Job Details

Salary: $23.52 - $26.00 Hourly
Location : Suffolk, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: LEO Landfill
Department: Landfill/Solid Waste
Division: Landfill Operations
Opening Date: 10/20/2025

Description
The Landfill Equipment Operator safely and efficiently performs heavy equipment operation to maintain and construct the landfill. Uses equipment to push trash, maintain the appropriate grade and compaction levels. Observes instruments and surroundings while vehicle is in motion. Hauls dirt, loads truck with excavator, and adds daily cover placement at appropriate levels. 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 maintain and construct the landfill.

75%

• Performs daily preventive maintenance and safety checks in a timely and effective manner.

15%

• Effectively monitors waste stream for hazardous and dangerous materials

10%

• Safely and efficiently performs heavy equipment operation to maintain and construct the landfill.
• Operates heavy and complex equipment, such as yard tractors, farm tractors, bulldozers, compactors, motor graders, excavators, or wheel loaders in a safe and effective manner.
• Uses equipment to push waste, maintain the appropriate grade and compaction levels. Observes instruments and surroundings while vehicle is in motion.
• Hauls dirt, loads truck with excavator, drives truck to work site, and adds daily cover placement at appropriate levels.
• 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.
• 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.
• Performs random load checking to prevent hazardous and prohibited waste from disposal in the landfill.
• 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.
• 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

• Knowledge and skills in the operation of heavy and off-road equipment used in landfill operations.
• Thorough knowledge of heavy equipment, the components, and operating techniques of the type of equipment assigned.
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of heavy equipment use in a landfill environment.
• Thorough knowledge of standard practices used in moving, compacting, and shaping earth for a variety of drainage and utility purposes.
• Ability to operate or learn GPS grade control systems.
• Skill in working within deadlines to complete projects and assignments.
• Skill in assessing, analyzing, identifying, and recommending solutions to problems.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and skills.
• Good time management skills to ensure assigned responsibilities are completed efficiently and safely while working through challenges.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions
This position will work outdoors at 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 dust and odor from trash. Requires wearing appropriate personal safety gear.
Machines, Tools & Equipment
This position will be required to regularly use heavy and complex equipment, such as yard tractors, farm tractors, bulldozers, compactors, motor graders, excavators, or wheel loaders in a safe and effective manner.
Physical & Mental Requirements
This position requires the ability to:

• Operate light and heavy industrial equipment and/or earth moving equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Follow standardized operation practices and guidelines. Verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to relay information.
• Read, write, and comprehend general instructions, safety procedures, and reports.
• 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.

SPSA offers a competitive benefits package to all full-time employees.

• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) - SPSA and employee contributions
• Short and Long Term Disability Coverage (VRS)
• Health Insurance (Includes Dental, Vision and Behavioral Health Coverage)
• Basic Life Insurance (SPSA paid)
• Delta Dental Insurance
• Aflac Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional Life Insurance available for Employee and Dependents
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Uniforms provided
• Safety shoes and PPE provided

01

Have you ever operated a D6/D9 dozer? How many years?
02

Have you ever operated a Cat 826/836 compactor? How many years?
Required Question