The Operations Section of King County's Solid Waste Division (SWD) is looking for one (1) customer focused Transfer Station Operator (TSO) who is a responsive problem solver and who will support the Department and Division goals on Environmental Sustainability. 

This posting may be used to create a list of candidates for any potential vacancies in similar positions within the next 12 months.

About the Role:

Be part of this unit as the TSO staff is well respected and creates positive change for all operational aspects (i.e., collection of materials, site design, safety committee, equipment purchasing, etc.). You will stay busy as you rotate between tasks, operating a variety of equipment and work at several locations. Your efforts will help improve, contribute, and support changes that are currently happening!

About the Team:

Solid Waste Division is a collaborative, forward-thinking, innovative workgroup. We interact with customers providing service, education, and guidance to ensure a successful experience. We are stewards for the environment, we focus on our customers, and we collaborate to drive results.

Commitment to Equity Racial and Social Justice:

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Transfer Station Operator, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.

Apply now for a rewarding career at the Solid Waste Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks. Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.

You will be involved with:

• Educating customers on diverting material away from Landfill
• Collaborating with Recycling vendors
• Recover material of reusable resources

What Your Future Can Be Here:

Multiple opportunities within King County for promotion, and career development by transiting to other classifications within the Division, such as: Waste Inspector, Landfill Gas Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator, Project Manager, Supervisor, etc.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Safely operate transfer station equipment, which may include front end loaders, pre-load compactors, pedestal compactors, backhoe loader, bailers, forklifts, and skid steers/bobcat and operate yard trucks ("goats") to pull empty garbage hauling trailers into chutes and full trailers out to parking areas through sometimes confined areas.
• Customer-centric interaction with public and commercial haulers to educate and direct patrons with recycling diversion.
• Safely assist customers to safely maneuver and park vehicle, and properly utilize facility to avoid customer injury.
• Screen for hazardous and unacceptable materials and take appropriate action. 
• Maintain property and facility within boundary.

It Would Also Be Great if You Have:

• Minimum one (1) year experience operating specific heavy equipment such as:
  • front end loaders
  • mini excavator
  • driving or hosteling truck & trailer
• Minimum one (1) year experience related to:
  • Ability to positively interact with public on a regular basis.
• Operating hand tools in an industrial environment.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Must have experience dealing with a diverse group of co-workers and customers.

Competencies You Bring:

• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Interpersonal Savvy: Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

Required Licenses:

• Valid Washington State Driver's License and ability to travel to multiple transfer station locations during the workday/shift. 
• Offers of employment will be contingent upon verification of a valid Washington State Driver's License or verification of the ability to travel to other transfer stations during the workday/shift.

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Basic computer skills for timesheet entry, email communication, virtual training and meetings.
• Basic mechanical skills providing facility and yard maintenance.

Working Conditions:

• Work Location: On-site work, multiple locations within King County (Algona, Enumclaw, Renton, Tukwila, Factoria, Houghton, Shoreline, Vashon)
• Work Schedule: Multiple schedules include: 5/8 (5 days, 8 hours, 2 days off) 7/10 (7 days, 10 hours, 7 days off) and 7/10 Regular Part-Time (RPT) (7 days, 10 hours, 7 days off). RPT is primarily assigned to a 7/10 work schedule (7 days on, 10 hours per day, followed by 7 days off (Monday - Sunday). RPT positions are not guaranteed hours and are schedule to work as needed to supplement full-time schedules, with variable work hours, which include Day, Swing, and Graveyard shifts. RPT positions are utilized on a regular basis.
• Union Representation: This position is represented by Teamsters, Local 174.
• Physical Requirements and Environment: 
  • Ability to work in, and operate heavy equipment and machinery on, uneven slopes, surfaces, and terrain, in heat/cold, wet/humid, inclement weather and other adverse conditions such as: odor, high volume noise, dust and heavy traffic.
  • Experience working in adverse weather conditions and industrial environment.
• FLSA Status: This position is overtime eligible.

Application and Selection Process: All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. This recruitment will be used to fill current vacant positions and may be used to create a list of competitive candidates to fill possible future vacancies. 

The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in skill tests operating equipment and customer service assessment, and a panel interview.

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Optional Resume (will be reviewed if submitted)
• Optional Cover Letter (will be reviewed if submitted)

Note:  Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in a skills test and panel interview.

Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contactrmalatesta@kingcounty.gov.

Discover More About the Solid Waste Division: Visit our website at Solid Waste Division and check us out at Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube.

Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Keeping King County Green News.

Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.