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.
Essential Duties
· 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.
· Performs 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.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to PW Superintendent
Work Schedule
Tuesday – Friday 6:00am – 4:30pm (40 Hours per week)
Working Conditions
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
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.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience
Knowledge of
Ability to
Licenses & Certifications
Required
Employees required to operate a personal vehicle on County business must maintain liability insurance in accordance with ORS 806.070.
Compensation & Benefits
$24.06 – $26.67 Hourly Rates – 4 steps
Classification MW-1 , Non-Exempt
Seiu Union, 503
Benefits Summary
• Payday is the last working day of the month
• 15 paid holidays
• 1 personal day after 1 year anniversary (forfeited if not used)
• Step increase per contract effective July 1 (must be PTE/ FTE & met 1 year anniversary date)
• Vacation Accrual
o 0 - 5 Years 8/hours per month
o 5 - 10 Years 10/hours per month
Employees can accrue up to twice the annual accrual at the end of the fiscal year (excess is forfeited). Paid out at termination
• Sick Leave Accrual
o 8 hours per month unlimited
o Payment at termination ½ up to 240 hours
• Life insurance
o $10,000 Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (County Paid)
• Life Flight (Air & Ground)
o Covers eligible household dependents by IRS tax laws. (County Paid)
• Retirement
o Enrollment dates are January 1 & July 1. Must have been employed a full 6 months prior to enrollment date.
o 8 % Contributed by the County & 6% mandatory contribution by employee
o Employee may also elect a voluntary 457 plan
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for employment with Wallowa County, applicants must submit a complete application packet. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
A complete application packet typically includes:
Recruitment Timeline
Applications must be received by the posted closing date and time unless the recruitment is designated as Open Until Filled.
Veterans' Preference
Under Oregon law ORS 408.225-408.238, veterans who meet the minimum qualifications for a position may be eligible for hiring preference. If you think you may qualify, please complete and attach all of the following.
If you need assistance with completing an application for employment or with obtaining a Veteran’s Hiring Preference Form, please contact Human Resources at 541-426-7734 or via email at bmicka@wallowacounty.gov
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates best meet the qualifications for the position. Selected applicants will be invited to participate in the interview process. Prior to receiving a final offer of employment, the selected candidate must successfully complete:
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of these pre-employment requirements.
Wallowa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Wallowa County is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Contact Information
Brenda Micka
Administrative Services Director / HR Director
Amanda Piper
Administrative Assistant / Human Resources
Wallowa County Administrative Services
101 S. River Street, Room 302
Enterprise, OR 97828
Phone: (541) 426-7734
Email: bmicka@wallowacounty.gov
