Foreman - Sanitation

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Sanitation Foreman performs supervisory, administrative, and technical work in the daily direction of municipal solid waste collection operations. This position oversees crews responsible for residential, commercial, bulk waste, and yard debris collection; assigns and monitors routes; supervises equipment operation; and ensures compliance with sanitation regulations and departmental procedures.

Responsibilities include staff supervision, training, operational planning, resource allocation, equipment coordination, and field inspections. The role requires extensive knowledge of solid waste operations, heavy equipment, landfill processes, and municipal Public Works services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Operational Planning & Resource Management

• Plans, schedules, assigns, and supervises daily solid waste collection crews, including Residential, Bulk Trash, Commercial Dumpster, Yard Waste, Street Sweepers, and Recycling operations.
• Assigns equipment, tools, and materials for daily operations; ensures readiness of all heavy equipment.
• Coordinates work with other departments for special events, large-scale cleanups, storm debris response, and citywide initiatives.
• Ensures proper barricading of work sites, requests traffic control, and monitors safety compliance.
• Oversees delivery and removal of solid waste containers to and from residential and commercial customers.
• Performs field inspections, route surveillance, and compliance checks based on sanitation ordinances and departmental standards.

Technical & Equipment Responsibilities

• Operates light, medium, heavy, and specialized equipment, including: garbage trucks, front-end loaders, knuckle boom trucks, tractors with bush hogs, side-arm mowers, backhoes, zero-turn mowers, and CDL vehicles.
• Performs minor repairs and maintenance on assigned equipment and ensures fleet is serviced.
• Transports or schedules transport of equipment to outside vendors for repair.
• Operates a 2-way radio, mobile communications, and sanitation tracking systems.

Supervision & Personnel Management

• Supervises, trains, evaluates, and directs the work of staff within assigned operational areas.
• Participates in selecting employees, conducts evaluations, assist with issuing corrective actions, documents deficiencies, and recommends progression or disciplinary measures.
• Investigates employee accidents, vehicle incidents, and property damage; prepares required reports and assigns post-accident training.
• Conducts weekly crew meetings and Assists in developing and implementing employee safety programs, training modules, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Customer Service & Public Communication

• Responds to and resolves customer complaints related to solid waste collection, missed pickups, cart issues, and ordinance violations.
• May assist in ensuring proper public notification of upcoming work, route delays, or special projects.

Administration & Reporting

• Maintains daily work records and creates oral and written reports regarding work completed, materials used, labor hours, equipment downtime, and route conditions.
• Analyzes operational efficiency, identifies workflow improvements, and develops SOPs to streamline processes.
• Assist in ordering supplies, maintains inventory, and tracks purchases through purchase orders.
• Completes inspections required for regulatory compliance and assists with preparing departmental compliance reports.

Other Duties

• Secures sanitation facilities, yards, and equipment areas.
• Participates in emergency response operations including natural disaster cleanup and storm debris removal.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of

• Procedures, regulations, tools, equipment, and safety hazards specific to solid waste collection and disposal.
• Routing principles, landfill and transfer station operations, and waste-handling best practices.
• Solid waste regulatory requirements at the federal, state, county, and city levels.
• Computer systems and software used for routing, work order management, fleet tracking, and reporting. 

Ability To

• Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities and evaluate staff performance.
• Train staff on safety, equipment use, maintenance, and solid waste collection procedures.
• Communicate effectively with employees, customers, businesses, and the public.
• Operate, inspect, maintain, and perform minor repairs on all assigned sanitation equipment.
• Prepare accurate written reports and maintain detailed records.
• Manage time effectively and perform under pressure while multitasking.
• Work independently and lead crews in the field.
• Operate all city vehicles requiring a CDL. Ability to work independently or as part of a coordinated crew.
• Ability to work alternating shifts, nights, weekends, and extended hours as operational needs dictate.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and tolerate outdoor work environments including heat, cold, noise, dust, and odors.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions while maintaining strong time-management and prioritization skills.
• Ability to respond effectively to unexpected operational or personnel issues.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and maintain accurate operational records.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Considerable experience in Public Works or municipal sanitation operations, including crew supervision and equipment operation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION:

• Coursework in management, public administration, or related fields.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

•  Must possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License. Class B with Airbrake Endorsements. Class A preferred.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

•  Direct deposit and required I-9 documents to prove both identity and work authorization are required.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, bending, climbing stairs, and lifting light objects. Work requires physical dexterity in the frequent use of hand-eye coordination and manipulative skills using fingers, limbs and body in the operation of a computer and other office machines and equipment.