NOTE: The application period has now closed. Only Priority Placement Program participant applications will be added to the candidate pool.

The Operations Section of King County’s Solid Waste Division (SWD) is inviting applications for one (1) Term-limited Temporary or Special Duty Assignment position to fill, which will receive the same medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits as the career service Landfill Gas Operator I (LGO). If you are an independent, responsive problem solver, that is mechanically and computer literate and enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions trekking acres of land this is your ideal job.

What Your Future Can Be Here:

• Partner with supportive supervisor to attain your career path (ex. Landfill Gas Operator II, Operations Supervisor I, Lead/Manager depending on experience, etc.).
• Development and training opportunities online for both technical skills and leadership skills.
• Promotional and growth opportunities within and beyond the division.

About the Role:

LGO perform control tests to determine if gas system is operating correctly and effectively, adjusting to maintain field balance, gas flow, Title V regulation requirements and landfill gas extraction efficiency. They operate, service and maintain a variety of plant equipment, including blowers, valves, motors, meters, computerized motor controls, and related plant equipment. Perform daily testing of landfill gas pressure, temperature, gas flow and gas quality at wellheads and key manifold locations. Inspect landfill gas plant equipment and facilities to locate and perform needed repairs. Prepare daily control data sheet and compile other reports and input data into computer system. Work on gas line improvement projects, test different technologies with consultants and new contractors and pilot technologies with Engineers.

About the Team:

This is a very dynamic working environment that demands high energy and diversified experience with an emphasis on “TEAM”. You’ll join experts committed to excellence, guided by a supportive supervisor to advance your career. You will work primarily on your own in a cohesive and uplifting team to exchange knowledge. Your work will lead to a multitude of skills as learning is on the job in the field. Your efforts will help improve work systems as there is exciting change happening right now!

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 Landfill Gas 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.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Operating blowers, computerized motors, motors, meters, valves, and related landfill gas plant equipment.
• Performing repairs on landfill gas related equipment.
• Observe gas feeds and log into a computer tablet (i.e. iPad).
• Conduct odor checks on landfill and surrounding neighborhood while responding to odor complaints.
• Data entry into systems.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications You Bring:

• Basic electrical, mechanical, and plumbing on small equipment (i.e. blowers, flares, etc.).
• Experience safely operating power and hand tools.
• Basic algebra, physics, and chemistry that is applicable to landfill gas.
• Applied engineering principles.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Basic computer skills, i.e. experience using Human Machine Interface, Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.

Competencies You Bring:

• Action Oriented- Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Communicates Effectively- Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Strategic Mindset- Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.
• Situational Adaptability- Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Self-Development- Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.
• Resourcefulness- Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.

Required Licenses:

It Would Also Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Washington State and federal regulations concerning landfill gas controls.
• Experience working with landfill gas control systems.
• Previous Landfill Gas Operator experience.
• Electrical experience on small devices or equipment.

Working Conditions:

• Work Location: The work associated with this position will be located: Cedar Hills Landfill - 16645 228th Ave SE, Maple Valley
• Work Schedule: This position works a 40-hour workweek, is non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible. Although available work schedules are bid by seniority in accordance with the union collective bargaining agreement, this work unit covers the landfill gas duties on a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week basis. Therefore, you must be willing to work overnight or on either a 4/10 Wednesday through Saturday, 4/10 Sunday through Wednesday shift, with a possibility of a 3/13 shift; hours will vary, position will also be required to work on weekends and holidays.
• Union Representation: This position is represented by International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Local 302.
• Duration: This recruitment aims to fill a Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) position for an anticipated 18 months. If the position is filled by a King County employee who successfully completed their initial probation, they will be offered the role as a Special Duty assignment.
• Physical Requirements and Environment: Walking long distances and may need to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., work outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, inclement weather while on uneven slopes, surfaces, grades and terrain and other adverse conditions such as odor, high volume noise, dust, and heavy traffic.

Application and Selection Process: We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all background to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in a mechanical skill test 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.

Offers of employment will be contingent upon verification of a valid Washington State Driver's License, satisfactory supervisor/peer reference checks, and satisfactory pre-employment physical examination.

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

Discover More About the Solid Waste Division: Visit our website at 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.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

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.