Heavy Equipment Operator, Solid Waste, (A262560-10), 206, Landfill

Moves the residential and commercial garbage that comes into the landfill to the appropriate area according to site plan. Operates heavy equipment including dozer, compactor, motor grader, excavator, loader, dump trucks, roll-offs, water truck backhoe, scraper, and sheep foots.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
 

• Operates heavy equipment (compactor, scraper, grader, dozer, etc.) safely and proficiently for purpose of waste disposal.
• Operates a mechanical, side loading packer truck, collecting solid waste on a designated route, including streets and alleys. 
• Operates hydraulically operated arms to lift mechanized containers which are emptied into the truck and hydraulic rams to compact the refuse. 
• Detects, identifies, and reports improper equipment performance and makes necessary operational adjustments.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs related work as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, and rules involved in equipment operation and solid waste services.
• Knowledge of hazards and safety rules and precautions of operating heavy equipment.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in organization and time management. 
• Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
• Skill in customer service.
• Skill in operating heavy equipment used in solid waste collection.
• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines of the work.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Ability to maintain cleanliness and proper functioning of equipment
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions. 
• Ability to read route maps.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

Sometimes

• Office or similar indoor environment

Often

• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Confined space 
• Vehicles
• Warehouse environment

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Sometimes

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Frequently

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Communicable diseases

Often

• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• Regional travel
• National travel
• International travel

Sometimes:

• Local travel

• At least five (5) years of experience operating heavy equipment.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas C.D.L. class A or B Driver License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.
 
Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
 
Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
 
A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.