Sanitary Landfill Operator

About

Sanitary landfill operators control processes and equipment to dispose by burial municipal, non-hazardous industrial and construction/demolition wastes in permitted sanitary landfills. They maintain and operate compactors, bulldozers, earth movers, cranes, scales and other equipment necessary for the proper functioning of a sanitary landfill; maintain landfill operation records including, but not limited to, ground water quality monitoring results, leachate control system sample results, tonnages accepted, tonnages diverted to alternate solid waste processes, fees paid and quantities disposed via Special Waste Authorization; collect samples from ground water quality and leachate control system monitoring, inspect incoming loads periodically and randomly, reject improperly transported or otherwise prohibited loads and wastes; and, supervise subordinate persons in all of the above functions.

Code Citation Code of Iowa 455B

Who Applies Any person who is required to be certified in their present position or is wanting to work in a position where certification is required.

When To Apply At least 30 days prior to the preferred test date.

Initial Requirements An applicant must have completed a basic training course approved by the Department of Natural Resources. The required basic training course must be pre-approved and have at least 25 contact hours. At a minimum, the course will address the following: 1) Description of types of wastes 2) Interpreting and using engineering plans 3) Construction surveying techniques 4) Waste decomposition processes 5) Geology and hydrology 6) Landfill design 7) Landfill operation 8) Environmental monitoring 9) Applicable laws and regulations 10) Permitting processes, and 11) Leachate control and treatment. Prior on-the-job experience is not required. Iowa will consider reciprocity concerning applicants from other states.

Duration Expire on June 30th of every even-numbered year and must be renewed every two years.

Processing Time Up to 30 days from receipt of application.

Fee Structure Application: None Renewal: $24 Exam: $20 Other: There is a $32 (maximum) certificate fee. The certificate fee is prorated twice yearly up to the first renewal period.

Renewal Requirements Ten contact hours of continuing education must be earned during a two-year period for certification renewal. Must be earned between: July 1st and June 30th of two year certification period. (ex. July 1, 2020-June 30, 2022).

Exam A written examination is required. Specific information concerning dates of tests can be obtained by contacting the Land Quality Bureau of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Additional Information None.