Solid Waste Equipment Operator I

City of Las Cruces•Las Cruces, NM
•Onsite

About The Position

Operates a grapple truck or fifth-wheel unit to transport and dispose of solid waste collected from City commercial and residential locations. The position operates heavy collection vehicles and loading mechanisms, delivers and removes residential containers, inspects commercial containers, and performs vehicle inspections and routine maintenance. It also responds to customer inquiries, complaints, and emergencies and maintains required logs, records, reports, and other documentation. The work is performed outdoors in all weather and traffic conditions, with exposure to noise, mechanical hazards, gases, chemicals, odors, fumes, dust, dirt, moving equipment and vehicles, and potential cuts, bruises, dog bites, and traffic hazards. Protective clothing includes safety shoes, eye wear, gloves, a vest, and a hard hat. The position requires moderate to heavy physical effort, including lifting up to 50 pounds and pushing or pulling up to 75 pounds, as well as balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, crouching, kneeling, and reaching above shoulder height. Work may involve competing demands, multiple tasks, deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function. The position is subject to drug testing under applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies. This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt, union-represented position graded at BC12. First consideration will be given to current City of Las Cruces employees who meet the minimum qualifications; meeting or exceeding those qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

Requirements

  • Three years of experience operating vehicles of at least 66,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
  • Valid New Mexico Class B Commercial Driver’s License.
  • Acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.
  • No specific education requirement.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and push or pull up to 75 pounds.
  • Ability to balance, bend, stoop, climb, crouch, kneel, and reach above shoulder height.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, observe conditions, use manual dexterity, and maintain the mobility and physical reflexes needed to perform essential job functions.
  • Ability to safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles and navigate even and uneven surfaces.
  • Knowledge of applicable operations, safety practices, recordkeeping, customer service, problem resolution, and relevant policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and demands, meet deadlines, maintain accurate records, communicate effectively, prepare reports, and work independently or as a team member.
  • A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.
  • Regular attendance is an essential function; the position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable regulations and City policies.

Responsibilities

  • Operate a 66,000-pound gross vehicle weight, 10-wheel truck with an 8-shift transmission and front, side, and roll-off loading mechanisms to collect solid waste from residential and commercial containers.
  • Operate equipment safely and efficiently in tight spaces and around buildings, cars, and other obstacles while monitoring safety-related conditions.
  • Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections, routine vehicle service, and refueling; check and replenish fluids, check tire pressure, drain air tanks as needed, and report issues requiring repair.
  • Respond to inquiries, complaints, and emergencies.
  • Maintain daily log books, mileage records, and other required documentation; prepare and present required special and recurring reports, forms, and documents in accordance with policies and procedures.
  • Deliver and remove residential containers as needed to provide appropriate service levels.
  • Inspect commercial containers to maintain their functionality and condition.
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