Foreman - Sanitation

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

This is supervisory, administrative, and technical work in providing assistance to the Director of Sanitation. Work involves supervising, planning, scheduling, and coordinating personnel engaged in collection of solid waste, garbage, trash and bulk waste. Additional tasks include supervising and overseeing landscaping and operating machinery, equipment, and commercial vehicles.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

· Plans, coordinates and supervises crews engaged in collection of solid waste on a daily basis.

· Performs and monitors training for new employees on specific equipment. Also, ensures all equipment is properly maintained and cleaned.

· Assists in resolving complaints and questions from the general public regarding solid waste collection and ordinances.

· Assists with interviews and selects employees, conducts performance evaluations, recommends employee promotions and terminations, documents employee deficiencies, conducts disciplinary procedures, make referrals for employee assistance; attends departmental hearings and formal hearings; investigates personal and vehicle accidents.

· Correspond and collaborate with other foremen regarding day-to-day operations.

· Correspond and report to direct supervisors and those in authority.

· Maintains surveillance over city wide routes, i.e., dumpsters in order to ensure compliance with City solid waste collection and disposal ordinances and guidelines.

· Coordinates work with other departments and outside entities' special projects; coordinates equipment and personnel; issues requests to other departments for needed service such as assisting with street sweeping operations; coordinates the City's response for solid waste collection to other areas in the event of natural disasters.

· Conducts weekly crew meeting.

· Transports city personnel for drug screenings.

· Secures equipment and buildings within Public Works Services Sanitation Complex.

· Assess situations, develop and implement plans that can be carried out effectively and efficiently.

· Correspond, supervise, and lead a diverse group of individuals with various backgrounds, beliefs, cultures, ethnicities, religion, skill sets, educational status, etc.

· Must be knowledgeable about various forms of waste and waste management

· Must be proficient in operating tractors with bush hogs, sidearm tractors, knuckle boom trucks, frontend loaders, backhoe and zero turn mowers

· Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Microsoft Excel and Word, and ability to learn new technology systems very quickly and efficiently.

· Thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, laws, ordinances, guidelines and regulations, which govern the Sanitation and Environmental Services Department.

· Thorough knowledge of contemporary methods, techniques and processes involved in solid waste collection and solid waste disposal.

· Thorough knowledge of uses and care of equipment (garbage trucks, commercial front end loaders, tractors, and zero turn mowers, etc.) and tools used in Sanitation and Environmental Services Department.

· Reroute equipment and crews and assist in collection routes with equipment failures.

· Operate equipment and commercial vehicles as needed

· Experience relating to waste management is required

· Experience relating to agricultural equipment is required

· Must be able to work alone with a team

· Work alternating shifts, hours and days including nights.

· Must have the ability to work in all weather conditions.

· Handle multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions.

· Must be able to examine and adapt to unforeseen issues as they arise

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 is preferred but not required.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License. Class A or 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.

The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific job duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment contract and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.

Regular and consistent attendance is a condition of continuing employment.

The City of Starkville, is an EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION employer. Candidates are considered for employment with the City, without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

A drug screen is required for this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.23 - $22.66 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $23