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Solid Waste Operator / Driver

Village of Ruidoso
Ruidoso, NM Full Time
POSTED ON 6/9/2026 CLOSED ON 6/12/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Solid Waste Operator / Driver position at Village of Ruidoso?

Classification Summary

Under general supervision, operates garbage and grapple trucks locally, and drives tractor trailer rig to the regional dump when filling in. The Solid Waste Operator-Driver will also pickup bear mess and operate heavy motorized construction equipment and machinery for the Village of Ruidoso. Non-exempt FLSA.

Job Title Summary

The Solid Waste Operator-Driver operates a variety of heavy equipment including collection truck, grapple truck, haul truck, pick-up truck, with dumpster trailer, flatbed truck, loader and back hoe. Will operate refuse collection truck, to fill in on designated route. The Solid Waste Operator-Driver will also operate diesel transport unit on designated out of town route. This position is responsible for the cleaning around the dumpsters and roadways. Picking up and hauling away trash or furniture items that are too big or too heavy to place in the dumpster.

This position also is responsible for helping the Mechanic/Supervisor, when needed.

Duties And Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions

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

  • Operates both heavy and light equipment.
  • Drives a garbage truck, grapple truck or diesel transport to fill in as needed.
  • Drives a flatbed truck, to pick up bear mess.
  • May drive an assigned route picking up bear mess, or pine needles or garbage when filling in.
  • Complete equipment inspections and checklists.
  • Notifies Supervisors of ordinance violations as they pertain to the Solid Waste Department.
  • Cleans and maintains vehicles, trucks, equipment, solid waste buildings, and grounds.
  • Works with hand tools such as shovel, pick, steam cleaner, weed eater, lawn mower, mop, etc.
  • Performs routine oil changes and greasing of equipment. Assists with labor type duties such as trash pick-up.
  • Assures dumpster areas and right of ways are clean and litter free.
  • Informs supervisors of areas that need to be cleaned.
  • Helps with recycling projects.
  • Attends safety training classes.
  • Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services.
  • Performs labor type duties such as trash pickup, dumpster relief, special pickups, illegal dumps, weed eating, painting, etc.

Responsibilities

Other Responsibilities or Job Requirements

  • May operate transfer station equipment.
  • Assists with labor type duties such as but not limited to trash pick-up along dumpsters and roadways.
  • Completes personal timesheet accurately and timely. Ensures time is reported based on actual time worked
  • Ensures that any on-the job injury is reported immediately to Supervisor.
  • Ensures any reports of harassment are immediately reported so appropriate actions are taken
  • Reports any suspected fraud and/or abuse to the Supervisor or Village Manager
  • Adheres to all Village of Ruidoso’s policies not limited to IT, Purchasing, and Personnel Manual
  • Must have active and working phone at all times and answer it when Supervisor/co-worker calls
  • May be called out, after hours, weekends, and holidays.
  • May oversee a work crew cleaning up around dumpster, or right of way and other assigned areas. Crew may include work release inmates, community service workers and Village employees. Keeps record of areas cleaned, and amount of litter collected.
  • Works closely with the “Keep Ruidoso Beautiful Program”
  • The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job. Employees may perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • High School Education required.
  • New Mexico Class A driver’s license required.
  • One year experience in refuse collection pickup or heavy equipment operations required.
  • Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.
  • Occasional squatting or bending required.
  • Frequently required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and smell
  • Possess ability to adapt to inclement weather conditions and/or situations.
  • May work a fairly irregular schedule, long hours, weekends, and holidays.
  • May be called when needed.
  • Noise level could be moderate to loud in work environment.
  • Works around refuse garbage.
  • Mainly works outside.
  • Must be able to pass regular criminal history checks.
  • Must possess and maintain valid New Mexico motor vehicle operator’s permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required. Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law. MVR background checks will be conducted by the Village.

Travel Requirements

  • Limited travel – ability to travel for activities such as classes, and workshops in and out of the service area.
  • Overnight travel as required.

Closing Statements

Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position.

In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services.

This job description is subject to change as the needs of the organization and Department change or the requirements of this position change.

Salary.com Estimation for Solid Waste Operator / Driver in Ruidoso, NM
$34,927 to $47,837
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