How to hire a transfer station operator

How to hire a transfer station operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step transfer station operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a transfer station operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new transfer station operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The transfer station operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A transfer station operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, transfer station operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of transfer station operator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Transfer Station Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Transfer Station Operator		$12-26
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • End Loaders
   • Equipment Maintenance
   • Landfill
   • Hazardous Materials
   • Roll-Off Truck
   • DOT

   Responsibilities:

   • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
   • Review, complete and file necessary documents to reserve training locations and ammunition requests.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your transfer station operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A transfer station operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, transfer station operators' average salary in alabama is 34% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level transfer station operators earn 53% less than senior-level transfer station operators.
   • Certifications. A transfer station operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a transfer station operator's salary.

   Average transfer station operator salary

   $38,127yearly

   $18.33 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level transfer station operator salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

4. Writing a transfer station operator job description

   A good transfer station operator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a transfer station operator job description:

   Transfer station operator job description example

   Safely operate tractor-trailer truck on assigned route to service customers in a safe and efficient manner. Deliver collected solid waste to transfer station or landfill.
   Essential Functions:
   
   * Operate tractor-trailer truck and on-board hydraulic systems on assigned route to collect solid waste and/or recyclables on a specified collection route.
   * Make sure each load is secure by checking that tarp is closed properly and that no loose trash is visible.
   * Ensure all trash is emptied out of the trailer when dumping a load.
   * Provide CSR with each trailer number after the load is dumped and net weight.
   * Complete pre-trip and post-trip safety lane inspections and reports, daily truck report, route sheets and other documentation requested by supervisor daily.
   * Communicate vehicle mechanical problems to mechanic and supervisor immediately.
   * Maintain route quality standards as predetermined by management.
   * Operate truck and equipment using prescribed techniques to eliminate driver-induced mechanical failures.
   * Follow all safety standards, equipment checks and precautions in performance of all duties. Comply with all federal, state, local and company rules on safety and vehicle operation.
   * Maintain clean vehicle by cleaning cab interior and exterior of vehicle.
   
   Job Requirements:
   
   Education, Training, Experience and Licensing/Certification Requirements:
   
   * High school diploma or general education degree (GED) desired.
   * Possess valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
   * One (1) year of satisfactory driving experience of Class A vehicles preferred.
   * Satisfactory driving record.
   * Must pass a DOT physical, drug screen and background check.
   * Must pass written and road test evaluation.
   
   Physical/Mental Demands:
   
   * Ability to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, climb, balance, taste, and smell.
   * Visual requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus due to the constant maneuvering of vehicle in tight and high traffic areas.
   * Ability to regularly lift/move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift/move up to 50 pounds manually.
   * Sitting is required 75% of the time due to the primary function of driving.
   * Ability to work in usually loud conditions
   
   GFL Environmental, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will make reasonable accommodations to enable employees to perform their jobs.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right transfer station operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your transfer station operator job on Zippia to find and recruit transfer station operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting transfer station operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new transfer station operator

   Once you've selected the best transfer station operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new transfer station operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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