Job Information
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office Lead Refuse Operator in Fairfax, Virginia
Lead Refuse Operator
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Lead Refuse Operator
Salary
$59,700.37 - $99,499.92 Annually
Location
FAIRFAX (EJ17), VA
Job Type
FT Hourly W BN
Job Number
26-00627
Department
DPWES Solid Waste Management
Opening Date
04/18/2026
Closing Date
5/8/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade
S20
Posting Type
Open to General Public
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Announcement
$2,500 Signing Bonus*
If you are looking for career advancement this is a job for you. Come and join the I-66 team as a Lead Refuse Operator.
DPWES is a diverse, nationally accredited and award-winning public works agency with approximately 1,000 employees providing solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land acquisition management services for the most populous county in Virginia. Join our team to help us protect the environment and serve the people of Fairfax County by creating and preserving a sustainable community that is an ideal place to live, work, and play for everyone.
Fairfax County Government is committed to our employees, and offers comprehensive benefits, including a defined-benefit retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; paid leave; tuition reimbursement; and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Through our LiveWell Program and the County Benefits Division, we endeavor to cultivate a culture of wellbeing that empowers, educates and engages employees and retirees to make life-long choices that promote a holistic approach to their physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual and financial wellness. Please review our awesome benefits:
Benefits (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hr/fairfax-county-benefits-summary)
Retirement
DPWES provides award-winning solid waste collection services for approximately 45,000 homes, operates a transfer station and landfill, regulates solid waste services, and leads sustainability initiatives to promote zero waste goals for Fairfax County. DPWES Solid Waste is a diverse work force of approximately 300 merit and 50 non-merit employees and has an annual operating budget of more than $100M. Our nationally recognized team of professionals are working together towards a singular goal: providing environmentally responsible and cost-effective management of municipal solid waste, keeping Fairfax County safe, green, healthy, and clean.
I66 Transfer Station LRO- Operates semi-tractor trailer trucks, and other heavy equipment such as front loaders, cranes, and rubber tire loaders, in the disposal of and transport of solid waste. Operates various maintenance equipment to perform facility and grounds maintenance. Completes daily vehicle pre/post trip inspections. Assures cleanliness of vehicles. Prepares and completes all required logs and reports including reports on traffic incidents. Utilizes the communication systems (cell phones, radios, etc.) in accordance with county policies. Operates a two-way radio system in accordance with the regulations of the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). Performs other duties as assigned; duties are performed under general supervision.
Additional skills, abilities and responsibilities include:
Uses effective communication skills to provide oral and written instructions.
Engages in safe working practices and complies with safety programs and guidelines established by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services and the Solid Waste Management Program safety programs and guidelines.
Reports for duty on time in proper uniform and physical condition. Maintains assigned vehicles for cleanliness and is in good working condition.
Adheres to the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services guiding principles.
Maintains the standards of the county, including but not limited to the Drug & Alcohol, safety, and personnel policies and procedures.
Ensures compliance to all applicable Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and Department of Transportation (DOT) laws and regulations.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions.
Holiday, weekend and overtime work may be required. Position is designated as "essential emergency services personnel".
*A $2,500 signing bonus is available to new county employees hired into positions requiring a CDL. Applicants must possess a valid CDL at time of application submission to be eligible.
Illustrative Duties
(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all- inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)
Operates specialized equipment engaged in collection and disposal activities of solid
waste, and landfill operations while simultaneously monitoring operations for
compliance;
Operates heavy equipment including graders, loaders, dozers, grade-alls, backhoes,
excavators, cranes (stationary and mobile), and semi-tractor trailers in grading, pushing,
loading, site maintenance, snow removal, and various other operational needs;
Loads refuse and/or ash with loaders, dozers and cranes;
Controls disposal and collection activities, such as tipping floor operations;
Visually inspects waste for hazardous material and regulatory compliance;
Serves as front line code compliance and safety monitor in waste disposal, collection, separation and transportation activities;
Leads staff and/or contractors on safety and code compliance;
Monitors specific operating area for safety concerns;
Organizes collection activities (brush, specials, mega-bulk) and ash landfill operations;
Performs equipment maintenance; such as checking and adding fluids, changing hydraulic hoses, minor repairs, and trouble-shooting problems;
Interprets construction and operating plans;
Prepares daily inspection reports, pre-trip check sheets, log sheets and operating records;
Advises the public on the correct way to dispose of hazardous and regulated material;
Effectively communicates with customers, employees and supervisors;
Engages in safe working practices and complies with safety programs and guidelines;
Reports and monitors unsafe working conditions;
Complies with safety competencies.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)
Working knowledge of heavy equipment maintenance, minor repair and troubleshooting procedures;
Thorough knowledge of state traffic laws and regulations;
Thorough knowledge of state regulations and facility permit conditions with regard to solid waste disposal and facility operations;
Working knowledge of county and state requirements regarding solid waste transfer and disposal;
Working knowledge of computers:
Thorough knowledge of safety standards and safe operating procedures relating to solid waste collection, transfer and disposal activities;
Skill in the operation of a variety of heavy equipment;
Ability to read and comprehend maps;
Ability to lead others;
Ability to efficiently and safely operate a wide variety of heavy equipment in grading, pushing, loading, leveling, site maintenance, snow removal and other operational needs;
Ability to enforce safety standards in solid waste collection, transfer and disposal activities;
Ability to effectively direct employees and contractors operating heavy equipment in potentially hazardous environments;
Ability to use sound judgment in making independent decisions;
Ability to effectively communicate the regulatory requirements to residents and businesses;
Ability to maintain effective relationships with the public and employees;
Ability to prepare travel reports, pre-operational inspection reports, and regulatory inspection reports;
Ability to work outside with regular exposure to severe weather, noxious fumes, high levels of dust, etc.;
Ability to comprehend and abide to safety practices.
Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to high school diploma or a GED issued by a state department of education, and three years of experience operating motorized heavy construction equipment and/or semi-tractor trailer, as appropriate.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Valid driver's license.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class "A" .
DOT Medical Card.
Forklift Safety Training Certificate within 3 months of hire.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, driving record check, and a pre-employment physical examination to the satisfaction of the employer.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge and experience with operating solid waste equipment.
Three years of experience in the Solid Waste Industry.
Knowledge and experience with regulatory, operational, and safety compliance.
Familiarity with Fairfax County Chapter 109.1 Transfer Station Operations Manual and Closure Plan, Transfer Station Waste Screening and Unauthorized Waste Plan, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Laws, and OSHA General Industry regulations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. without assistance and 25 to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.
Ability to operate light, medium and heavy equipment.
Ability to perform strenuous activities and repetitive motions.
Ability to stand, walk, stoop, bend, stretch, walk, climb, sit, kneel, crouch, reach, crawl, lift, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions for lengthy periods of time.
Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and temperatures.
Ability to work in an environment where raw waste and/or household hazards exists.
Manual strength and dexterity needed to handle material and operate equipment.
All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.
BONUS ELIGIBILITY:
Positions within this classification that require a CDL that are general merit may be eligible for a one-time hiring incentive bonus for new county employees only. This bonus program requires a signed payback agreement between the department and employee. Must have CDL at time of hire
Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/demographics/fairfax-county-general-overview) .) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.
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