Solid Waste Operations Specialist

Beltrami County is hiring a temporary Solid Waste Operations Specialist I. This is a full‑time, benefited position governed by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local #49, with the assignment scheduled to continue through July 31, 2027.

Responsibilities include assisting the public by directing traffic to the appropriate sites for disposal of waste, inspecting loads for regulatory compliance, operating a forklift, skid steer, telehandler, sorting waste, maintaining facilities and equipment, and related work. All Beltrami County owned and operated Solid Waste Facilities are operated per the MPCA Permit. The incumbent is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of assigned Solid Waste facility, vehicles, and equipment, coordinating daily activities with the public to assist in proper disposal of Solid Waste within Beltrami County, and maintaining all facilities, vehicles, grounds, and equipment.

Preferred hiring salary range is $23.22 to $25.36 per hour with a full range of $23.22 to $29.40 per hour. Placement depends on factors such as qualifications, internal equity, market conditions, and applicable policy guidelines.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• One year of solid waste, equipment operation, materials handling, or related work experience.
• Valid MN driver’s license.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Facility operations at the Transfer Stations, Demolition Landfill, and Remote Transfer Site.
• Identifies household hazardous waste, sorts, stores/packages, documents, and prepares it for disposal.
• Processes, packages, and transports special waste for shipment; evacuates refrigerant in appliances (licence required), batteries, light bulbs, ballasts, electronics, boat wrap, shredded paper.
• Operates all facilities per MPCA Permit, Industrial Solid Waste Management Plan, the Facility Operation and Maintenance Plan, public works safety manual, and as directed by supervisor.
• Inspects loads for regulatory compliance and keeps accurate records.
• Works directly with the public by directing traffic to appropriate disposal sites and assists with unloading waste.
• Empties transfer station dumpsters.
• Tracks all waste entering and leaving a facility with computer software, charges for all billable waste, maintains a cash register, completes end‑of‑day report, reconciliation, and deposit; collects payment (cash/credit card) and answers telephone/intercom calls from the public.
• Communicates via phone, in‑person, intercom, or 2‑way radio; inspects for regulatory compliance, directs, and instructs waste haulers and customers to proper recycling/disposal containers; deals with difficult customers.
• Maintains buildings and grounds of facilities including snow removal, building upkeep, general cleaning, mowing, and weed removal.
• Maintains and operates heavy equipment (forklift, skid steer, telehandler, baler, wheeled loader, waste compactors, scissor lift, floor scrubber).
• Keeps detailed service, maintenance, and inspection logs on all equipment.
• Performs periodic safety inspections and wears proper PPE.
• Works safely using heavy equipment around public traffic.
• Identifies safety issues, notifies supervisor, and follows all department safety guidelines.
• Enforces county, state, and federal rules and regulations pertaining to solid waste, recycling, landfilling, and household hazardous waste.

General knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of the solid waste industry; thorough knowledge of hazardous and toxic waste; general knowledge of equipment preventive maintenance plans; thorough knowledge of safety manuals and emergency action plans; general knowledge of landfill and facilities equipment; general knowledge of standard office equipment and software; general…