Seasonal Laborer - Solid Waste

The wage for this position is set by the IUOE Collective Bargaining Agreement, starting at Step A: $18.13.

Position Salary Range: $18.13 - $20.13

**Now Hiring for 2026 Seasonal Position**

This position will be posted until filled.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The City is looking to hire a Seasonal Laborer at the Landfill for the 2026 season. The anticipated season is April - November 2026.

Under the direction of the Solid Waste Manager or designee, safely performs manual labor in a variety of tasks in the maintenance of City landfill facilities on a seasonal (temporary) basis. Subject to after-hours and weekend work as needed. Scheduled hours for this position are Tuesday through Saturday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, in accordance with landfill operation hours.

Selection will be based on overall qualifications, skills testing (if applicable), and an interview process. Final candidate selected will be subject to a comprehensive background/reference check and a pre-employment physical commensurate to the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED preferred, but not required

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Eighteen (18) years of age or older.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior work experience in solid waste/transfer station.
• Prior experience working with small tools, mowers, trimmers.
• Customer service experience

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Duties listed are representative of the types of tasks and functions performed by positions of this class of work.  Percentage of time and rank of importance of duties are not listed since both will vary by position and work location.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Performs a variety of tasks requiring manual labor including general maintenance and clean up duties of grounds, facilities, and other assigned areas.
• Use light and/or heavy equipment, and hand and power tools to perform seasonal maintenance.
• Assists in the repair of irrigation systems and piping up to 4-inches.
• Removes litter and debris.
• Paints over/removes graffiti and assists with other painting assignments.
• Operates mowing equipment to include riding mowers.
• Operates gas powered equipment to include: blower, string trimmer, edger, pressure washer, weedwhacker, and small hand and power tools
• Performs entry level facility maintenance such as painting, landscape maintenance including irrigation systems, rough carpentry, using hand power tools and hand tools.
• Communicates with customers and coworkers in a courteous and professional manner, both in person and over the phone, answering and processing customer requests.
• Screen loads to ensure appropriate and safe disposal of materials.
• Assists in sign making and installations.
• Assists with traffic control set-up and breakdown under direction and in support of seasonal work activities.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Specific and realistic knowledge, skills, and abilities typically necessary to competently perform this job.

Knowledge of:

• Proper tools and equipment required for performance of assigned duties.
• Safe use, proper care, and usage of hand tools and small powered equipment.
• Applicable health and safety policy, procedures, and practices.
• Record-keeping principles, procedures, and techniques.
• General principals of grounds and facilities maintenance activities.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Operate battery, electric, or fuel powered equipment.
• Utilize hand and power tools used in performance of duties.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Learn, read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner.
• Follow safe work practices and observe safety rules and precautions.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Work independently and perform semi-skilled tasks without close supervision.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Adhere to work policies and procedures as established by the City and assigned supervisor.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Provide continuous effort to improve operations and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Demonstrate the City’s shared values of Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence, and in accordance with department expectations.

COMPETENCIES:

Foundational

• Use Technical/Functional Expertise: Displays an appropriate depth of knowledge and skills as required for the position and commensurate with the time in class. Uses technology as appropriate for the position. Seeks additional knowledge and information to continually enhance knowledge in areas of specialty.
• Be Accountable for Performance: Actively shows responsibility, reliability, and trustworthiness. Ensures work and information are complete and accurate. Admits mistakes and looks for ways to improve. Models self as dependable and reliable. Follows up with others to ensure agreements and commitments have been fulfilled. Values the importance of team and organizational success. Independently takes action to influence events, to improve own or organizational performance and to promote the goals of the organization.
• Provide Excellent Customer Service: Anticipates, assesses, and responds effectively to the needs of diverse customers, both internal and external, providing consistently excellent service that is timely, accurate, courteous, and respectful.
• Communicate Effectively: Uses verbal and written skills effectively to ensure that information is successfully shared throughout the organization. Relates well to a range of people. Shows sensitivity to the needs of others. Demonstrates ability to build rapport and facilitates mutual understanding.
• Work Safely: Knowledge and application of relevant safety requirements that apply to the specific work being done. Recognizes and mitigates safety hazards on the job. Observes rules and regulations to comply with personal and workplace safety standards. Works to create a hazard-free, accident-free environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  The work environment characteristics described 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.

Environment:

• The position involves work outdoors on a year round basis and is subject to extreme weather conditions.
• This position requires work at a sanitary landfill and an outdoor maintenance yard, which may be dirty and strewn with construction debris.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.
• May be exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles.
• Employees may interact with upset public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies/procedures.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to regularly and punctually attend work at the landfill or other assigned locations.
• Operate standard equipment and tools to perform assigned tasks.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach with arms and hands, kneel and stretch, occasionally crawling in tight spaces, as well as the ability to climb ladders and stairs, ride on platform hoists.
• Ability to lift, push, carry and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 lbs. on a routine basis and up to 90 lbs. as needed using proper lifting techniques.
• Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to include repetitive grasping and reaching.
• Good vision to read print and a computer screen.
• Ability to hear and speak to communicate in person and over the telephone and radio.

BENEFITS

Summary of City of Richland benefits for IUOE affiliated staff (union-represented employees):

Temporary (Seasonal) Employee Benefits  (*Must meet eligibility requirements)

Participation in the State of Washington's Retirement Plan (PERS)*

Paid Time Off (PTO)*: 4 hours per month of service

SELECTION GUIDELINES

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job classification description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Richland and employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change. 

The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diversified work force.  Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age (over 40), martial or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be provided for participation in the application and selection process, if requested.  Persons with a disability who need assistance must notify the Human Resources Department about the accommodation needed at the time of application and prior to the closing date by calling (509) 942-7392. 

The provisions of job announcements listed on this website do not constitute an expressed, or implied, contract of employment with the City.  Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.