Public Works Solid Waste Facility Operator

General Summary & Essential Responsibilities

Performs skilled work in the safe and effective operation of light, moderately heavy-duty, or heavy-duty motorized vehicle equipment of varying operating complexity utilized in processing solid waste and related projects and activities at a solid waste landfill. Degree of complexity in work assignments depends on work experience, dexterity, and skills.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Operates mechanized equipment utilized in the construction, alteration, repair, cleaning, and/or maintenance of a solid waste landfill facility, such as medium-duty vehicles, roll off and tanker vehicles, mowers, front end loaders, bull dozers, backhoes, excavators, graders, garbage compactors, articulating dump trucks, and other similar equipment.

• Operates a variety of hand and power tools such as SAWZALL, circular saws, power washer, etc.

• Performs day-to-day field operations processing solid waste: loads and off-loads materials, supplies, or equipment; constructs and maintains berms and drainage systems; assists with litter prevention, control, and collection; may collect and separate hazardous materials such as Freon; and ensures all work activities are in compliance with local and state permitting requirements and environmental regulations.

• Applies and maintains initial cover in order to minimize any adverse environmental, safety, or health impacts; applies cover materials such as earthen materials, tarps, foams, etc.; applies erosion control measures to minimize waste exposure and impact to storm water management systems; and removes daily and intermediate covers before placing additional waste.

• Ensures bulky materials are worked into other materials; ensures proper compaction and prevention of waste protruding through the cover; constructs side slopes in accordance with established dimensions and requirements; and may operate a laser level to establish and check grades.

• Establishes safe work zones; utilizes precautionary safety equipment; monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; identifies potential problems, unsafe conditions, and needed repairs; and initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.

• Maintains equipment; makes minor adjustments to and performs routine maintenance on equipment, such as lubrication, checking air, oil, water, and other fluids; and washes and cleans equipment after use.

• Identifies and categorizes waste; directs customers to proper disposal locations; and communicates with customers regarding solid waste policies and procedures.

• Prepares daily/weekly activity reports.

• Operates a computerized Global Position System (GPS).

• Performs related work as assigned.

• May be assigned manual labor, repair, or construction tasks when not operating equipment.

• Provides exceptional customer assistance, problem-solving, and/or complaint resolution by all forms of communication.

Min. Education, Licenses and Certifications

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• One (1) year of experience in the operation of backhoes, tandem dump trucks, or other heavy-duty construction equipment.

• Or an equivalent combination of relevant training, education and experience.

Licenses and/or Certificates:

• Within three (3) months of position assignment:

• Must maintain a valid Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL), including appropriate endorsements.

• Must possess and maintain Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Training, Research, and Education for Environmental Occupations (TREEO) Equipment Operator Short Course Certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of departmental policies, plans, and procedures.

• Knowledge of modern office practices, plans, and procedures.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other job-related computer programs and software applications.

• Knowledge of the functions, operating methods, and routine care and maintenance required of automobiles and/or equipment used on assigned construction and/or maintenance projects.

• Knowledge of safe work methods and safety regulations and occupational hazards pertaining to the work.

• Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, and rules governing transporting of equipment and its operation on public streets and highways, including knowledge of hazardous waste materials and transporting hazardous materials on public streets and highways.

• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of excavation (including grade and compaction), drainage, digging, surfacing, and similar construction work as relates to landfill assignments.

• Skill in effective communication, both orally and in writing.

• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.

• Skill in the use of office equipment such as a computer, multi-line telephone system, scanner, fax machine, and copier.

• Ability to understand regulatory conditions of solid waste practices, and the ability to ensure that work is performed accordingly.

• Ability to operate equipment and motor vehicles skillfully, safely and in accordance with manufacturers' guidelines.

• Ability to detect equipment problems or malfunctions and to make minor adjustments and repairs, and to read dials and gauges.

• Ability to work independently within established procedural guidelines and to work in a team environment.

• Ability to make recommendations and to use resourcefulness and tact in solving problems.

• Ability to ascertain priorities and meet deadlines and objectives.

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

• Ability to perform manual labor, sometimes under unfavorable weather conditions.

• Ability to provide internal/external guidance and customer assistance via all forms of communication.

• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.

• Ability to author reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, service providers, other employees, and the general public.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stooping, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, climbing, finger movement, repetitive motions, depth perception. Frequent lifting of up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work typically requires moderate exposure to one or more disagreeable conditions (i.e., irate customers, outdoors weather conditions, excessive noise, extreme heat, odors or dust).

RISK/SAFETY CONDITIONS

The position requires moderate exposure to risk to physical health and/or physical safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, assault and battery, communicable disease, etc.).

DISCLAIMER:The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, environmental conditions, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.