Solid Waste Equipment Operator - City of Clearwater, FL

ENTRY SALARY: $43,282.47 annually

POSITIONS OPEN CONTINUOUSLY - WILL FILL AS NEEDED

Under general direction, the Solid Waste Equipment Operator drives, operates, and assists in the maintenance of all rear, side-loading, and front-loading, grapple truck, roll-off and tractor trailer (add) solid waste collection trucks and other heavy equipment on assigned routes and in all weather conditions.

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Drives, operates, and assists in the maintenance of all front, rear and/or side loading solid waste trucks, "jaws" trucks, and transfer tractor trailer trucks used for the collection, transfer, and disposal of waste, trash, or recycling on assigned routes; navigates streets and City geography, maintains safe driving practices, and makes all collections stops.

• Checks, evaluates, and reviews the condition of trucks and equipment; identifies, reports, and communicates needed repairs and servicing; directs and assists one or more workers in assigned tasks; performs pre and post trip inspections on equipment daily prior to use.

• Lines up the solid waste vehicle to refuse container bins and activates controls to raise and dump bin in vehicle body; lowers container bins and ensures placement to prevent bins from being damaged by traffic flow and to prevent interference with right-of-way.

• Learns and applies skills in the operation of roll-offs; performs manual labor in conjunction with the pickup of refuse bins at all residential and commercial facilities, parks, and on beaches.

• Performs and participates in minor field repairs and adjustments to vehicles and equipment; monitors routine maintenance and other repairs necessary to keep equipment fully functional and operational.

• Answers and responds to questions and complaints and refers major problems to superior; maintains professional composure and provides excellent customer service; responds to service orders and requests.

• Dumps waste at City's transfer station or other location as assigned; cleans and washes truck regularly.

• Prepares daily truck report and keeps incidental records of collection activities; tracks daily collections and issues or concerns that were addressed.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:

A valid State driver's license is required.

Does this position require a Commercial Driver's License? Yes

Type: Possession and maintenance of Class A CDL (for tractor/trailer) or Class B CDL (for all other) is required.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate AND two (2) years of experience driving heavy-duty automotive equipment or one (1) year as Solid Waste Worker with CDL training through the City of Clearwater third party trainers; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge of -

• Automotive and heavy equipment and related hazards

• Occupational hazards associated with the operation of heavy-duty automotive equipment and of precautions for the safety of assigned workers and the public

• Solid waste collections, disposal, and recycling

• Operation of heavy-duty equipment and driving in accordance with State and local laws and ordinances

• City geography and following assigned routes

• Safety and hazard precautions

• Power tools and equipment

• Department policies and protocols

• Equipment maintenance practices and methods

Skill in -

• Operating various equipment and heavy-duty solid waste collection equipment

• Working collaboratively with other staff over engine noises and adverse weather

• Determining recycling from contamination

• Lifting and moving large objects

• Operating control levers or steering devices

• Understanding the geography of the City

• Understanding and complying with oral and written instructions

• Using tact and independent judgment within established guidelines