Sanitation Worker

Performs unskilled manual work in the collection and disposal of garbage, yard debris, household appliances, recycling, and leaves. 

Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class works as a member of a crew to perform manual labor involving the collection and disposal of municipal solid waste, yard waste and bulk trash. Employees work as a member of a crew, riding on the side or rear of the truck, and walk extensively over established routes to lift trash cans and load waste into a rear packer garbage truck; cleaning up litter that is spilled during the collection process; going to assigned homes to roll down cans for elderly and disabled residents; transporting refuse to the landfill; delivering trash cans to new customers; ensuring safety while working around the truck; and participating in the routine cleaning of garbage collection vehicles. Work also includes picking up limbs, leaves, yard waste and white goods as requested. Work occurs in all weather conditions and requires lifting potentially heavy garbage containers and waste bags. The employee is subject to the hazards of sanitation work including working in inside and outside environments, in extreme cold and hot weather, and hazards in the work including exposures to loud noises, vibrations, proximity to moving mechanical parts, exposure to chemicals, fumes, odors, skin irritants, dusts, mists, gases, oils, and animals in yards. Work is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on bloodborne pathogens. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated by observation, citizen satisfaction, and customer feedback to determine the effectiveness of collection and related duties. 

Works as a member of a solid waste collection crew.

Rides and walks extensively along a designated route to collect garbage, recycling and other refuse; dumps refuse from curbside; pushes cans to truck and empties containers into a rear loading packer truck utilizing hydraulic lift; operates packer mechanism; cleans area around containers and picks up dropped trash; assists in emptying load at landfill, recycling center, or other sites. 

May go to rear yard to collect cans for elderly and disabled customers and transport to the street to empty in the truck. 

Loads construction debris, large limbs, and dead animals; appliances and furniture; household items too large are picked up with cherry picker or crane. 

Participates with the collection and disposal of yard waste; tree limbs, brush, and leaves; operates chipper; cleans up street area of collections to ensure a neat appearance. 

Directs traffic and guides truck operator in congested areas. 

Informs supervisor of substandard refuse containers; repairs and delivers containers. 

Conducts pre-trip and post-trip inspections on sanitation equipment; may perform operational and fluid checks on equipment.

Assists in the washing and cleaning of sanitation trucks and equipment; sprays trucks with disinfectant and hoses down.

May operate mosquito sprayer in the spring and summer. 

May leave door hangers at homes with materials that cannot be collected or needing can repair.

Prepares simple records of work activities; makes records of times, stops, and unusual situations on route.

Reports violations of the solid waste ordinance to supervisor.

Performs pick-up and delivery of residential roll out containers to customers; may repair roll out containers.

Answers questions from citizens and provides information about solid waste services and policies; refers citizens to others for questions outside of scope of responsibilities. 

Maintains good relationship with the public through respect to individual property.

Assists with work on other Public Service crews as needed. 

Performs related duties as required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Working knowledge of the methods and techniques applied in the collecting, loading and unloading of garbage, recycling and refuse along assigned routes. 

Working knowledge of the occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions of refuse collection work. 

Working knowledge of safe ways to lift heavy loads.

Working knowledge of City policies and regulations regarding the collection and disposal of various solid waste materials.

Ability to perform continuous heavy manual labor at a steady pace and in varying weather conditions. 

Ability to walk for extensive periods of time. 

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. 

Ability to communicate effectively with the public to respond to inquiries about collection schedules and waste collection requirements. 

Ability to cooperate and work as a team member in carrying out assignments. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers and the general public. 

Ability to prepare simple records of work activities. 

Ability to learn assigned routes.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school and some experience with outside physical work, preferably experience in the collection of solid waste; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; 50 pounds of force frequently; and/or 20 pounds constantly to lift or otherwise move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to operate motorized sanitation equipment and distinguish traffic patterns and safety hazards to avoid injury to self and others; to determine accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work performed; and to operate hand and power tools and equipment.