Brush & Bulk Item - Refuse Collector

City of Abilene • Abilene, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs heavy manual labor associated with residential and commercial solid waste collection, brush removal, and bulky-item disposal. Collects refuse, brush, debris, and other discarded materials from alleys, curbsides, and designated collection sites in accordance with safety standards, departmental procedures, and City policies. Assists with safe and efficient refuse-collection equipment operation and helps maintain clean, safe, and accessible collection routes. This position exercises no supervision.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• A valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
• Bloodborne Pathogens and HazCom training must be completed within 60 days of employment.
• Must be available for shift, on-call, and stand-by work, and for emergency response as required.
• Must be able to perform heavy manual labor, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, climbing, and repetitive movement; the position is classified as heavy, with lifting up to 100 pounds and carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work outdoors in adverse conditions, including extreme temperatures, noise, dust, vibration, mechanical and electrical hazards, poisonous vegetation, snakes, bees, wasps, fire ants, rats, wild animals, and stray dogs.
• Knowledge of safe work practices, including proper lifting, hazard recognition, and equipment safety procedures.
• Knowledge of refuse, brush, and bulky-waste collection methods, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic refuse-collection equipment operation and maintenance requirements, including hydraulic systems.
• Knowledge of applicable workplace safety regulations, including Bloodborne Pathogens, HazCom, and PPE requirements.
• Knowledge of traffic safety practices and safe work procedures in public rights-of-way and residential areas.
• Basic tool-handling knowledge and safe power-tool operation.
• Ability to safely operate refuse-collection equipment, including hydraulic compactors and hydraulic/air tailgate lift systems.
• Ability to operate hand tools, chainsaws, and equipment used for brush and debris removal.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor for extended periods in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while maintaining safety and productivity standards.
• Ability to identify damaged refuse containers, unsafe conditions, and operational issues requiring attention.
• Ability to perform basic desktop computer operations, retrieve City emails, and complete required computer training courses.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and follow oral and written instructions, policies, and operational procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with supervisors, coworkers, and the public.
• Ability to adapt to changing assignments and operational priorities and travel to various work locations.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and work as a respectful, effective team member.
• Ability to assess potential dangers in and around the work area and follow the City of Abilene Core Values.
• Any combination of experience and training equivalent to that needed to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may qualify.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in heavy manual work is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Pick up and load heavy items and discarded bulky waste.
• Operate equipment mechanisms for loading, compressing, and dumping refuse.
• Guide the driver/operator while refuse trucks move through alleys and street pickup locations.
• Cut limbs, brush, and related growth that interfere with safe Solid Waste vehicle movement in alleys.
• Pick up and empty refuse containers into vehicles and return containers to their original locations.
• Load loose debris and brush piles into Solid Waste vehicles.
• Identify defective containers for repair.
• Operate a personal or City vehicle for business operations.
• Mix and distribute herbicide using a backpack sprayer.
• Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED