Solid Waste Equipment Operator I

The essential function of the position within the organization is to operate and maintain equipment, machinery, and vehicles for the assigned area.  The position is responsible for assigned tasks and equipment.   The position works under general supervision according to some procedures; decides how and when to complete tasks.

• Operates a variety of heavy equipment, such as front-end loaders, swap loaders, automated side-loaders, knuckleboom trucks and other vehicles in the performance of assigned duties; ensures adherence to safe driving practices and procedures. 

• Picks up garbage on a route for residential and/or business customers; hauls debris such as bushes, rubbish, or grass to designated drop site.
• Utilizes implements and equipment such as leaf machines or brush trucks to keep City streets free from yard waste, leaves, rubbish, etc.
• Uses a variety of hand tools such as a shovel, pitchfork, rake, and other small tools.
• Cleans, maintains and inspects assigned vehicles; performs servicing activities on assigned vehicle including greasing; checking and refilling gasoline, oil and water; checks brake systems; reports unsafe working conditions, accidents and injuries to supervisory and/or management staff. 
• Performs special or non-routine refuse collection service and assignments as needed including, but not limited to building and/or repairing garbage containers. 
• Responds to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment including explaining collection procedures; issues notices to customers reflecting sanitation violations; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner. 
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public. 
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Completes work orders and other required documentation.
• Performs special tasks as directed.

This position requires a high school diploma, GED or specialized vocational training, and a Class B TN Commercial Driver’s License. Six (6) months of related experience preferred. This position requires medium to heavy work involving standing or walking most of the time, stooping, lifting, digging, pushing, raising objects exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physical demands refers to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
 
Requires light to medium work involving the basic life operational functions of balancing, bending, climbing, crouching, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, and making repetitive hand movements. Requires the ability to exert force of 50 pounds occasionally; 20 pounds frequently; and 10 pounds constantly.