Solid Waste Collector

This is a heavy manual position in the collection and disposal of solid waste. Employees in this classification perform routine, repetitive work as members of a crew collecting various types of solid waste and depositing it into a solid waste collection vehicle. Work requires considerable physical exertion, daily contact with unpleasant materials, and outside work regardless of the weather. Work is performed under the supervision of the vehicle driver in charge of the crew.

• Handles, carries, and empties receptacles containing solid waste.  
• Handles and carries yard trash such as tree limbs and other un-containerized solid waste items.  
• Deposits waste into the collection vehicle and returns cans or other receptacles to the pickup point with their lids intact. 
• Operates the compaction mechanism on the vehicle.
• Rides on an external platform on the collection vehicle between collection stops.
• Provides direction to the collection vehicle driver as necessary to provide safe backing of the vehicle.
• Reports all leaks (i.e., Hydraulic oil, water, etc.) and/or mechanical problems to the driver immediately.
• Identifies biohazardous waste, medical waste, and all other hazardous waste/materials, such as asbestos, batteries, acids, gas, flammable chemicals/materials, etc., to the driver/supervisor.
• Performs maintenance work on the division premises when not assigned to a collection vehicle.
• May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements. 
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.  
• Position is designated as Mission Critical.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• May clean collection vehicles and help in the container maintenance shop.
• May be assigned to remove and dispose of deceased animals.
• Provides training assistance to new and/or temporary employees and route directions to replacement drivers.
• May be required to help/assist other City divisions or departments under special circumstances.
• May be required to operate light-duty vehicles with a valid driver's license.

• Completion of eighth grade from accredited school.
• Three months of experience in heavy manual work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A valid driver's license is preferred.
• After six months of employment as a Solid Waste Collector with a valid driver’s license and a CDL training permit, the employee can begin training to obtain a CDL license through the Solid Waste CDL training program.
• Must possess and maintain a valid telephone number.

ABILITIES

• Ability to work consistently with unpleasant waste materials.
• Ability to perform manual work requiring physical strength for lengthy periods.
• Ability to perform duties in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to work effectively, safely, and harmoniously with other crew members.
• Ability to handle privately owned cans, containers, and lids without incurring damage.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to use a map to locate addresses.
   

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The job requires heavy physical work that involves constantly lifting, pushing, or raising objects, exerting 35 to 50 pounds regularly, and exerting 100 pounds of force frequently.
• This job risks routine and frequent exposure to significant environmental hazards, including bright/dim light, dust and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, animals/wildlife, vibration, disease/pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, and moving machinery.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as needed.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination).  Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone.  Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders.  Test times and locations to be announced.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.

Salary : $16 - $23