Sanitation Operator

Job objective: Responsible for the vehicle operations used in the collection of refuse and yard waste. This position also performs unskilled and semi-skilled work, and operates a variety of equipment in the collection of solid wastes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drives a collection vehicle over a designated route, picking up solid waste containers, including recyclables or yard waste as assigned, and depositing the containers into a collection vehicle, and returning containers to the prescribed area. May operate truck mechanisms for loading, compressing, and dumping refuse. Makes special collections as assigned.

• Maintains radio or other communications with the office to receive or report variances to standard operations.

• Conducts a daily inspection of tire air pressures, fluid levels, air tanks, hydraulic fluids, transmission fluids, power steering, lights, and other critical parts of a solid waste collection vehicle prior to the execution of the daily tasks. Washes collection vehicles.

• Greases, lubricates, and maintains vehicle as needed before and after route. This also involves keeping up with oil changes, routine services, antifreeze, and anything else needed or required for maintenance on operating vehicles.

• Observes surrounding conditions such as citizens, equipment, property, etc. to ensure that solid waste is collected safely; regulates traffic in hazardous conditions to assure safety conditions for the collection personnel and the public.

• Drives vehicle to a sanitary landfill or compost facility, unloads collection vehicle.

• During the Fall and into the Winter seasons, may be required to drive and operate the leaf vacuum truck.

• Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards, and attends training as required by the department or City.

• Daily general housekeeping duties. Maintain a clean, safe working environment.

• Job rotation and cross training may be required, dependent upon the needs of the department.

• Perform other duties as assigned and/or required.

Qualifications

Must possess a valid Arkansas Class B Commercial Vehicle Driver's License with Air Brakes endorsement before employment or must obtain a valid Arkansas Class B Commercial Vehicle Driver's License with Air Brakes endorsement within 3 months of hire and maintain licensure for the duration of employment in this position. High school or GED, plus specialized schooling and/or on the job education in a specific skill area, e.g., equipment operation, etc., plus 4 years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Four years of experience involving the use of medium to heavy equipment, two of which must be related to utility or street systems; Considerable knowledge of heavy equipment operating principles; working knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions common to heavy equipment operations; working knowledge of the methods, materials and tools used in street and utility work. Ability to drive and operate a variety of equipment under varying weather conditions. Ability to maintain accurate records, type and enter data accurately. Ability to effectively communicate on a one-on-one basis with others. Ability to maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with other employees, department officials and the public. Ability to report to work each scheduled day, and on time.

Special Requirements

All positions with the City of Sherwood are subject to a pre-employment background check. Some positions are subject to pre-employment and random drug screening. All positions are subject to reasonable suspicion drug screening.

Miscellaneous Information

The City is committed to providing our employees with a competitive salary and benefit program. We offer our full-time employees a variety of benefit plans to meet their personal needs. All employees are required to participate in the City of Sherwood 457(b) Retirement Plan, contribute 3% of their base salary. For more specific information about the City of Sherwood's benefit program, contact the Office of Human Resources.