Environmental / ComplianceFull-Time

Landfill Systems Technician

City of Santa Maria, CA

📍 Santa Maria, CA 📅 Posted November 6, 2026Listing sourced from Indeed

Pay: $68,700.84–$83,506.28 / year

Employment type: Full-Time. Confirm working hours on the application page.

License · from the listing: Valid Class “B” Driver’s License.

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Job Description

OPPORTUNITY

***This recruitment may close ahead of schedule if 50 applications are submitted before the application deadline***

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO

The City of Santa Maria is a full-service city with a Council/Manager form of government with over 700 employees and serves approximately 110,000 residents. The City is located on California’s central coast and covers over 23 square miles, which balances urban and agricultural lands.

The Utilities Department is responsible for providing water, wastewater treatment, sewer collection, refuse collection, and disposal services to Santa Maria. The Mission Statement of the Utilities Department is to provide efficient utility services through the use of progressive innovation, excellent customer service, and the wise use of public resources for the long-term benefit of the community.

SUMMARY

Under general direction of assigned supervisor, responsible for the planning, assigning, and oversight of operations and maintenance of the landfill gas collection and control systems, leachate collection systems, NHIS collection systems, and other activities to support regulatory compliance and site operations. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification but may act as lead worker for temporarily-assigned employees or special projects.

The position is an Individual Contributor role that provides critical field compliance activities to ensure regulatory-compliant landfill operations. Their role enables the city to provide the community’s most essential and basic refuse service in the most efficient, cost-effective and courteous manner possible.

THE POSITION

The City of Santa Maria is recruiting for a Landfill Systems Technician in the Solid Waste Division of the Utilities Department. The Solid Waste Division manages the collection of refuse, including solid waste, recycling, green waste, and organics, and operates the Santa Maria Regional Landfill, including the Household Hazardous Waste Facility and Recycling Park.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience operating, monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting landfill gas collection and control systems, including gas wells, piping, flares, blowers, and monitoring equipment, and leachate collection systems. The candidate demonstrates strong mechanical troubleshooting skills, a commitment to workplace safety and environmental compliance, and the ability to accurately document system readings, inspections, and maintenance activities.

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS

Online application

Cover letter that explains how your experience and background align with the Ideal Candidate Statement (a resume will not be accepted as a substitute)

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION: See Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator II

DUTIES

These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization. This position:

Operates, inspects, monitors, and maintains the landfill gas collection and control systems, leachate collection systems, and other regulatory support activities.
Monitors perimeter probes and records flare readings and documents field-collected data and observations.
Troubleshoots and repairs piping, pumps, meters, electrical panels, tanks, equipment, controls, compressors, valves, and records any maintenance performed on the systems.
May perform and/or coordinate other related maintenance activities and repair work associated with the onsite buildings and/or related facilities.
Maintain regular communication and coordination with landfill operations and regulatory compliance teams.
May operate heavy equipment and/or operate grade control and GPS survey systems as required for operational needs during staffing shortages
Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

Individual Contributor:

Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance (see the full definition: Individual Contributor Competencies)

Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented, share resources, respond to requests, and support a spirit of cooperative effort.
Customer Orientation - Effective performers are in touch with community needs and review the organization through the eyes of Santa Maria residents. They go out of their way to anticipate needs.
Integrity - Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly, take responsibility for their actions and foster a work environment where integrity is rewarded.
Communicativeness - Effective performers recognize the essential value of continuous information exchange and the competitive advantage it brings. They actively seek information from a variety of sources and disseminate it in a variety of ways. They use modern technologies to access and circulate information, even across great distances. They take responsibility for ensuring that their people have the current and accurate information needed for success.
Initiative - Effective performers are proactive and take action without being prompted. They do not wait to be told what to do or when to do it. They see a need, take responsibility, and act on it. They make things happen.
Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances, and demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation.
Functional/Technical Expertise - Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty (e.g., finance, public works, planning, information technology, human resources, etc.), and remain current in their area of expertise.
Problem Solving & Decision Making - Effective performers identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment.
Learning Agility - Effective performers continuously seek new knowledge, are curious, learn quickly, and use new information effectively.
Drive/Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and are ambitious and passionate about their role. They have stamina and endurance to maintain a fast pace.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ideally, three years of experience in landfill operations, construction, or solid waste disposal operations of similar size to the City’s landfill operations; and
Graduation from high school. College coursework or certification in landfill gas (LFG), air quality, environmental compliance, or related fields is desired.
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above; and
Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
- Regulatory requirements to operate a sanitary landfill.
- Safe procedures in operating heavy equipment.
- Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).
- Effective use of computer and other office equipment.
Required licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment:
- Valid Class “B” Driver’s License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.
- Completion of SWANA Landfill Gas Basics Training, or other equivalent training as determined by the Department, within six months of hire.
May be required to obtain immunizations for Hepatitis A and B.

SELECTION PROCESS

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Possession of a valid and appropriate Driver’s License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.
Under the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Program, successfully complete a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and submit to random drug and/or alcohol testing throughout employment with the City.
Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City.
The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

May require completion of a pre-employment physical to the satisfaction of the City.
Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

APPLICATION RANKING

The complete application packet, which consists of the online application and cover letter, will be evaluated and scored. An applicant's final ranking on the eligibility list will be determined by their submitted application materials. The Hiring Department will interview selected candidates from the eligibility list who best meet its needs.

If you are experiencing any technical (computer-related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, call the NEOGOV helpline for assistance at 1-855-524-5627.

The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at https://www.cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/human-resources/salary-group-agreements.

Retirement
The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.

Health Insurance
Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO's) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.

Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Vision Insurance
Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2/3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees' taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Employee Assistance Program

The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through AETNA for all full and part time employees and their eligible dependents. The confidential EAP program can refer employees to professional counselors and services that can help resolve emotional health, family and work-life issues, or provide help with childcare and eldercare assistance, financial and legal services, identity theft recovery services and daily living services.

Wellness Program
Offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being. The City's Wellness Program includes ergonomic evaluations, flu shots, and Wellness Workshops during lunch and after work. Access to the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to the Weight room at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to employee discounts and special offers on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and services.

Mentorship Program

This professional development program of mentoring and job shadowing provides mentees with an opportunity to be mentored by experienced staff with the objective of developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the participants' leadership skills and promote professional growth.

Succession Planning
The academies are offered to all employees including those that are not yet in a supervisory role, but are interested in becoming leaders within the organization as well as our executive management team who have an interest in honing their skills and helping to prepare our future leaders. In addition to multiple leadership academies, the City offers quarterly Speaker Series, a corporate Toastmasters club available for City employees, site tours of various departments, and more.

Deferred Compensation
Employees may participate in the City's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan sponsored by either Empower or CalPERS Supplemental Income. The plan enables employees to save salary and earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. A City match is available based upon representation.

The City also provides an IRS approved 401(a) plan sponsored by Empower for managers represented by Non-Represented Full-Time Management & Confidential (NMAC).

Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)
Based upon your bargaining unit the City may participate in a PEHP plan that will provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket cost of qualified medical expenses such as prescription drugs, doctor co-pays, eyeglasses and cover the reimbursement of medical insurance premiums upon separation or retirement.

Holidays
The City offers seven (7) paid holidays per year. In addition, based upon your bargaining unit a bank of floating holiday hours is available to be used at the employee's discretion.

Vacation
The City initially offers two weeks of paid vacation per calendar year for all full time employees. Accrual rates increase thereafter based upon your bargaining unit.

Sick Leave
Sick leave shall accrue a rate of eight hours for each month of continuous service, or approximately two weeks per year for all full time employees. Employees may use up to half of their annually accrued sick leave for family illness and up to five days (40 hours) per calendar year for bereavement leave.

Management Leave
Management level employees may receive a prorated amount of management leave time each new calendar year.

Educational Incentive Program
In addition to regular pay when education is in addition to the regular requirements of the job specifications and is work related.

Tuition Reimbursement
Based on your bargaining unit, you may be reimbursed for tuition and book costs of approved job related courses. The maximum amount of tuition reimbursement in any calendar year will vary based upon your bargaining unit.

Auto Allowance
Management level employees may receive auto allowance based upon the need of the position.

Telephone/PDA Stipend
Management level employees may receive a telephone and/or PDA stipend based upon the need of the position.

Bilingual Pay
Bilingual pay is provided to employees who are required by their department head to use both English and Spanish in communicating with the public while performing the duties of his/her position and who demonstrate appropriate skills in both speaking and understanding the Spanish language shall receive compensation. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.