Solid Waste Operations Specialist (SWOS) OR SWOS Sr.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

THIS ROLE MAY BE FILLED AT THE SWOS OR SWOS SR. LEVEL DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

SALARY RANGES
SWOS: Grade 117 $ 4,399.36 - $5,916.00 /mo.
SWOS Sr.: Grade 119 $4,793.40 - $6,448.36 /mo.

Under general supervision, directs the off-loading of waste from both public and commercial vehicles, visually screening waste for unacceptable materials. Loads waste into truck trailers for shipment. Ensures safety by properly operating facility equipment, provides cashier and customer services at Solid Waste transfer centers, and answers questions from the public about County services. Assist the Hazardous Waste coordinator in processing moderate risk waste. Assist the Waste Reduction and Recycling Coordinator with other assignments.

The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position.

• Operates a variety of equipment to weigh, handle and collect fees from refuse customers. Assures equipment is maintained and reports problems immediately. Monitors the Transfer Station and enforces compliance with County standards and safety regulations within scope of authority.
• Assists with basic duties associated with scale house duties, tipping floor, Hazardous Waste and Waste Reduction/Recycling programs. Including monitoring the recycling and yard waste areas and assisting with Hazo-Hut duties. Process refrigerated appliances and prepare for transport to recycling outlet. Taking immediate and appropriate action to control hazardous substances. Keeping work area clean and safe as well as the facility and the completion of equipment maintenance as needed.
• Separates and screens all loads for salvageable materials and hazardous waste; secure trailer loads within legal limits in preparation for transport. Continually screens all refuse and recyclables to identify and remove unacceptable or hazardous waste.
• Greets customers and provides customer service to answer questions and assists customers as needed. Directs customers to the designated areas for the type of material being disposed. Responding with correct information, about proper preparation and disposal of solid wastes, recycling and hazardous wastes to the general public.
• Calculates and collects disposal fees, issue receipts and provide correct change; balances and reconciles cash sales to monies collected each day; prepares bank deposits and revenue reports.
• Assists with the training and cross-training of staff. Be able to complete inmate manipulation training and supervise inmates on work details.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in a Solid Waste Transfer station environment; and periodically off-site with exposure to inclement weather, tools and heavy equipment. Position requires strength sufficient to occasionally lift objects that may be over 50 pounds, physically mobile to get around the Hazo Hut, tipping floor, facility grounds and offices; scale ladders, climb onto equipment, tarping and un-tarping loads, move about in tight areas and be on your feet for long periods. Due to high volumes and high traffic areas, employees must take extra precautions when operating heavy equipment in close proximity of the public.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

SWOS: High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND two (2) years’ paid work experience operating a hydraulic excavator, backhoe, and forklift, including one (1) years’ work experience handling cash, making change and preparing deposits; must pass a thorough background investigation. Complete all Lewis County employees’ training within six (6) months of employment.
Must be able to obtain 24-hour HAZWOPER certification within one year of employment and maintain 8- hour refresher, obtain a forklift certification within one (1) year of employment, Obtain HVAC certification within one (1) year of employment. First Aid Certification within six months of employment, and Flaggers Certification within six months of employment. A valid WA class B CDL is required. Additional specific technical training and certifications may be required.

SWOS Sr.:
High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND four (4) years’ paid work experience operating a hydraulic excavator, backhoe, and forklift, including two (2) years’ work experience handling cash, making change and preparing deposits; and two (2) years’ experience with tractor-trailer combinations; AND two (2) years’ experience with HVAC extraction equipment: And two (2) years of Moderate Risk Waste handling experience. Must be able to pass a thorough background investigation.
Must be able to obtain 40-hour HAZWOPER certification within one year of employment and maintain 8- hour refresher, obtain a forklift certification within six months of employment, First Aid Certification within six months of employment, and Flaggers Certification within six months of employment. Attend Stormwater workshop and attend the Lewis County Leadership Academy.
A valid WA Class A CDL is required. Additional specific technical training and certifications may be required.

COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors)

Knowledge of:

• Current State, Federal and local regulations governing solid waste handling and disposal practices.
• Solid waste disposal principles, methods, techniques, moderate risk waste and recycling programs.
• Obtain 24-hour HAZWOPER certification and maintain an 8-hour refresher course each year.
• Certification of forklift operation within one (1) year of employment.
• Certification of HVAC extraction within one (1) year of employment.
• Cash handling and computer skills sufficient to learn the Scale Attendant position including: entering inbound and outbound vehicle weights, collecting fees, cash handling, adding extra materials and completing daily deposit and receipts.
• General knowledge of safety precautions associated with solid and hazardous waste management.
• Methods for providing waste reduction, recycling, and hazardous waste information to the public.
• Operation, maintenance and capabilities of heavy power-driven equipment.
• Federal and state safety laws and regulations.
• Customer service principles and practices.
• Basic knowledge of Blood Borne Pathogens.

Skills in:

• Operating a calculator and cash register, counting money and making correct change.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Taking immediate and appropriate action to control hazardous substances.
• Operating and performing light maintenance on all equipment associated with the Divisions operations.
• Coordinating tasks with other departmental and divisional staff.
• Interacting with people of all social, economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Dealing constructively and courteously with the Department, Lewis County and general public.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Directing vehicles to appropriate lanes for unloading refuse.

Ability to:

• Learn and follow County policies and procedures.

Behaviors:

• Regular, reliable attendance with minimal unplanned absences.
• A willingness to embrace change and grow personally, professionally, and as an organization.
• Earn trust and respect through clear communication, follow-through, taking ownership and maintaining confidentiality while providing professional services.
• Accept personal responsibility for work, actions, and words.
• Commit to the delivery of public services that will benefit the community and contribute to the well being and quality of life for the citizens of Lewis County.
• Build constructive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

Lewis County is an equal opportunity employer that provides access, free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by law in employment or provisions of services.

Health Insurance: We offer comprehensive medical coverage-including vision-along with dental and basic life insurance for employees and their families. Multiple medical plan options are available, so you can choose the coverage that best fits your needs.

Retirement Plans: Secure your future with enrollment in one of Washington State's Department of Retirement Systems programs: PERS, PSERS, or LEOFF. Both you and the County contribute to your retirement, ensuring long-term financial stability.

Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.

Longevity: We recognize and reward your dedication with additional monthly compensation for continuous service milestones.

Deferred Compensation: Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Please visit our Employee Benefits webpage for details: 2026 Benefits

Accommodations for All Applicants: If you need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to help! Contact our Human Resources Department at (360) 740-2737 or HR@lewiscountywa.gov .

Closing Date/Time: 8/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Lewis County, WA

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