Transfer Station Operator

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Full-Time
Posted: September 4, 2026
Closes: September 27, 2026

Job Summary

The Jones County Solid Waste Management Commission is responsible for solid waste management, including disposal, in Jones County. The Commission owns a closed landfill and owns/operates the Jones County Transfer Station.

Hours

The transfer station is open to the public 8 AM to 3 PM Monday through Friday and 8 AM to 12 PM on the second and fourth Saturday of the month.

The transfer station is staffed by two full-time operators and the Operations Manager. Regular workday hours are 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday and from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturday. The transfer station is open the second and fourth Saturday of the month. The Full-time Operator will typically work 40 hours per week, including both weekdays and some Saturdays. Some work may be required outside regular work hours.

Transfer Station Operations

Each operator will routinely be assigned to and expected to complete the duties of any of the transfer station work stations, as well as other duties assigned as needed. The Full-time Operator reports to the Operations Manager.

Job Duties

Provide excellent customer service including: oversee and assist with customer unloading activities; directing customers to appropriate unloading areas for recoverable items; and segregating unacceptable materials.
Operate mechanical and hand equipment as needed to load waste into the transfer trailers and prepare the trailers for transfer.
Accept household hazardous wastes from customers. Sort materials and bulk paints according to fixed facility's specification. Attend training on an annual basis.
Routine cleaning and maintenance of all equipment, including but not limited to tractors and loaders as well as identification of equipment issues requiring more specialized services. Identify need for and complete basic maintenance and repairs as able.
Perform maintenance on the closed landfill including erosion control, mowing, and leachate pumps.
Perform station, scale house, and site maintenance including sweeping/washing, organizing, mowing, snow removal, litter collection and other activities needed to maintain an aesthetic operation.
Become familiar with and help achieve compliance with state, federal, and local solid waste regulations.
As needed, operate office machines including the scale, computer and printer to weigh incoming and outgoing vehicles/loads and calculate customer fees. Collect fees or record charges as appropriate. Maintain record of all fees and provide receipts.
Act as a Commission representative with customers, haulers, service providers and others. Must become familiar with the Commission's services and answer customer/citizen questions.
Attend Commission board meetings if requested.
Other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Essential

Two or more years practical experience operating and maintaining wheeled front-end loader, semi-tractors and trailers and other equipment used on site.
Completed Transfer Station Operator training approved by the State of Iowa, or ability to obtain.
Ability to become certified in OSHA 24-hour health and safety training (Hazwoper training).
Ability to work accurately and effectively under pressure and to prioritize multiple tasks.
Ability to interact well with the public, haulers, contractors, staff and Board members.
Ability to read and complete basic mathematical calculations, including counting change.

Preferred

Classroom training and multiple years practical experience with equipment maintenance and repair.
Three or more years experience operating tractor-trailer combinations and/or heavy equipment.
Previous experience working at a waste transfer station or landfill.
Previous computer operation experience.
Previous experience with scale and/or retail operations.
Have or be able to obtain Class "A" CDL. If hold such license now, provide a copy of driving record with application.

Additional Information

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here 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.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, smells or smoke, and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; risk of electrical shock; risk of radiation; and vibration. The noise level is the work environment is occasionally loud. This position is required to work weekends when the transfer station is open to the public.

Pay and Benefits

Pay starting at $18 to $20 per hour with final offer dependent on experience and qualifications.
Participation in Iowa Public Employment Retirement System (IPERS).
Commission pays 95% of employee's health insurance coverage and 75% of family coverage through Commission approved health insurance provider.
Commission pays approved costs for required training and certifications.
Commission provides 7 days total paid holidays including New Year's Day (1.5 days), Memorial Day (1 day), July 4th (1 day), Labor Day (1 day), Thanksgiving (1 day), Christmas (1.5 days).

Terms of Employment

Must agree to pre-employment physical and drug screen.
Agrees to random drug testing.