Collections Operator (operations)

City of Janesville Wisconsin•Janesville, WI

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Assistant Operations Director – Solid Waste, the Collections Operator performs manual labor and operates equipment in the daily operation and maintenance of the Public Works Operations Division. The role primarily supports residential waste collection and landfill operations, and may also assist with the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of City streets and alleys, public rights-of-way, stormwater infrastructure, and sidewalks. The position also participates in snow and ice control and other severe-weather operations. The employee works with City staff and a range of external contacts, including consultants, developers, engineers, other government agencies, community groups, and the public. The role has no supervisory responsibilities and reports directly to the Assistant Operations Director – Solid Waste and indirectly to the Operations Director. The position requires a regular Monday–Friday, 40-hour schedule, along with availability to respond to emergencies around the clock as needed. It is classified as safety sensitive for drug and alcohol testing purposes.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid state-issued driver’s license at the time of hire.
Valid state-issued Class B Commercial Driver’s License, or ability to obtain one within one year of hire.
At least one year of experience in equipment operation, general construction, or an applicable trade.
Working knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods, and procedures used in street and stormwater infrastructure maintenance, construction, and repair.
General knowledge of work-zone, confined-space, and excavation safety practices and procedures.
Working knowledge of snow and ice control methods and general knowledge of solid waste management.
Organizational and time-management skills to prioritize work and adapt to changing priorities.
Verbal and written communication, customer service, interpersonal, collaboration, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to safely operate maintenance equipment and machinery.
Critical-thinking skills to analyze situations and address technical problems in a timely manner.
Basic proficiency with computers and applications such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
Ability to write routine correspondence and reports clearly and accurately.
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations, including work with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records of completed daily assignments.
Ability to work without direct supervision within the position’s areas of responsibility.
Ability to identify and report malfunctioning equipment or machinery.
Ability to perform strenuous physical labor for extended periods in varying weather conditions and to work safely.
Ability to read, understand, and follow technical specifications and plans.
Ability to make decisions in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, procedures, and City directives.
Ability to learn and apply new technology and comply with safety procedures.
Ability to maintain a valid state-issued Class B driver’s license.
Ability to assist with weather emergencies, including snow and ice control and other Public Works operations as directed.
Ability to establish effective working relationships, interact professionally and respectfully with diverse groups, and work both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to maintain integrity, confidentiality, fairness, objectivity, and ethical conduct.

Responsibilities

Collect trash, recyclables, and yard waste using automated and manual collection vehicles.
Safely operate City vehicles and equipment on and off public roadways, including trucks, loaders, and automated collection equipment.
Perform daily equipment maintenance, including checking fluid levels and washing vehicles.
Complete daily operations and maintenance at City solid waste disposal sites.
Assist with street construction and maintenance, including subgrade preparation, pavement cutting, and asphalt installation.
Assist with preparing and pouring concrete for curbs, stormwater infrastructure, street repairs, and other concrete work.
Apply traffic-marking paint and retro-reflective beads using line stripers, pavement-grinding equipment, and self-propelled painting equipment.
Clean, repair, remove, and install traffic signs and hardware in public rights-of-way and on public property.
Assist with stormwater infrastructure maintenance and repair, including pipe and structure installation, pavement cutting, compaction, and adjustment of access structures.
Respond to weather-related clean-up emergencies, including snow and ice removal, tree debris removal, and flooding.
Report vehicle, equipment, or facility damage and malfunctions to a supervisor.
Pick up leaves and yard waste through annual collection programs and clean streets using a street sweeper.
Locate public infrastructure, including street-light, traffic-signal, and fiber-optic raceways, and storm sewer pipes.
Report completed daily assignments and work activities and maintain necessary records.
Respond to basic citizen inquiries or refer inquiries to a supervisor or appropriate staff member.
Safely operate equipment such as chainsaws, pavement saws, brush chippers, knuckle-boom loaders, and multifunction tractors.
Respond to emergency situations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, as needed.
Follow safety policies and procedures, report unsafe conditions and acts, and report accidents promptly.
Perform other assigned projects and duties during regular and non-business hours, including duties assigned during a City disaster or Emergency Operations Center activation.