Solid Waste Equipment Operator I

General Definition/Conditions of Work:

This position operates variety of grounds maintenance construction equipment and solid waste vehicles in support of solid waste collections for the City. Operates variety of solid waste collection trucks, mechanisms for loading, compressing, and dumping refuse. The employee performs difficult semiskilled work driving solid waste equipment or related equipment, loading and unloading collected materials, and performs other work as required. Employees in this position perform the skilled operation of moderately complex specialized maintenance and construction automotive equipment. Work is performed with considerable independence, but subject to a supervisor's review for quality, quantity, safety in operation, and care of equipment.

This is moderate work (20-40 pounds) requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, and lifting. Work also requires responsibility for safe and efficient operation of assigned equipment; position involves moderate manual work in collecting and loading materials; position requires manipulative skill and dexterity in the operations of heavy/complex equipment, specialized equipment. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities. The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, hazards and atmospheric conditions.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

• Operates front loading, rear loading, roll-off, and related solid waste collection vehicles and equipment;
• Operates knuckle boom loaders in support of brush and bulk wood collection and transports, loads, and unloads trailers utilizing tow vehicles;
• Operates vacuum trucks in support of grass and leaf collection;
• Operates construction equipment with various attachments in accomplishing site clearing, excavation, earth moving, spreading and compacting utilizing loaders, scrapers, compactors, dozers, etc. in support of landfill maintenance;
• Picks up and empties garbage cans/refuse carts;
• Performs operational and fluid checks on equipment;
• Washes, cleans, and maintains equipment;
• Transports garbage and refuse to disposal areas;
• Maintains daily log of collection activity;
• Perform pickup and delivery of commercial and residential containers of new and terminated customers;
• Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit the duties of the position to the examples contained herein nd it is expressly understood that the duties of this position may include other related duties not described herein.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions;
• Considerable knowledge of standard safety practices governing the operation of vehicles;
• Considerable knowledge of relevant traffic laws and other regulations governing automotive equipment operation;
• Ability to safely lift, carry, move, etc. reasonably heavy loads, equipment, and other materials;
• Ability to properly use, operate, and maintain tools, equipment, and materials;
• Ability to perform routine maintenance and minor repairs to equipment;
• Basic knowledge and/or experience in the use of general hand tools;
• Ability to learn the city limits, including location and layout of streets and alleyways;
• Ability to learn radio/telephone communication procedures and techniques;
• Ability to develop skills in the operation of wheel and t acked loaders, forklifts, tractors, large vehicles, etc.;
• Ability to operate equipment safely in congested areas, around large trucks, cars, trailers and people while dumping, collecting or disposing of waste;
• Ability to tolerate exposure to trash/refuse, dust, noise, fumes, odors, vibrations, glare, sparks, machinery noise, and inclement weather.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent A minimum of one (1) year experience in vehicle and light construction equipment operation

Licenses/Certificates or Other Requirements:

• Valid Driver's License. Class B Commercial Driver's License or the ability to obtain said license within six months of the date of employment.
• The City will provide the required training to obtain a commercial driver's license.
• Recent experience driving solid waste collection vehicles is desirable.
• Pre-employment DOT physical, drug screening, and background check required.