Solid Waste Collector

This is an outdoor, heavy manual labor position in the collection and disposal of solid waste. Employees in this classification perform routine, repetitive work as members of a crew collecting various types of solid waste and depositing it into a solid waste collection vehicle. The work requires considerable physical exertion, daily contact with unpleasant materials, and outdoor work regardless of the weather. The vehicle driver supervises the crew.

Please note this posting is "Continuous" and can close at ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

• Handles, carries, and empties receptacles containing solid waste. 
• Handles and carries yard trash, such as bagged yard waste, tree limbs, and other uncontained solid waste items. 
• Deposits waste into the collection vehicle and returns cans or other receptacles to the pickup point with their lids intact. 
• Operates the vehicle's compaction mechanism.
• Rides on an external platform on the collection vehicle between collection stops.
• Provides hand signals to the collection vehicle driver as needed to ensure safe backing of the vehicle.
• Reports all leaks (i.e., Hydraulic oil, water, etc.) and/or mechanical problems to the driver immediately.
• Identifies biohazardous waste, medical waste, and all other hazardous waste/materials, such as asbestos, batteries, acids, gas, flammable chemicals/materials, etc., to the driver/supervisor.
• Performs cleaning maintenance work on the division premises when not assigned to a collection vehicle.
• May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements. 
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department. 
• Position is designated as Mission Critical.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Cleans collection vehicles and may help in the container maintenance shop.
• May be assigned to remove and dispose of deceased animals.
• Provides training assistance to new and/or temporary employees and route directions to replacement drivers.
• May be required to help/assist other City divisions or departments under special circumstances.
• May be required to operate light-duty vehicles with a valid driver's license.

• Completion of eighth grade from an accredited school.
• Three months of experience in heavy outdoor manual work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A valid driver's license is preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid telephone number.
• After six months of employment as a Solid Waste Collector with a valid driver's license and a CDL training permit, the employee can begin training to obtain a CDL license through the Solid Waste CDL training program. 
• Hiring preference will be given to current team members working through a contract temporary staff agency.

ABILITIES

• Work consistently with unpleasant waste materials.
• Perform outdoor manual work requiring physical strength for lengthy periods.
• Perform duties in adverse weather conditions.
• Work effectively, safely, and harmoniously with other crew members.
• Handle privately owned cans, containers, and lids without incurring damage.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Use a map to locate addresses.
   

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Heavy physical work that involves constantly lifting, pushing, or raising objects, exerting 35 to 50 pounds regularly, and exerting 100 pounds of force frequently. 
• Risks routine and frequent exposure to significant environmental hazards, including bright/dim light, dust and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, animals/wildlife, vibration, disease/pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, and moving machinery.
• Normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as needed.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination).  Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone.  Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders.  Test times and locations to be announced.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.