Solid Waste Technician

Salary: $21.45 Hourly
Location : Whidbey Island, WA
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 2023-116
Department: Public Works Solid Waste Technicians
Opening Date: 11/21/2023
Closing Date: 1/2/2024 4:30 PM Pacific
Summary
This is an entry level operations position at the Coupeville Solid Waste facility. Employee in this position is responsible for operating and performing repairs on equipment and facilities.
Equipment may include but not limited to, front end loader, backhoe, trucks up to 10 yards, forklift, yard tractor, and Solid Waste compactors/balers. Duties may include all work involved in receiving, sorting, packing, recycling, storing and other processing of solid and hazardous waste at all Solid Waste facilities and may include assisting in the operation of the wastewater treatment plant.
Job Duties

• Process waste received at the transfer station or other facilities/areas by transferring materials to a desired location using light, medium and heavy equipment.
• Separate white goods , hard-to-handle wastes, recyclables and hazardous wastes from the Solid Waste stream and direct to desired receiving area(s).
• Assist with repairs on all transfer station equipment and facilities. Maintain all equipment.
• After receiving proper training, assist with or carry out processing of household or other special or moderate risk waste which County facilities are authorized to handle. Keep accurate records of activities .
• Perform any clean-up and maintenance tasks as directed.
• Assist the public at the central facility, and at recycle parks with operation procedures.
• Assist with the construction of various buildings and improvements at Solid Waste facilities.
• Assist with or carry out duties involved with operation of the projects at the County Wastewater Treatment Facility, composting operations and other special projects and/or facilities.
• Assist with environmental monitoring activities for Solid Waste facilities and required record keeping.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to lift heavy loads and work outside in all types of weather.
• Demonstrable familiarity with equipment, tools, and techniques commonly used at a Solid Waste facility, from small tools to heavy equipment and knowledge of safety principles of same.
• Basic knowledge of diesel and gasoline engine mechanics , equipment maintenance and hydraulic system maintenance.
• Basic knowledge of welding principles and practices.
• Basic painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical and other facility maintenance skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing for any purpose having to do with assigned duties.
• Ability to quickly grasp new techniques, deal with rapid changes in events, remain calm under stressful conditions.
• Ability to work effectively in a challenging environment including noise, strong odors, moving equipment and dust.
• Weekend work is a requirement of this position.
• Independent and self-motivated to complete required tasks in a timely manner with a minimum of supervision.

Education, Experience & Certifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or G.E.D. equivalent. One or more years of post-high school training , experience or trade school required.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Washington State Driver's license within three months.
• Ability to obtain a COL.
• Certificates of training in any applied desirable skill including heavy equipment, welding, construction trades or related skills.
• Ability to receive certification within one year or as desired for first aid, industrial safety , hazardous waste handling, hazmat, wastewater treatment and various environmental testing procedures.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees and to maintain a courteous and professional demeanor with the public at all times.
• Ability to attend seminars and training classes as required.

Island County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Island County offers a wide range of employee benefits designed to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
Medical: Island County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and dependents. In addition, the County provides an annual Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (determined by Medical plan selected).
Dental: Island County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members for basic dental coverage (buy-up options are available).
Vision: Vision coverage is included in one Medical plan and another option is available at employee expense.
Life and Disability Insurance: Employees are provided basic coverage of $24,000 and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents.
Retirement: Island County employees participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (additional 457(b) deferred-compensation plans are also available).
Life Flight: Island County pays 100% of the premium for emergency air transport coverage.
11 paid holidays each year
Generous paid time off and Washington-required sick leave
Flexible Spending Account (optional)
Wellness programs
Employee assistance program
Pet Insurance (optional - employee paid)
Student debt? Working for Island County can provide relief!
Island County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF) for full time employees. See for more details.
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible Island County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.