Job Summary: The primary duty of the MEO II is to perform work for three different areas (Recycling, Solid Waste, and Public Landings). Position is responsible for a wide ranges of heavy equipment operational tasks from moving and hauling recyclables and household trash to repairing piers and bulkheads, cutting grass, and general maintenance at the public landings.

Essential Functions

Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Operates heavy equipment including heavy loader, load-all boom loader, mower tractor, roll-off truck, heavy forklift truck, and compactors to perform duties.
• Position is assigned as essential personnel and works in all weather conditions.
• Performs landscaping duties such as cutting grass, weed control, tree trimming.
• Performs snow plowing duties as assigned.
• Responsible for the collection of recyclables as required.
• Performs maintenance duties for trucks, equipment, mowers, chainsaws, and weed trimmers.
• Hauls materials to landfill and recycling facilities.
• Uses truck scales to weigh inbound and outbound loads.
• Inspects and repairs piers, bulkheads and facilities at Public Landings.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision: The position reports to the Crew Leader. The position does not supervise department staff.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:

• Problem Solving: Anticipates problems; sees how a problem and its solution will affect other areas; gathers information before making decisions; weighs alternatives against objectives and arrives at reasonable decisions.
• Attention to Detail: Is alert in a high-risk environment; follows detailed procedures and ensures accuracy; carefully monitors gauges, instruments or processes; concentrates on routine work details. Recognizes and accurately evaluates the signs of a problem; analyzes current procedures for possible improvements; notifies supervisor of problems in a timely manner.
• Flexibility: Adapts well to changing priorities, deadlines and directions; works to eliminate all processes which do not add value; is willing to take action, even under pressure, criticism or tight deadlines; takes informed risks.
• Organization: Able to manage multiple projects; able to determine project urgency in a practical way.
• Responsiveness: Responds to requests for service in a timely and thorough manner; does what is necessary to ensure customer satisfaction; prioritizes customer needs.
• Communication: Ability to communicate with people in a calm and clear manner.
• Mechanical Skill: Ability to work with a variety of mechanical issues and operate equipment safely.

Education and Experience:

• High School GED required, and six months to one year experience in similar field required.
• Six months to one year experience in recycling and waste management, construction, landscaping or related field preferred.
• Six months to one year experience operating heavy machinery.
• Or equivalent technical training, education or experience.
• Mechanical and vehicle maintenance skills required.
• Valid Maryland CDL License and an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Forklift certification preferred.
• Certification in flagging preferred.
• Experience operating a snow plow and other heavy construction related equipment required.
• Microsoft Word and Excel skills preferred for light clerical duties.
• Truck scale program experience preferred.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Work is conducted in a variety of outdoor settings that can expose the employee to occasional discomforts from exposure to less than optimal temperature and air conditions. The position routinely requires lifting of heavy items, such as equipment, boxes (up to 80 pounds) and/or very long periods of walking on a routine basis, and/or standing for long periods of time and/or frequently requires stooping and bending.

There are routine discomforts from exposure to moderate heat, cold, moisture/wetness and unpleasant air conditions. Work requires special safety precautions, e.g. working around moving parts, carts, or machines; working with irritant chemicals, etc. The position may involve exposure to soiled materials and light chemical substances such as cleaning solutions; work may require employees to use protective clothing or gear such as masks, gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, or shields; may require working in adverse weather conditions.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of outdoor work.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Kent County Government provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.