Senior Landfill Equipment Operator

Senior Landfill Equipment Operator

Salary

$34.90 - $41.87 Hourly

Location

FC 5887 S Taft Hill Bld A, CO

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

202600200

Department

Solid Waste

Opening Date

05/08/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Full/Part Time

Full Time

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Overview

The Larimer County Solid Waste Department is seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Landfill Equipment Operator!

In this role, you will safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment used in landfill operations, including compactors, dozers, road graders, articulated dump trucks, excavators, and water trucks. Responsibilities include excavating and stockpiling fill dirt and other materials; grading and maintaining access roads; pushing snow; and leveling fill dirt over active landfill areas. You will inspect equipment for broken, missing, or worn parts and perform routine maintenance to ensure safe operation. Additional duties include pioneering and reclaiming cut areas, hauling dirt from hills and banks, building and maintaining landfill roadways, filling low areas, and setting up and operating grade-checking equipment, lasers, and surveying instruments. This position requires a CDL and compliance with all DOT standards and safety regulations.

The typical schedule for this position is an 8 hour shift Monday through Friday, with a rotating schedule requiring work every fourth Saturday. This rotation helps ensure weekend coverage while maintaining a consistent weekday schedule. Overtime may be required as needed.

To learn more please visit- https://www.larimer.gov/solidwaste.

Responsibilities

What youll be doing:

• Operate and maintain heavy equipment including dozers, compactors, loaders, graders, and dump trucks while performing daily inspections, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs.

• Manage waste placement, spreading, compaction, and identification of waste types, ensuring proper segregation, disposal, and handling of hazardous or non-conforming materials.

• Apply daily, intermediate, and final cover materials to control odors, pests, and environmental impacts while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

• Monitor site and cell conditions, assist in landfill cell development and closure, and identify potential issues, implementing corrective actions as needed.

• Ensure all operations follow safety protocols, environmental regulations, and landfill policies to protect staff, equipment, and the surrounding community.

• Assist customers by directing them to appropriate disposal areas and supporting positive community interactions regarding landfill operations.

• Participate in community outreach efforts and address any public concerns related to landfill operations.

• Distinguish between different types of waste materials and ensure proper segregation and disposal based on regulations and landfill policies.

• Assist in the construction and preparation of new landfill cells, including excavation, lining, and installation of leachate and gas collection systems.

To view the full job description, visit- https://www.larimer.gov/hr/careers/job-descriptions#/app/detail/Senior_Landfill_Equipment_Operator.

What were looking for:

• Knowledge of general office practices, procedures, and routine business software, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, and to read and understand department and County rules, regulations, policies, and standard operating procedures.

• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County staff, outside agencies, community members, and the public.

• Skill in operating a full range of heavy, power-driven landfill equipment, along with the ability to perform routine equipment maintenance and follow safe work practices.

• Understanding of solid waste management practices and County policies related to landfill operations.

• Ability to maintain regular, predictable attendance, work weekends as needed, and travel to other Larimer County Solid Waste sites.

• Experience operating and maintaining a variety of heavy power-driven equipment used in landfill or construction operations.

• Knowledge of safe work practices, procedures, and equipment operation standards.

Qualifications

All candidates will be screened for the following required minimum qualifications. Any candidate who does not meet all of the qualifications listed as required will be eliminated from the process.

• Three (3) years of experience in a directly related field or in the performance of similar duties and responsibilities required.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Possession of a valid Drivers License by date of hire required
• Possession of a valid CDL preferred.

Benefits

Here's what Larimer County offers for all Regular, Limited Term, and Appointed positions:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
• FSA or HSA (depending on the medical plan)
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life/AD&D Insurance
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Retirement Plan 401(a) with employer match
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

Want to dive into the details? Check out Larimer Countys Benefits. https://www.larimer.gov/hr/benefits.

Supplemental Information

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of required pre-employment checks or testing.

All application components must be submitted by 11:59 PM MT on the closing date listed.

Larimer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment in all employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law or regulation.

For all temporary positions, sick leave and our Employee Assistance Program are available and other benefits may be available.

Larimer County offers the following for all Regular/Limited Term positions:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits.
• Flexible Spending Accounts / Health Savings Account
• Short and Long Term Disability.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Retirement Plan 401(a) with employer match.
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick and holidays.

Click here to view information on Larimer Countys Benefits.

01

Please choose one of the Larimer County guiding principles listed that you feel most applies to you and this position - Larimer County will add value to the lives of its citizens today and in the future by:

• Being good stewards of public resources.
• Promoting innovation, adaptability, and committing to continuous improvement.
• Providing consistent quality customer service.
• Empowering people to take responsibility.
• Cultivating collaborative partnerships.
• Being a fulfilling, respectful, and enjoyable place to work.

02

Based on your choice in the previous question, describe how you would apply this guiding principle in this position.

03

Are you a current or previous employee of Larimer County?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have three (3) years of experience in a directly related field or in the performance of similar duties and responsibilities?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have a High school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have the ability to possess a valid Drivers License by date of hire?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you possess valid CDL?

• Yes
• No

08

Can you describe your experience operating different types of heavy equipment in a landfill or similar setting? Which machines are you most proficient with, and what tasks do you find they are best suited for?

09

Tell me about a time when you had to manage the placement and compaction of waste at a landfill. How did you ensure optimal use of space and resources, and what challenges did you face?

10

Can you provide an example of a safety protocol you followed or implemented while working with heavy equipment? How did you ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations?

11

Describe a situation where you encountered a mechanical issue with equipment. How did you diagnose and resolve the problem, and what preventative measures did you take to avoid similar issues in the future?

12

Have you ever been responsible for training or supervising junior operators or other staff? Can you share a specific example of how you provided guidance or improved their performance?

13

Can you discuss an experience where you had to address environmental concerns, such as managing leachate or landfill gas emissions? What steps did you take to mitigate these issues?

14

Describe a time when you had to adapt to a new piece of equipment or technology in your role. How did you approach learning and integrating this into your daily operations?

15

Have you had any interactions with landfill customers or the public in your previous roles? How did you handle inquiries or concerns, and what was the outcome?

Required Question

Employer Larimer County