Solid Waste Operator I

Solid Waste Equipment Operator

This is the entry-level class in the Solid Waste Equipment Operator classifications. This class works under general supervision, performs routine tasks, semi-skilled and / or skilled tasks in the operation of front-loaders, roll-offs, side-loaders, rear-loaders, or similar equipment, and performs heavy manual labor for collecting, transporting, and disposing of solid waste materials from residential and commercial sources. Manual work and heavy lifting is also performed. After successfully becoming proficient in the bulk / uncontained collection and completing cross training in other Solid Waste Services collections areas, employees in this classification may serve as back-up operators and may be temporarily assigned to other areas. Employees in this class are responsible for the safe, economic, and efficient operation of light to moderately heavy refuse equipment. Employees must also adhere to all traffic laws, applicable Federal and State health and safety rules.

Essential Job Functions

Operates solid waste collection equipment to follow designated collection route.

Communicates with supervisors to inform them of progress made on work assignments.

Learn job-related procedures and techniques, primarily through verbal instruction, observation, and on-the-job training;

Respond to customer and public inquiries in a courteous manner and perform duties such as assessing concerns or complaints, problem solving and response efforts, and follow-up when appropriate.

Collects solid waste such as refuse, recyclable materials, yard waste, and other materials.

Uses a two-way radio to communicate with supervisor and to receive instructions.

Transports solid waste materials to appropriately designated location for disposal or processing.

Monitors operation of equipment, provides minor maintenance or service and reports conditions in the field to the supervisor in a timely manner and request repairs or abatement of problems or issues in the field;

Performs inspections of vehicles; performs basic maintenance activities, and keeps the interior and exterior of assigned equipment clean.

Report unsafe working conditions, accidents and injuries to supervisor.

Inform supervisor of problems, emergency situations, unsafe or broken sanitation containers and unsafe, difficult, or poorly maintained collection sites.

Ability to work cooperatively with co-workers and the general public, using good judgment to resolve customer complaints in a positive and timely manner, using tact and courtesy.

Complete paperwork, forms, and reports related to collection services.

Attends meetings to exchange information; attends in-service training to gain or improve skills.

Provide support as needed during special events and activities involving the delivery, setup, and removal of sanitation containers from field locations; assist in maintaining refuse containers in clean, working condition; perform other special event / activity tasks as needed;

Perform related duties as assigned and follows applicable standards and department-specific safety policies and practices.

Minimum Requirements

Requires a High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED). Requires one year of experience in the operation of medium-sized trucks or equipment such as garbage trucks required; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities for this job. Requires knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, and rules for operating a class B commercial vehicle; including experience reading and understanding route maps and street signs. Requires an orientation of up to three weeks. Duties are performed under training and close supervision until proficiency is demonstrated. Weekend, holiday and afterhours work may be required, as well as after-hours response and emergencies. Requires the ability to work under a minimum degree of stress related to duties that require constant attention to detail and tight deadlines. Requires the ability to follow specific oral and written instructions. Requires a valid State of Florida Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with airbrake endorsement and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment. Special skills or equipment certification may be required.

Marginal Job Functions

Performs semi-routine work solving occasional problems.

Performs basic addition and subtraction, such as counting or measuring.

Reads basic sentences, instructions, or work orders; writes basic sentences and completes uncomplicated job forms; speaks sentences using basic grammar.

Performs manual tasks prescribed by standard practices; requires normal attention for accurate results.

Operates complex equipment that requires extended training and experience such as heavy trucks using hydraulic pumping equipment.