Solid Waste​/Recycling Operator

The Solid Waste/Recycle Center Maintenance Worker I provides essential support for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operation of the Wallowa County Solid Waste and Recycle Center. This position serves as a primary point of contact for the public, assisting customers with waste disposal and recycling while ensuring compliance with County policies and safety regulations. Responsibilities include operating recycling equipment and light vehicles, directing traffic, maintaining facilities and grounds, collecting applicable fees, performing routine maintenance, and supporting landfill operations.

The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-conscious, enjoys working outdoors, and is committed to providing excellent customer service while contributing to the overall success of the Public Works Department.

• Provides courteous, professional customer service while assisting residents, contractors, and commercial customers with waste disposal and recycling activities.
• Assists customers with unloading waste and recyclable materials in accordance with County policies and safety procedures.
• Collects, verifies, or processes disposal fees and maintains accurate daily records, reports, and operational logs.
• Operates recycling equipment, compactors, balers, light trucks, and other assigned equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Performs routine landfill, recycle center, building, and grounds maintenance, including litter collection, vegetation control, snow removal, and general housekeeping.
• Uses hand and power tools, including lawn mowers, weed trimmers, chainsaws, and other maintenance equipment, to maintain County facilities.
• Does minor maintenance and repair work on buildings, equipment, vehicles, and facility infrastructure as assigned.
• Assists with opening and closing procedures, including securing buildings, equipment, and the facility at the end of each workday.
• Identifies prohibited or hazardous materials and follows established reporting and safety procedures.
• Performs routine inspections and cleaning of County vehicles, equipment, and work areas to ensure safe operating conditions.
• Maintains compliance with County policies, OSHA requirements, environmental regulations, and safe work practices.
• Participates in required safety training and consistently uses appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Works cooperatively with Public Works staff and other County departments to support daily operations, special projects, and emergency response activities as needed.
• Participates in cross-training and performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Reports to PW Superintendent

Typical working conditions may include:

• Work is performed primarily outdoors in a landfill and recycling facility environment with frequent exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, dust, and uneven terrain.
• Regular exposure to heavy equipment, moving vehicles, machinery, noise, dirt, odors, waste materials, and other environmental conditions associated with solid waste operations.
• Position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling throughout the workday.
• Regularly lifts and moves materials weighing up to 100 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Operates light trucks, recycling equipment, power tools, and other equipment while maintaining strict adherence to safety procedures.
• Requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliance with all County safety policies, OSHA standards, and environmental regulations.
• May be required to work occasional overtime, weekends, or respond to emergency situations as operational needs dictate.

The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-conscious, and enjoys working outdoors in a physically active environment. They are committed to providing excellent customer service and take pride in maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient solid waste and recycling facility. This individual works well both independently and as part of a team, communicates professionally with the public and coworkers, and demonstrates sound judgment in carrying out daily responsibilities.

Successful candidates are adaptable, willing to perform a variety of maintenance and operational tasks and committed to following established safety procedures and environmental regulations. They take initiative, maintain a positive attitude, and contribute to the Public Works Department's mission of providing reliable, high-quality services to the residents of Wallowa County.

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• One (1) year of experience in general labor, construction, maintenance, landscaping, equipment operation, recycling, solid waste operations, or a related field preferred.
• Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the…