Job Summary
Shenandoah County is recruiting to fill the position of Environmental Operations Specialist. The openings are at the Shenandoah County Department of Solid Waste (Landfill). The Environmental Operations Specialist performs highly skilled work involving site inspections and repairs, the operation of refuse collection, transport, landfill and heavy equipment; does related work as required. Acts as Crew Lead over staff as directed, may act as project lead. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Solid Waste Operations Manager. This position is considered essential.
Essential Job Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. The County provides reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions herein described.
- Leads and participates in the work of equipment operators and laborers at the solid waste facility.
- Performs facility inspections in accordance with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued permit.
- Reports to Operations Manager on project status as needed or required.
- Makes operational decision in the absence of the Operations Manager.
- Performs facility vegetative maintenance/repairs to closed and active portions of the landfill.
- Performs maintenance/repairs to landfill gas and leachate system components.
- Construct and repair roadways, ditches, and implement erosion and sediment control measures in accordance with approved grading plans.
- Operates hydraulic mechanisms for compressing and dumping refuse.
- Transports refuse to prescribed disposal areas.
- Operates both sanitation and landfill equipment as assigned and qualified.
- Transports and unloads recycling bins, sorts and processes recyclables.
- May open and close the landfill working areas and assist with gate attendant duties.
- Places and compacts refuse and covers with appropriate cover material.
- Cleans compactor sites, hauls rock and gravel.
- Clears land for the expansion of the landfill.
- Cleans truck and equipment, performs preventive maintenance on equipment.
- Maintains equipment log including daily inspection and safety equipment check.
- Operates a variety of small power equipment.
- Assists with snow and ice removal.
- Provides feedback on staff performance and time management
- Performs other public works and maintenance duties as assigned.
- Works a rotating schedule to include Saturdays as needed.
- Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as assigned.
- Performs minor maintenance to the septage receiving station.
Education and Experience
Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and intermediate experience in the operation of medium to heavy motorized equipment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Licenses or Certifications
Possession of an appropriate commercial driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia and possess or have the ability to obtain a Class II Solid Waste Operators license within 12 months.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, equipment and techniques.
- Knowledge of business English, spelling and arithmetic.
- Knowledge of the organization and functions of the department and of general administrative policies and practices.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of operating and maintaining construction and solid waste equipment.
- Knowledge of traffic laws and regulations governing the operation and movement of equipment.
- Knowledge of safe driving practices, occupational hazard, and safety precautions necessary for the operation of varied construction and maintenance equipment.
Knowledge of prohibited and/or hazardous wastes.
- Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing in a highly interactive team-oriented work environment.
- Ability to operate standard office and other work-related equipment.
- Ability to detect signs of mechanical failure and ability to make minor repairs of the automotive and packing equipment.
- Ability to perform grounds maintenance and operate equipment used for such maintenance.
- Ability to determine slope or grade and ensure that it meets the plan requirements.
- Ability to follow cut and fill directions placed on grade stakes.
- Ability to understand and follow specific oral instructions.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships in a highly inter-active team oriented work environment;
- Ability to keep office records and to prepare accurate reports from file sources.
- Ability to perform and organize work independently.
- Ability to prepare effective correspondence on routine matters and to perform routine office management details without referral to supervisor. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.
- Ability to conduct inspections of vehicles to prevent the disposal of unauthorized and/or hazardous wastes.
- Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance at work.
The annual starting pay range for this FLSA Non-Exempt position is $49,477.89- $56,899.58 commensurate with qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The County offers an excellent benefits package, including Virginia Retirement System, health and dental insurance, vacation and sick leave, and holidays. The successful candidate must pass a pre-employment, post-offer drug screening and background check.
The County application and position description are available at www.shenandoahcountyva.us/administration/employment/, or in the Office of the County Administrator, 600 North Main Street, Suite 102, Woodstock, VA 22664, 540-459-6165. Qualified applicants should submit a complete application, cover letter, and resume in person or by mail to the attention of Shenandoah County Human Resources, 600 North Main Street, Suite 102, Woodstock, Virginia 22664. Applications may also be submitted electronically to [email protected].
Recruitment will be open until the position is filled with a first review of applications on Monday, August 24, 2026.
Shenandoah County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
