Operations / SupervisorFull-Time

Recycling Equipment Operator I

CHARLES COUNTY GOVERNMENT

📍 Waldorf, MD 📅 Posted November 4, 2026Listing sourced from Indeed

Pay: $42,340.16–$74,095.32 / year

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

License · from the listing: Must possess a valid driver’s license.

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Job Description

Summary

The hiring salary for this position is $42,340.16. annually.

Charles County Government is seeking a dynamic Recycling Equipment Operator to operate gasoline and diesel vehicles and equipment in a safe, efficient, and quality manner with strong focus on customer service. This position will perform work in accordance with permit requirements and applicable codes, standards, regulations, policies, and procedures. Interacts with, and physically assists, customers unloading vehicles; performs routine cleanup as well as general and grounds maintenance at County convenience centers, citizen disposal area, landfill, and other remote sites; and operates waste disposal equipment and light to medium duty vehicles.

Essential Job Functions

DESCRIPTION OF CAREER LADDER SERIES

Recycling Equipment Operator I is the entry-level position of the career ladder series for Recycling Equipment Operators. After one (1) year of satisfactory conduct and performance as a Recycling Equipment Operator I, a Recycling Equipment Operator I that demonstrates technical proficiency, obtains a CDL Class B or higher, completes 30 hours of training related to recycling or composting operations and equipment maintenance, and has a minimum of two (2) years equipment experience may be recommended for advancement by the Recycling Operations Supervisor and Recycling Operations Superintendent. The written recommendation must describe the type and quality of work performed by the Recycling Equipment Operator I that demonstrates the employee is capable to work as a Recycling Equipment Operator II. Concurrence of the written recommendation is required by the Chief of Environmental Resources.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Operates vehicles and equipment to include, but not be limited to, light to medium duty trucks, waste disposal equipment, zero turn mowers, tractors, loaders, skid steers, mini excavators, tub grinders, rollers, and other equivalent vehicles and equipment at County convenience centers, citizen disposal area, landfill, and other remote sites. Inspects vehicle or equipment for any safety or other concern prior to operation. Documents inspections or concerns as required.
Operates vacuum trailer to maintain the condensation collection tank wells for the methane collection system at the closed Pisgah Landfill. Conducts work in a safe, efficient, and quality manner with a strong focus on customer service.
Ensures all applicable codes, standards, regulations policies, procedures, and permit requirements are followed. Ensures all patrons follow site rules and procedures.
Inspects and verifies through physical observation the material requested to be disposed or recycled. Screens loads for prohibited waste. Directs patrons to appropriate location to unload and redirects if materials in the load need to be separated before unloading.
Assists Equipment Operator III & IV with using the loader for grinding and mulching yard waste accepted at the Piney Church Mulch Facility.
Documents and records fuel usage, equipment hours, manifest, and tank readings in a clear, concise, and timely manner.
Assists in transporting and hauling collected materials for various weekend or special events such as household hazardous waste collection, Potomac River cleanup, community cleanups, and Charles County fair.
Recognizes and reports safety and recycling compliance concerns to coworkers and supervisory staff.
Participates in emergency response plans as assigned. Responds to emergencies for road conditions, weather events, and debris management to include the removal, staging, reduction, recycling, processing, and disposal of debris caused by a major debris-generating event.
Directs all incoming traffic to the correct disposal area based on vehicle type and material being disposed of or recycled.
Collects Tag-a-Bag coupons when required for disposal.
Assists customers by physically unloading and processing the customer’s recycling and waste disposal in accordance with all safety and County regulations.
Performs routine cleanup work, as well as general, custodial, and ground maintenance at County convenience centers, citizen disposal area, landfill, and other remote sites. Work may include, but is not limited to, picking up debris, cutting grass, raking leaves, shoveling snow, or cleaning solid waste vehicles.
Documents patronage through completion of daily logs.
Secures all buildings and areas at closing.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED). One (1) year of progressively responsible experience in operating light to medium duty vehicles and equipment, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Licenses or Certifications:

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination conducted by a licensed medical examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry is required.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

Weekend work is required.

Subject to call back in emergencies.

May serve in on-call duty on a rotational basis.

Work is subject to frequent interruptions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of codes, standards, regulations, and practices related to recycling.
Knowledge of the design, use, maintenance, and repair of equipment, tools, and materials used in the work.

Knowledge of traffic laws, rules, and regulations and safe driving practices.

Knowledge of County and recycling policies and procedures, standard operational practices, and safety regulations.
Knowledge of customer service and quality standards.
Knowledge of basic office procedures, computers, and iPads.
Ability to understand and follow through on verbal instructions.
Ability to make precisely coordinated movements and grasp or assemble small objects.

Ability to perform site maintenance work.

Ability to successfully communicate, both orally and in writing.
Ability to actively listen to customers, coworkers, and supervisors.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Skill to safely operate vehicles, equipment, tools, and personal protective equipment.
Skill to prepare accurate records and reports.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is regularly active with periods of heavy exertion. The position requires employees to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 100 pounds; climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding; bend, kneel, crouch, and crawl; reach, hold, grasp, and turn objects; feel the size, shape, and temperature of items; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak normally, to use normal or aided vision and hearing, and to detect odors.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Principal duties of this job are performed in a field setting with some work performed outside.

Employee may be exposed to environmental conditions and hazards such as dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes, vehicle and equipment traffic, and refuse.

Employee works in a team environment and must be willing to accept additional duties.

Department/Division: Public Works Facilities/Environmental Resources

Pay Grade: 106

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Telework Eligible: No

Reports To: Recycling Operations Supervisor. May temporarily report to other supervisory personnel.

Supervises: None

Charles County Government
BENEFITS SUMMARY
www.GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/CharlesCountyMD

Health Insurance
Charles County Government PAYS 70% of cost: Blue Choice Advantage and HMO Open Access plans, including prescription and vision coverage. CareFirst and Delta for dental coverage.

Flexible Spending Account
Provides medical and dependent care options.

Supplemental Income Products
Accident Policy, Critical Illness Policy, and Hospital Indemnity Policy.

Long Term Disability Insurance
No charge to employee. The benefit pays 60% of salary at date of disability, up to $5,000/month.

Life Insurance
No charge to employees (valued at 1.5x the annual salary, not to exceed $250,000). Supplemental insurance and dependent life insurance are available for an additional cost. Term and whole life policies available.

Pension Plan (Defined Benefit Retirement Plan) 401(a) Plan — Must work minimum 37.5 hrs/week. Participation is mandatory.

Deferred Compensation Plan
457(b) Governmental Plan — Available to all employees, regardless of hours worked.

Employee Leave

Charles County Government full-time employees earn annual, sick, and paid time off (PTO).
The County currently recognizes 20 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
Away from work programs like paid parental leave and FMLA are available to employees.

Transfer of Sick Leave
New hires may be eligible to receive credit for up to 400 hours of sick leave from their previous employer when they begin employment.

Work Schedules

Most work weeks are 37.5 hrs, and some positions may offer the opportunity for flexible work schedules or allow telework.

Additional Fringe Benefits

Tuition Reimbursement for full-time employees upon completion of probation period
Discounted, Onsite Childcare at a County Government facility.
House Keys 4 Employee Program offers assistance to full-time employees who are first-time homebuyers.
Free, Employee Wellness Programs
Legal Resources (prepaid benefit)
Pet Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (free, short-term counseling)

Benefits eligibility is for employees who work 30 hours or more per week unless otherwise noted. Effective: March 1, 2026