Heavy Equipment Operator - Landfill

Salary : $5,230.82 - $6,582.44 Monthly

Location : Lompoc, CA

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Job Number: 3200825

Department: Utility

Opening Date: 09/17/2025

Closing Date: 10/1/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

DEFINITION/SELECTION PROCESS

THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE VACANCIES. ONLINE APPLICATIONS ONLY, NO PAPER APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED. Interested applicants must submit on-line application -- NO paper application will be accepted. If you forget your password, have application login problems, or get an error message during the application process, please call the NeoGov helpline at for assistance.

The City reserves the right to stop accepting applications prior to the posted deadline, if sufficient numbers of qualified applications are received. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The recruitment is officially closed once it has been removed from the City's website.

The Heavy Equipment Operator job classification operates and services one or more pieces of heavy equipment and performs manual and semi-skilled labor as needed. The specific duties of positions allocated to this class will vary depending on the area of assignment. Incumbents at the Lompoc Landfill operate heavy duty gasoline and diesel-powered equipment in the maintenance and repair of landfill projects as a regular assignment; provide traffic control and refuse inspection at the landfill site; perform incidental labor necessary to completion of a project; and perform other specifically related work as required.

ALLOCATION FACTORS: Proficiency in driving and operating equipment; independence of decision-making; ability to train others in equipment operation and safety.

EXAMINATION PROCESS: Based upon screening of the City application, résumé, certification, and responses to supplemental questions, applicants whose qualifications best meet the requirements of the position will be invited to the examination process. This process may include, but is not limited to written examination, performance examination and/or panel interview, which consists of an evaluation of some of the essential knowledge, skills, abilities, and job-related experience listed below. Those candidates who pass the examination process are placed on an eligibility list from which the final selection will be made.

SELECTION PROCESS: As authorized by City policy, applicants being considered for hire in this position are subject to fingerprinting for purposes of investigating criminal history background, as part of the employment screening process. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination (based upon job-related physical standards) by a City-designated physician.

Failure in any one part of the examination or selection processes will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties and/or may be required to perform specific additional/different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Landfill:

Operate all equipment used in the operation of the sanitary landfill

Direct and operate the sprinkler truck to control dust, compaction of travel ways ditches, etc.

May inspect loads, collect fees, issue receipts, maintain records and perform minor maintenance to motorized equipment

Cut and move cover soil

Clear land for expanding landfill site

Assist in the installation and removal of trash fences

Assist in the removal of trash and litter from fences, travel ways or any other area of the landfill site

Assist in controlling of traffic in and out of the site

Use heavy equipment to spread and bury refuse

Identify and report need for major mechanical repairs

May direct the work of assigned helpers.

If you are unable to perform the essential functions of the position for which you are applying, either with or without reasonable accommodation, please notify Human Resources at .

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Include any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. The typical qualifying entrance background is:

License Required: Possession of an appropriate valid California driver's license for the equipment operated.

Education/Experience: Three years of experience in public works maintenance and construction work, including sufficient experience operating heavy equipment to demonstrate proficiency.

Knowledge of:

Simple record keeping

Methods, materials and tools used in public works/landfill maintenance and construction

Proper methods, materials, tools and equipment used at a landfill

Provisions of the California Vehicle Code applying to the operation of vehicles on the highways

Mechanical operation of gasoline and diesel-powered equipment

Auxiliary mechanical equipment carried on power-driven equipment

Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.

Ability to:

Skillfully and safely operate heavy-duty type equipment

Make field emergency repairs and minor adjustments to the equipment

Diagnose needed mechanical repairs

Direct and train assigned helpers

Skillfully operate bulldozers and other heavy equipment

Read surveyor grade stakes may be required; pioneer slopes may be required

Operate light powered equipment skillfully and safely

Assist with manual labor

Read and interpret simple construction plans and specifications

Maintain simple records

Safely direct vehicle traffic

Drive and operate a heavy-duty motorized vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions, including local and/or state laws pertaining to streets/landfills

Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Pioneer slopes (may be required)

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS: The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical: Strength: Heavy - Exert force of 50-100 pounds occasionally, or 25-50 pounds frequently, or 10-20 pounds constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. Frequently handle, grip, grasp. Frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, climb stairs and ladders, reach above, at and below shoulder level; extend neck upwards, downwards, and side to side, push/pull, twist at the waist. Rarely climb scaffolding or crawl. Vision: Visual acuity which could be corrected sufficiently to perform the essential functions of the position; average depth perception needed. Hearing: Hearing ability to effectively hear and comprehend oral instructions and communication, and equipment and traffic noise.

Mental/Psychological: Work cooperatively and interact appropriately with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public; read/comprehend simple written instructions; utilize simple math skills; utilize simple writing skills; understand, remember and carry out simple job instructions; respond quickly to changing priorities; deal with the general public; communicate effectively orally; ability to work under pressure; work within deadlines; train and direct other workers.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Incumbents must work under adverse conditions, such as outside in any weather, around rodents, insects, foul smells, dirt, dust, broken glass, fires and other hazards. Constantly work outdoors, around machinery. Constantly work with others. Frequently drive motorized equipment/vehicles. Frequent exposure to dust, fumes, smoke, gases, odors and excessive noises. Occasional exposure to chemicals, solvents, grease or oil and to slippery or uneven surfaces. Rarely work alone, indoors, or at unprotected heights. Rare exposure to extreme temperatures, and flames/smoke.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Employees in this classification may be required to utilize respirators in the course of their job duties or under emergency circumstances and thus must be in compliance with General Industry Safety Order 5144. Employees shall not wear beards, mustaches, sideburns, facial hair or other conditions in such a manner that may prevent or interfere with establishing and maintaining a proper seal of the respirator facemask. This requirement is implemented in order to ensure the safety and health of the employee.

POTENTIAL CAREER PATH: Experience gained by incumbents in these classes can provide the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to qualify for Lead Landfill Operator.

The information herein does not either constitute an expressed or implied contract.

These provisions are subject to change without notice.

Job classes in this unit are subject to the City's Personnel Rules, Procedures, and Policies. Benefits include the following:

Bilingual Pay: Individuals determined to be in an eligible position and qualified by the City will be eligible for $150 per month bilingual pay.

Deferred Compensation: The City encourages and supports employee enrollment in either MissionSquare or CalPERS deferred compensation plan. Employees may contribute up to the maximum amount according to the IRS Retirement Plan Contribution Limits.

Dental Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following six complete months of employment, the employee and dependents are eligible for insurance; the City contributes a substantial amount of the premium for the employee and dependents.

Health Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following appointment, the employee and dependents are eligible for insurance; the City contributes a substantial amount of the premium for the employee and dependents. Employees can select from three (3) Blue Shield Plans.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employees of the City of Lompoc are eligible to receive EAP services administered by Anthem Blue Cross. Employee, spouse, and eligible dependents are entitled to receive five (5) sessions per family member, per incident. Services include counseling for various reasons/needs.

Holidays: Thirteen (13) days per year including one floating holiday.

Life Insurance: The City provides life insurance in the amount equivalent to two years' annual salary up to a maximum of $300,000. The premium is paid entirely by the City. Employees are eligible for enrollment after the first day following six (6) months of continuous employment. Additional employee coverage is available at group rates.

Long-Term Disability Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following six complete months of employment, the employee is eligible for insurance. The City pays 100% of the premium.

Retirement: Third Tier -- Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2% at age 62 formula. Employees pay 50% of the normal cost of the member's contribution as prescribed by PEPRA. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.

Second Tier -- Employees hired after November 19, 2011 and before January 1, 2013 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2% at age 60 formula. An eight percent (8%) member's contribution is paid by the employee. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.

First Tier -- Employees hired prior to November 19, 2011 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2.7% at age 55 formula with 1959 survivor's benefit. A ten percent (10%) member's contribution is paid by the employee. Final compensation is the average for the highest 12 consecutive months.

Social Security: As a City of Lompoc employee, your earnings are not covered by Social Security. Under the Social Security law, there are two ways your Social Security Benefit amount earned under previous employers may be affected, "Windfall Elimination Provision" and "Government Pension Offset Provision." FOR MORE INFORMATION, please visit You may also call or for the deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number, or you may contact your local Social Security Office.

Section 125 Tax Deferral: Program used for out-of-pocket health premiums, medical costs not covered under health plan, and day care/elder care.

Sick Leave: Commencing at the time of appointment, sick leave benefits accrue at a bi-weekly rate and the employee is eligible to use those benefits reflected as their sick leave balance; accrual rate is 12 days/year.

Tuition Reimbursement: The City will provide tuition reimbursement for college courses in accordance with Personnel Procedures Manual Chapter 43 "Tuition Reimbursement for College/University Courses." In addition, the City will provide community college students up to 100% tuition reimbursement and 100% reimbursement for required course books per semester. (Course syllabus and receipts identifying books purchased are required for books).

Vacation: Commencing at the time of appointment, vacation leave benefits accrue at a bi-weekly rate based upon length of employment. Employees are eligible to use vacation leave following completion of six months employment and accrue 10 days per year, which increases to 21 days based on years of service.

UNION DUES/SERVICES FEES:This classification is a bargaining unit position and, after completion of the probationary period, incumbent must pay either the required union dues or union service representation fee. At which time, the incumbent's terms and conditions of employment are subject to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ("IBEW"), Local Union 1245 Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU"). To view the IBEW MOU, go to

01

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview.By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration. "See Resume" is not an acceptable answer to the questions.

Yes, I understand and agree

No, I do not agree

02

Please acknowledge that you understand that a valid DMV printout is required to apply for this position and that you've attached or will forward this mandatory documentation to Human Resources PRIOR to the closing date indicated.

Yes

No

03

To be considered for this position you must have a minimum of three years experience in landfill/sanitation, public works maintenance and/or construction work, including sufficient experience operating heavy equipment to demonstrate proficiency. Landfill experience preferable. Do you currently possess this specific work experience?

Yes

No

04

To be considered for this position APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS A VALID COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE (CDL). Please indicate what type of driver's license you currently possess.

California CDL Class "B"

California CDL Class "A"

Out-of-State CDL Class "B"

Out-of-State CDL Class "A"

Non-Commercial (i.e. Class "C")

None of the above

05

What best describes your level of experience operating a commercial landfill trash compactor?

No Experience

Unskilled or Trainee Level (less than 1 yr.)

Semi-skilled Level - Some experience (1 yr than 3 yrs)

Skilled Level - Highly experienced (3 yrs less than 5 yrs.)

Advanced Skilled Level - Extensive experience (5+ yrs.)

06

Copy OF (To be considered for this position APPLICANTS MUST EITHER POSSESS OR HAVE THE ABILITY TO OBTAIN THE