Solid Waste Truck Operator

The purpose of this classification is to operate trucks and related motorized equipment along an assigned route to collect solid waste.

The following duties are normal for this classification.  The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.   Other duties may be required and assigned.  Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the position.

Operates an automated garbage truck to collect solid waste.

Operates curb sorter recycling truck to collect recyclables.

Operates and maintains equipment of medium size, weight, and difficulty to include sanitation truck and knucklebooms.

Inspects job sites for possible hazards prior to operating equipment.

Operates the automated truck arm to collect garbage carts.

Collects any waste that escapes the cart during collection.

Retrieves garbage carts from homes with disabled service.

Notifies dispatch and/or supervisor of any route issues.

Enters collection data into route management system.

Enters potential code violations into route management system.

Drives truck to landfill and safely ejects load; ensures compliance with landfill regulations.

Performs pre- and post-trip vehicle safety inspections; performs routine maintenance; reports other maintenance needs to supervisor.

Maintains fuel, oil, and other fluid levels.

Greases arm, blade, tailgate, and other moving parts daily.

Picks up, removes, and/or hauls trash, garbage, and other debris.

Maintains cleanliness of truck.

Must be able to safety operate trucks and related equipment during inclement weather and heavy traffic while obeying traffic laws, work safety policies, and city policies and procedures.

Knowledge of solid waste collection principles and practices, equipment operation principles, city and departmental safety policies and procedures, geography of the city to include street names and locations.

Operates a variety of other vehicles and equipment as assigned.

Prepares and/or receives forms, reports, and/or other documents, forwards as appropriate.

Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; responds to requests for service.

Responds to requests for information from officials, employees, the public or other individuals.

Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Department.

Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day-to-day activities.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, and managers.

Performs other related duties as required.

High school diploma or GED preferred; sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Must obtain and maintain an Alabama Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Class B within twelve (12) months of date of hire. This job classification is considered to be safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screens.

The following requirements are normal for this classification.  Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must be able to operate a variety of equipment, machinery, and tools, which may include a sanitation truck, knuckleboom truck, dump truck, two-way radio, mechanics tools. Physical demand requirements for some positions within this classification may at times be at levels of those for heavy work.

DATA COMPREHENSION:  Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include work orders, maps, and operational manuals.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION:  Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating with the general public.

LANGUAGE ABILITY:  May require ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.  Requires the ability to write basic job- related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.  May require ability to speak with others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.

INTELLIGENCE:  Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively basic mechanical and operational principles and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.

VERBAL APTITUDE:  Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE:  Requires the ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, and determine time and weight.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE:  Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job related equipment, which may include standard measuring devices.

MOTOR COORDINATION:  Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using medium to heavy equipment and to operate a motor vehicle.

MANUAL DEXTERITY:  Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, medium to heavy equipment, motor vehicles, control knobs, switches, mechanics tools, etc.  Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities.  Must have average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DIFFERENTIATION:  May require the ability to discern color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT:  Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions.  Must be able to adapt to and perform under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION:  Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.