Landfill Gas Operator I

This position is responsible for performing extensive and complex work with landfill gas extraction systems. This position operates, monitors, and maintains the landfill gas collection system at Cedar Hills Regional landfill and monitors and maintains landfill gas collection systems at closed landfills. The Landfill Gas Operator I position requires knowledge of active landfill operations, landfill gas extraction systems, environmental control systems, regulatory guidelines for landfill, applied engineering principles, physics and chemistry.

NOTE:  There are three (3) Career Service (Regular) positions to be filled.

WHO MAY APPLY:  This position is open to all qualified applicants. There are three (3) Career Service positions to be filled.  This recruitment may be used to create a list of competitive candidates to fill similar vacancies that may occur.  King County and the Solid Waste Division values diverse perspectives and life experience and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, people with disabilities, and veterans.

FORMS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED:  Applicants must submit: (1) King County Application form and (2) Supplemental Questions detailing your background experience in monitoring a landfill gas treatment system.  Applications that are incomplete may not be considered.

SELECTION PROCESS:  The applications will be screened for completeness and required qualifications.  Applicants deemed the most competitive will be invited for an interview scheduled on April 25 and April 26.
   
WORK LOCATION:  Primary work location is Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, which is located at 16645 228th Ave SE, Maple Valley, WA  98038 with various locations throughout King County, WA.

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, this position will likely and you must be willing to, work 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.

OPERATIONS SECTION PROFILE:  The Operations section of the Solid Waste Division operates a solid waste transfer and disposal system for residents and businesses in King County (except for Milton, Seattle).  The Operations section is responsible for the transfer facilities, transportation, maintenance shop (maintaining the Division's heavy equipment, vehicles and facilities), landfill operations, landfill gas and wastewater.  Commercial garbage collection companies and self-haulers (business and residential) bring solid waste to the transfer facilities, where it is located into large transfer trailers and hauled to the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill for disposal.  At the landfill, a network of environmental controls ensures the byproducts of the decomposing waste are captured and managed.

WHO TO CONTACT: If you have questions about this position, please contact Jemima McMahon, Human Resource Analyst at (206) 477-4002 or via e-mail at jemima.mcmahon@kingcounty.gov.

EXAMPLE OF JOB DUTIES:
• Perform control tests to determine if gas system is operating correctly and effectively, making adjustments to maintain field balance, gas flow, Title V regulation requirements and landfill gas extraction efficiency.
• Operate, service and maintain a variety of plant equipment, including blowers, valves, motors, meters, computerized motor controls, and related plant equipment.
• Perform periodic 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.

REQUIRED SKILLS:
• Minimum two (2) years experience operating blowers, computerized motors, motors, meters, valves and related landfill gas plant equipment.
• Minimum two (2) years experience performing repairs on landfill gas related equipment.
• Demonstrated data entry skills experience.
• Knowledge of Washington State and federal regulations concerning landfill gas controls.
• Knowledge of landfill gas control systems.
• Knowledge of basic algebra, physics, and chemistry that is applicable to landfill gas.
• Knowledge of applied engineering principles.
• Knowledge of basic electrical, mechanical and plumbing trades.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
 
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Valid Washington State Driver's License or the ability to travel to other work locations during the course of the work day/shift.
• The candidate must be able to walk long distances and may need to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• The candidate must have the ability to 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.
• This is an outdoor duty assignment; dressing properly for all weather conditions needs to be considered.

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

UNION MEMBERSHIP:  This position is represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 302.