Commissioners approve three permanent landfill operator positions after staffing debate

Sandoval County commissioners voted April 22 to create three permanent non-CDL heavy equipment operator positions for the county landfill after an extended discussion about staffing levels, safety training and operational schedules.

County Manager Johnson and landfill leadership presented the request, saying the new positions — proposed for the landfill enterprise fund — would replace temporary roles and help restore capacity at convenience centers by reducing reliance on CDL operators who currently perform both landfill and collection duties. The deputy director told commissioners the facility currently has 11 heavy equipment operators with one vacancy and estimated a sustained need for about 12 operators to run daily operations Monday through Saturday.

"My request for three is minimum for now," the deputy director said, describing problems when multiple staff members call in and the resulting need to close portions of the transfer station on some days.

Commissioners pressed on multiple operational points: whether the three roles would come from internal applicants or new hires, the planned timeline for hiring, enterprise-fund implications, and safety training before operators are assigned to complex equipment such as compactors and bulldozers. Commissioner Brook asked whether employees transitioning into operator roles would receive additional equipment-specific safety training; the deputy director described a mix of county orientation, site-specific training and supervision by foremen and the vehicle maintenance manager.

Commissioner Jones asked whether the enterprise fund could sustain a larger staff increase; county staff said the fund at current rates likely could not support double-digit additions without a rate study, and that a rate schedule study is underway to determine longer-term affordability. Commissioners also discussed schedule alternatives (4x10, 9/80) and how those would affect staffing requirements and coverage.

After discussion, the commission approved the motion to create the three permanent non-CDL heavy equipment operator positions. Deputy clerk roll-call recorded affirmative votes by Commissioners Bridal, Jones, Chair Juarez and the vice chair.

What happens next: county staff said the positions are already posted in a temporary category and that HR interviews of internal candidates could proceed quickly; the manager and landfill leadership expect some candidates to be ready to operate equipment after a short, experience-dependent training period. A consultant review of staffing models and schedules will continue to inform longer-term hiring and possible rate adjustments.