Maintenance Specialist

Maintenance Specialist (Solid Waste Division)

Position:
Maintenance Specialist - Regular, Non‑Exempt, eligible for overtime.
Pay Range
: $21.29 – $27.00 per hour (Teamsters–Solid Waste Pay Plan, B21 Step 1‑13).
Hiring Range
: $21.29 – $22.60 per hour (Teamster‑Solid Waste Pay Plan, B21 Step 1‑4 DOQ).
Position is open until filled
.

• Operate, inspect, and maintain soil vapor extraction systems, flares, landfill gas collection systems, irrigation systems, and associated equipment.
• Perform maintenance on weighing scales, vapor wells, water wells, stormwater collection systems, and pumps.
• Maintain septage lagoon operations and conduct necessary repairs.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot maintenance issues, and complete required repairs.
• Identify and segregate hazardous waste, recyclables, and municipal solid waste at landfills and transfer stations.
• Recognize fire hazards, respond to fires, and use appropriate equipment.
• Inspect fire extinguishers, fire bombs, hose reels and replace as needed.
• Conduct waste audits at all Solid Waste Division facilities.
• Assist with Household Hazardous Waste Facility operations (removing refrigerant, bulking obp, sorting waste, etc.).
• Perform ground maintenance tasks such as mowing, trimming, weeding, planting, litter pickup and tree pruning.
• Monitor weather conditions and operate within the Inclement Weather Policy.
• Plow scales, construct and maintain wind fences, operate magnet attachment, erect signage, and support recycling program activities.
• Operate vehicles (no CDL required) and perform daily pre‑start inspections and operational checks.
• Operate forklift, unload shipments, move materials, mix and apply alternate daily cover, and transport fuels to heavy equipment.
• Ensure personal and public safety, directing customers at transfer stations and landfills to avoid heavy equipment.
• Provide customer service and explain program rules to facility users.
• Develop innovative traffic awareness and customer safety ideas.

High School Diploma or G.E.D. plus at least three (3) years of maintenance experience in hazardous waste, solid waste, water treatment, or related mechanical/technical fields (e.g., welding, plumbing, irrigation, construction). A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required. Proof of insurance may be required.

• Certified Forklift Operator
• Blood Borne Pathogen Training
• Fire Extinguisher Training
• Defensive Driving Certification
• 40‑hour HAZWOPER certification or equivalent training
• HepatitisB vaccination or a written waiver
• Respirator fit testing within six months of employment

• Certified Flagger
• Hazardous Waste Training
• Solid Waste Experience

• Equipment: forklift, weed‑eater, mower, scissor lift, generators, two‑way radio, hand and power tools, vehicles, pumps.
• Personal Protective Equipment: steel‑toed boots, chemical‑resistant gloves, coveralls, safety vest, ear protection, respirator, safety glasses.

Typical work involves excessive noise, weather exposure, heavy lifting (up to 100 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, 20 pounds constantly), field work, repetitive movements, and interaction with the public. Travel between multiple job sites may be required.

• Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic Long‑Term Disability)
• Retirement Benefits
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Paid Sick Leave

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. Yakima County ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of age, color, creed, sensory, mental, physical disability, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, military status, or any other protected status under federal or state statute.

Yakima County will not discharge or discriminate against employees or applicants for discussing or disclosing pay. Disclosures by employees with access to compensation information are limited to formal complaints, investigations, or legal obligations.

Yakima County will hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Yakima County is an E‑Verify Employer.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within 90 days of the closing of this position (excluding Sheriff’s Office and Department of Corrections). This position is a Teamsters Bargaining Unit position.