REFUSE COLLECTOR

JOB SUMMARY

The Refuse Collector performs manual work of a routine nature that involves heavy physical labor as a member of a sanitation crew.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Maneuvers and positions garbage carts; loads refuse, yard waste, and approved bulk or special materials into sanitation trucks using manual methods or mechanized equipment; cleans debris from collection sites; and completes assigned routes in accordance with daily schedules and safety procedures;
• Rides on or assists the sanitation truck during assigned routes; supports the driver with navigation, safe operations, and efficient route completion; and responds courteously to basic customer questions related to collection services when encountered;
• Operates non-CDL equipment, including boom or mechanized collection attachments, as assigned, and assists with special refuse, appliance, or oil collection activities as directed by supervision;
• Cleans sanitation trucks and related equipment as instructed to maintain operational readiness and safety;
• Provides refuse collection support at City facilities, parks, and community events, and assists with event setup, cleanup, or related services as needed;
• Assists the Maintenance Department, Keeping Douglasville Beautiful, or other City divisions with labor support tasks as assigned;
• May provide guidance or on-the-job instruction to new or less experienced employees related to assigned equipment or route procedures, when directed;
• May be required to work after hours, weekends, or special events based on operational needs;
• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

High School Diploma or equivalent; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATION, LICENSE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires a Valid State of Georgia Driver’s License.
• Must be willing to obtain Flaggers License Within six (6) months of hire.
• Must be willing to obtain CPR certification within three (3) months of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of City and departmental policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety rules, and regulations;
• Knowledge of refuse collection procedures and applicable codes pertaining to refuse collection;
• Skilled in performing general equipment maintenance duties;
• Ability to interpret instructions and efficiently carry them out with minimal supervision;
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor;
• Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with residential customers and the general public;
• Ability to follow necessary safety precautions in all areas of assignment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requires the ability to perform heavy physical labor, including prolonged standing and walking; frequent bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, crawling, climbing, pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying. Duties require maintaining balance, reaching, repetitive motion, and frequent use of hands and fingers for grasping, handling, and fine manipulation. The position also requires adequate visual, auditory, and verbal acuity and sustained focus to safely perform field operations, including lifting or moving materials or equipment as required by the duties of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed outdoors in all weather conditions and in environments involving heavy equipment, sanitation vehicles, and moving traffic. The incumbent is routinely exposed to noise, debris, odors, and potentially hazardous materials, and must exercise constant awareness to prevent injury to self, co-workers, and the public.