Solid Waste Assistant Job at Southeastern Public Service Authority in Suffolk

Salary: $17.00 - $20.20 Hourly
Location : Suffolk, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: SWA Landfill
Department: Landfill/Solid Waste
Division: Landfill Operations
Opening Date: 10/20/2025

Description
The Solid Waste Assistant supports the Landfill Facility. Responsible for cleaning and maintaining the grounds in all weather conditions and around continuous dust and odor from trash.

Work involves routine and non-routine manual work, often of a repetitive nature and requiring the use of manual and power tools and equipment. Work is performed under regular supervision who may not be always physically present.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The approximate amount of time spent on essential duties & responsibilities areas are as follows:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

% of Time

• Keeps watch at facility for delivery of unacceptable waste, potential hazardous and fire watch.

20%

• Performs grounds and facilities cleaning and maintenance.

70%

• Training on and operating light and heavy equipment

10%

• Supports the operations of the Landfill Facility.
• Ability to spot and make determination of possible hazardous or other non-acceptable waste and advise supervisor of potential hazard immediately.
• Responsible for fire watch at all times, especially when waste has not been cleaned from the floor.
• Performs routine light or heavy manual labor, primarily requiring physical exertion and operation of manual and power tools and equipment as assigned.
• Removes snow from roads and spreads sand on icy surfaces.
• Cleans gutters, culverts, catch basins, and other drainage structures. Digs and back-fills ditches. Performs custodial cleaning and general grounds maintenance.
• Responsible for cleaning and maintaining the grounds in all weather conditions and around continuous dust and odor from trash.
• Cleans and maintains worksite facility and equipment, including debris removal in a timely manner.
• Safely operates power tools, hand tools, and light/heavy industrial equipment. Performs preventive maintenance on tools and equipment as assigned.
• Performs work assignments in a dependable, safe, timely, and efficient manner.
• Provides a positive example and accurate training for temporary and/or subordinate employees working in the department.
• Performs required pre-check and operates assigned light and heavy equipment. Trains on more complex pieces of heavy equipment.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Experience & Education

• Required Education - High school diploma or the equivalent required.
• Required Experience - One year of manual labor experience, six months of which must have been in a heavy industrial environment. Some heavy equipment experience preferred.
• Required Licenses - Valid driver's license and safe driving record required to operate SPSA owned or leased vehicles.

An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Knowledge & Skills

• Utilize interpersonal relations skills to work effectively with customers, employees, and the general public.
• Recognize and identify various waste types.
• Knowledge of traffic and safety rules and accident prevention.
• Inform customers of disposal policies and procedures in a clear, concise, and courteous manner.
• Some knowledge of heavy equipment, components, and operating techniques.
• Some mechanical knowledge.
• General knowledge of hand tools and standard practices of labor operation.
• Skill in the safe and efficient operation of assigned equipment under adverse conditions.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions given in English.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Work independently and follow supervisor instructions in a reliable manner.
• Ability to work unsupervised for periods of time.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions
This position will work outdoors at SPSA Transfer Stations or the Landfill facility in all weather conditions, including adverse climatic conditions (i.e., dust, odor, hot, cold, rain, snow). Subjected to work in cold weather, hot sun, extreme heat and around continuous noise, dust, and odor from trash. Requires wearing appropriate personal safety gear. Must be available for shift work at some locations.
Machines, Tools & Equipment
This position will be required to regularly use manual/power tools, light/heavy industrial equipment, forklift and pallet jack in a safe and effective manner.
Physical & Mental Requirements
This position requires the ability to:

• Walk and observe for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity to open and close trailer doors.
• Spot and make determination of possible hazardous or other non-acceptable waste.
• Walk and stoop to pick up items.
• Manual dexterity and ability to sweep, rake, and operate power tools.
• Occasionally requires physical ability to move up to 75-pound grate covers to clean out drains.
• Remove snow from roads and clean gutters, culverts, and drainage areas.
• Operate light and heavy industrial equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Operate machinery in close working conditions requiring manual dexterity and good eye/hand coordination.
• Perform maintenance checks and minor maintenance on equipment.
• Follow standardized operating procedures and guidelines.
• Read, write, and comprehend general instructions, safety procedures, and reports.
• Communicate verbally and in writing to relay information.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions given in English.
• Perform work in physically demanding environments, working in outdoor conditions year-round.
• Shift focus as needed to be responsive to tasks or requests requiring immediate attention or prioritization.
• Climb, crouch, stoop, handle repetitive motion, walk, be focused, aware, and communicate.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines, as needed.

SPSA offers a competitive benefits package to all full-time employees.

• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) - SPSA and employee contributions
• Short and Long Term Disability Coverage (VRS)
• Health Insurance (Includes Dental, Vision and Behavioral Health Coverage)
• Basic Life Insurance (SPSA paid)
• Delta Dental Insurance
• Aflac Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional Life Insurance available for Employee and Dependents
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Uniforms provided
• Safety shoes and PPE provided