What are your local codes and ordinances that pertain to building construction? Will your local building department/inspector require compaction testing before you footings/foundation is poured? This is important information that you need to know before starting construction.
For a project this size I would highly recommend getting a dirt doc involved, commonly know as a geotechnical engineer. Don't be overwhelmed by that, most dirt docs are a little weird (I guess it comes with the profession :beatsme) but good folks and not that expensive, especially when you compare their fees % wise to the total cost of the project.
The dirt doc will get a sample of the fill material you want to use and run a proctor and shear test on the material. The proctor will tell you the optimum moisture content and the particle make-up of your fill material. This is important as it varies with every soil type. They use this information from the soil test to determine when the material is compacted to the required spec's - 95%,98% or whatever your requirements are. The shear test will tell the dirt doc the angle of repose, which is the angle the material can be placed at and remain stable. This is only an issue if you are filling on or creating a steep slope.
The dirt doc can also tell you the height each lift needs to go in. From my experience, most of our soils work best in 8-10" lifts, your soils could be totally different. As you place and compact your lifts, your dirt doc will send a tech out to pop a couple of nuclear density tests and tell you whether or not the material has been compacted to spec. They will perform these tests on each lift after you have compacted it.
Your local building department/inspector will probably require these tests and reports before allowing the foundation to be place. Once again, check with them first.
Compaction -
Compaction can be achieved through various methods. What kind of compaction equipment do you have available? For compacting soil a vibratory sheep's foot roller works very good but in reality a dozer, skid steer, backhoe, etc. can attain this, it's just a matter of time and what you have available. Another method we use with our heavy clay soils is a loaded tandem dump. I have compacted many a lifts and achieved specs with a loaded tandem or tri-axle. Alot of times a loaded tandem is spec'd to check sub-grade before base can be laid on streets and roads in my area.
It's very important to use fill material free of topsoil, roots, vegetation, large rocks, debris, etc. This will keep the lifts uniform and make a stronger foundation.
Good luck with your project!