Solid Waste Equipment Operator I

$18.53 - $29.66 Hourly 

This is semi-skilled work in the collection, transport, and disposal of household garbage, yard waste and/or solid waste materials in either the Trash or Sanitation Bureau of Public Works.  Operate various solid waste collection vehicles in a responsible, safe, and efficient manner.  Perform a variety of laboring tasks as needed as a member of the crew providing services in Trash or Sanitation.  Employees may be required to work weekends and holidays on a rotational basis.

Essential Functions

• Safely and efficiently, drive and operate a 6-yard packer vehicle during collection, transport, and disposal of sanitation waste in a variety of road and weather conditions.
• Safely and efficiently, drive and operate side load recycling trucks during the collection, transport and disposal of recyclable materials in a variety of road and weather conditions.
• Safely and efficiently, drive and operate a 30-yard dump truck during collection, transport, and disposal of trash and/or vegetative waste in a variety of road and weather conditions.
• Safely and efficiently drive and operate truck during the trash loading process including precise coordination and timing between drive and crane operator with respect to starting, stopping, and backing at crane operator's command signal.
• Safely and efficiently drive and operate vehicles and equipment required to collect, transport and dispose of solid waste materials.
• Inspects, weighs, and secures load by removing protruding debris, covering and tying down truck/load with mechanical canvas cover.
• Provides daily back door sanitation service to all residences ensuring replacement of garbage can lids and pick up of loose/spilled garbage.
• Applies proper traffic direction techniques to ensure safety of operators and operation of equipment.  Uses job site protection equipment as needed to include traffic cones, barricades, flagmen or other related items.
• Work requires directing vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the working vicinity of the right-of-way.
• Performs laboring tasks including loading or unloading of materials used in the operational process.
• Work requires sweeping vegetative trash for crane collection as needed.
• Manually secure rear door of sanitation vehicles.
• Operate a 2-way radio using designated call signals and codes in order to maintain communication between routes and report emergencies or unusual conditions to work crews, supervisor, facilities, and operations.
• Operate vehicle along congested streets, in narrow alleys.
• Safely and efficiently, operate and maintain equipment and work tools common to the trade ensuring a clean, safe, and serviceable condition on a daily basis, including following any preventative maintenance standards.
• Complete pre and post trip inspections and reporting results on preventative maintenance checklist; inspections include but are not limited to light service, gauges, mirrors, fluid levels, belts, hoses, body, chassis, tires, rig hitches, steering, and suspension.
• Completes daily production report recording items such as start to finish times, odometer reading, loads, fuel usage and equipment I.D. number, as well as vehicle checkout sheets, load sheets, and start/stop service orders.
• Follows various routes both pre-determined and those changed by unforeseen circumstances such as weather emergencies, equipment breakdowns, and/or drastic changes in refuse volume.
• Advise supervisor or designee whenever necessary to replenish cleaning material, repair equipment, and provide supplies as needed.
• Responsible for the collection of residential and commercial garbage, recycling and yard waste within Town limits, and disposal at Palm Beach County and Town-owned landfill facilities.
• Work schedule may include weekends and holiday services on a rotational basis.
• Work/service schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Public Works Director or designee.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• Requires high school degree or GED equivalent.
• A minimum of 6 months related work experience preferred.
• Related certification and/or vocational training is preferred.
• Class "B" CDL with air brake endorsement required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to operate a 6 cubic yard packer and 33,000 gross vehicle weight recycling truck while on assignment in the Sanitation Division.
• Ability to operate a 30 cubic yard truck while on assignment in the Trash Division.
• Have the distance visual acuity to identify and read street signs and traffic signals, observe approaching pedestrians and vehicular traffic, and observe road and work area hazards.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend English at high school or equivalent level in order to review safety requirements, equipment manuals, material safety data sheets (MSDS), road signs/hazards, complete inspection reports, issue violation notices, and accept assignments via a work order system.
• Ability to interact effectively and courteously with others employees, supervisors, and the public.
• Ability to communicate with residents/customers, coworkers, and/or supervisors who only speak English, especially in emergency situations and in receiving and/or responding to work assignments,
• Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions, traffic and equipment noise, horns, alarms, and radio communications.
• Ability to deal with gasoline, exhaust, and diesel fumes.
• Ability to encounter and work around rodents, reptiles, dogs, cats and insects.
• Ability to evaluate daily operational needs and make sound judgments and decisions while adjusting to any changes.
• Ability to grasp and handle tools and equipment.
• Ability to learn and become familiar with various route based tasks.