify that your application includes the following information: * Employment history including salary, employer address and phone number, supervisor's name, and reason for leaving each employer.* Applications without the above information will be considered incomplete and NOT move forward in the process.* Resumes can not be considered as a substitute for submitting a formal application. Please take a moment to review this application in its entirety to ensure completion of each segment. (DO NOT SUBMIT A BLANK APPLICATION)* Check yes to verify that you understand and I have read the above statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question