Solid Waste Equipment Operator

Hillsborough County•Tampa, FL

About The Position

The Solid Waste Equipment Operator (Tier 2) operates medium to heavy equipment at Solid Waste transfer stations and Community Collection Centers to receive, load, process, clean up, and transport solid waste. Equipment operation comprises at least 75% of daily duties. The role also includes screening incoming materials, maintaining and inspecting equipment, following safety requirements, and providing direction to other staff or serving as lead operator when assigned. Employees may be called upon to perform emergency-related duties before, during, or after an emergency or disaster. The work is performed outdoors in varying and sometimes adverse weather, as well as in waste transfer station environments with loud sounds, strong odors, dirt, and dust. It requires heavy physical labor, including lifting, prolonged walking or standing, repetitive movements, and occasional bending, crawling, climbing, and stooping.

Requirements

Completion of the ninth grade.
Three years of experience operating medium and heavy construction equipment, including front-end loaders or excavators, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Possess a valid Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL), or attain one within the probationary period.
Possess Transfer Station Spotter/Waste Screener certification, or attain it within the probationary period.
Working knowledge of medium to heavy motorized construction equipment and transportation vehicles, including front-end loaders or excavators.
Working knowledge of traffic laws and regulations applicable to construction, maintenance, and transport equipment on public streets and highways.
Ability to service and make minor repairs to medium to heavy construction equipment and transportation vehicles.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform heavy physical labor.
Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of others.
Ability to demonstrate good customer service skills and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to evaluate situations and draw logical conclusions to solve problems, and to seek management guidance when unable to address an issue.
Ability to pass an annual DOT physical.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Operate front-end loaders, excavators, straight roll-off trucks, skid steers, and associated equipment to support solid waste operations, including receiving waste, loading trailers, processing roll-off containers, and cleaning sites.
Screen incoming solid waste at transfer stations and Community Collection Centers, removing unauthorized materials to ensure compliance with operational permits.
Inspect and service assigned equipment daily; make minor repairs and adjustments and coordinate periodic maintenance or major repairs as needed.
Conduct daily safety inspections and follow safety practices, regulations, and procedures when operating or working around equipment.
Respond to emergency duties before, during, or after emergencies as assigned under the County’s Emergency Response Plan.
Operate roll-off trucks to transport bulk solid waste in varied conditions and in compliance with DOT and County safety standards.
Operate hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical auxiliary equipment associated with assigned machinery.
Use manual tools to clean equipment, work areas, and grounds, and dispose of materials in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Provide direction or guidance to lower-level operators, maintenance staff, trades helpers, or laborers on specific projects; act as lead operator when assigned.
Perform other related duties as required.