SOLID WASTE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I

Basic Function:

Under the direction of the Solid Waste Manager, drives a City truck and operates mechanical loaders to pick up, transport and dispose of solid waste and recyclables, loads and unloads trucks, bins, bags and other containers and materials.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The Solid Waste Equipment Operator I classification is the entry level position in the series and drives a City truck and operates mechanical loaders to pick up, transport and dispose of solid waste and recyclables. Incumbents work under close supervision while learning job tasks. The Solid Waste Equipment Operator II is the journey-level class in the series, performs a broad range of duties with minimal instruction or assistance, and performs the more complex technical duties associated with solid waste collection.

Essential Duties:

Drive a City truck along designated routes to pick up, transport and dispose of solid waste and recyclables; observe legal and defensive driving practices; assure compliance with applicable traffic laws, codes and regulations.

Operate mechanical loaders to lift and empty waste and recyclable containers, load and unload trucks, bins, bags and other containers and materials by hand as necessary.

Conduct required daily inspections of City trucks; check and maintain fluid levels; service trucks with fuel, oil, water and other fluids; perform minor maintenance and repairs as needed; refer major repair needs to appropriate personnel.

Participate in pick-up and transportation activities to dispose of special waste such as compost, oil, large appliances and trees as requested; notify residents of improper waste disposal requests as necessary.

Maintain trucks in a clean and safe operating condition; wash, sweep and clean trucks utilizing hoses, steam cleaners, shovels and brooms.

Utilize two-way radio for truck to truck and truck to base communication; communicate with City personnel and the public to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns.

Maintain routine records related to daily routes, inspections and assigned activities.

Knowledge of:

• Health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Proper lifting techniques.
• Traffic laws, defensive driving techniques and rules of the road.

Ability to:

• Pick up, transport and dispose of solid waste and recyclables.
• Load and unload trucks, bins, bags and other containers and materials.
• Learn to operate City solid waste trucks and mechanical loaders.
• Learn methods, procedures, equipment and designated routes used in solid waste pick-up, transportation and disposal.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Observe health and safety regulations.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintain routine records related to work performed.
• Perform heavy physical labor.
• Ability to report to work every scheduled workday.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment:

Outdoor work environment.
Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions.
Exposure to fumes, dust, odors and oil/grease.

Physical Demands:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate assigned equipment.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Seeing to operate a vehicle.
Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects as assigned by the position.
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching.
Climbing ladders.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

Hazards:

Traffic hazards.
Driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions.
Working around and with machinery having moving parts.
Working at heights.
Exposure to fumes from solid waste.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and one year of related experience.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Valid California Class B driver's license.

Salary : $58,136 - $61,069