Scale House Operator
- Part-Time
- Posted: May 20, 2026
- Closes: June 13, 2026
Job Summary
The Jones County Transfer Station is seeking a scale operator to provide customer service, screen loads, weigh vehicles, process transactions, and maintain records. Applicants must have excellent communication skills and the ability to use a computer and learn new software.
The scale operator position is part-time with the opportunity to become full-time. Starting pay is $17 to $20 per hour depending on experience. Employees participate in the Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS). See the job description for more information.
You can submit an application in person at the transfer station (Click here to download application) or email it to the director at landfill@jonescountyiowa.gov.
Disclaimer: Employees of the Jones County Transfer Station are not employees of Jones County. The transfer station is owned and operated by the Jones County Solid Waste Management Commission, which is a separate organization managed by a commission with representatives from cities and the county.
The Jones County Solid Waste Management Commission is responsible for solid waste management in Jones County. The Commission operates a permitted solid waste transfer station and provides recycling programs and household hazardous materials collection for Jones County residents. In compliance with regulations, the Commission manages a closed landfill site.
The scale operator supports transfer station operations by providing customer service, screening loads, weighing vehicles, processing transactions, and recordkeeping. As the first and last point of contact at the transfer station, the scale house operator helps manage the flow of incoming and outgoing vehicles to maintain efficient operations.
The transfer station is open to the public 8 AM to 3 PM on weekdays, Monday through Friday, and 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays. The scale operator will typically work up to 29 hours per week, including weekdays and Saturdays. This position reports to the Operations Manager.
Job Duties
•Assist customers in a friendly and professional manner
•Screen loads to identify and refuse prohibited or hazardous materials
•Educate customers on accepted waste, disposal policies, and recycling programs
•Direct vehicles to appropriate unloading areas
•Operate scale system to weigh inbound and outbound vehicles
•Collect fees and issue receipts
•Handle cash, check, and account transactions accurately
•Maintain accurate daily logs of transactions, tonnage, and vehicle counts
•Communicate with operators regarding load issues or facility concerns
•Perform basic housekeeping of the scale house
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Prior experience in a scale house, solid waste facility, or customer service role is preferred but not required.
- Basic math skills
- Proficient with computers and data entry
- Strong communication and customer service skills Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of or ability to learn solid waste regulations and facility procedures
Licenses and Certifications:
- Valid driver's license required.
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds
• Ability to communicate clearly with the public in person and by telephone
• Visual ability to inspect loads from the scale house window
Additional Information
The scale operator position is based inside the scale house at the transfer station. The
scale house is a climate-controlled space, though the scale operator will regularly interact with
customers through a window in all weather conditions. The pace of work varies on a daily and
seasonal basis.
The scale operator may periodically need to perform duties outside the scale house. If outside the
scale house, the scale operator will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
The scale operator must be comfortable working in proximity to solid waste operations that include
dust, odor, noise, heavy equipment operation, and heavy vehicle traffic. The pace of work varies on
a daily and seasonal basis.
Pay and Benefits:
The scale operator position has a starting pay range of $17 to $20 per hour. Starting pay is dependent on experience and qualifications. Commission employees participate in the Iowa Public Employment Retirement System (IPERS).
Part-time employees accrue vacation and sick leave in accordance with the employee handbook. Paid holidays include New Year's Eve, New Years's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Commission pays approved costs for any required training and certifications.
Terms of Employment:
The scale operator position is subject to pre-employment background checks and drug screening. The scale operator may be subject to random drug screening.
