Solid Waste Operator (Commercial)

Under close supervision, performs skilled and semiskilled work operating and driving solid waste and recycling collection equipment and vehicles, in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures.The following duties ARE NOTÂ intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Assists in providing for the delivery of high quality solid waste and recycling collection services to the public, according to City ordinances, policies, procedures and safety standards.
• Interacts with customers; informs them of solid waste and recycling collection guidelines and City ordinances as requested.
• Collects solid waste, green waste and recyclable materials from residential and commercial sites on established routes; empties and returns small garbage cans and designated recycling and green waste containers or large garbage containers without damage to containers, property or vehicle; operates mechanism(s) for loading and dumping into collection vehicle; picks up litter and debris caused during collection from roadway and/or right-of-way and deposits in collection vehicle.
• Drives, operates and maintains specialized vehicles, power equipment, tools and other solid waste collection equipment including hand operated hydraulic controls to lift and load refuse, in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures.
• Performs complete pre-trip and post-trip inspection; identifies and reports mechanical problems requiring additional repair.
• Cleans and performs routine maintenance work on vehicles and equipment, which includes but is not limited to cleaning waste from packer blade, waste cleanout locations, truck body and cab as instructed, applying lubricant at all grease fittings and other identified locations, and add air, water, motor and hydraulic oil, and transmission fluid as needed.
• Reads route sheet, follows map and services each customer as identified on the route.
• Completes required daily logs and reports.
• Performs traffic control activities as needed; reports safety hazards and traffic problems.
• Cleans up the area around an accidental waste spill.
• Utilizes proper safety precautions in all work performed; recognizes, avoids, and immediately reports unsafe acts, conditions, accidents and injuries.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.
  
  

High School diploma or GED equivalent, AND two (2) years work experience operating solid waste and/or recycling collection vehicles and equipment.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Must possess a valid Class B Texas Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
  
  

 Required Knowledge Of

• City policies and procedures.
• Basic tools and equipment used in solid waste and recycling collection.
• Traffic laws and rules for vehicle and equipment operation.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions in using heavy equipment.
• Operation, maintenance and repair standards for motorized equipment and vehicles.
• City safety rules and regulations, occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Federal and state safety laws and regulations, including drug and alcohol testing guidelines for CDL.
• Local and regional traffic patterns, road systems, and the locations of landmarks and buildings.
  
  

Required Skill in

• Safe and efficient operation and maintenance of tools and motorized equipment according to standard operating and safety procedures.
• Making routine operating adjustments and repairs to assigned equipment.
• Identifying mechanical problems.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written for positive relationships with employees, citizens, and the general public.
  
  

Physical Demands / Work Environment:Â

• Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions, with exposure to hazardous equipment, and extended periods of sitting and driving; requires ability to climb, use fine motor skills and ability to safely lift, carry and move items weighing up to eighty (80) pounds.
• Employee may be required to work weekends, holidays and other irregularly scheduled times.
• May be required to work immediately before, during or after an emergency or disaster.
• NOTE:Â This position is designated safety and/or security sensitive.