Solid Waste Maintenance Worker

City of Yakima•Yakima, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under supervision, assists Solid Waste Collector/Driver collecting special hauls and other debris. Performs a variety of work as assigned. May drive and/or operate a heavy special purpose vehicle collecting and dumping refuse. The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age
Possess a high school diploma or GED
Six (6) months construction, mechanical maintenance or other related manual labor experience
Possess and maintain a valid WA State Driver’s License upon hire until Commercial Driver’s License is obtained.
Must possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with either an A, B or C endorsement as required by State regulations or obtain within nine (9) months of employment and maintain thereafter.
Must obtain a First Aid/CPR Certificate within six (6) months of appointment.
Meet all Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for commercial drivers including but not limited to the ability to pass periodic physical examinations and drug screenings.
Ability to drive and operate equipment, vehicles and tools with precision, speed, and safety
Ability to operate heavy trucks and attachments in a safe, efficient manner
Ability to recognize uncollectable refuse (overweight containers, oversized containers or toxic, caustic, inflammable, explosive or corrosive materials).
Ability to possess a valid commercial driver’s license and perform strenuous physical work including, but not limited to pushing, pulling and/or lifting heavy refuse containers.
Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees and members of the public representing diverse education and background, utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English, including but not limited to correct grammar and vocabulary.
Ability to follow verbal and written instruction.
Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures with a customer service focus.
Ability to identify and address problems or concerns in an efficient and effective manner, and/or to forward issues to appropriate higher-level authority.
Must be dependable; able to work independently with general direction and limited supervision; maintain sustained attention to detail; work under timeline pressures; prioritize; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines; be self-directed, highly motivated, organized and have a sense of urgency to complete tasks in a timely manner.
Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, contractors and other members of the public, and to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs.
Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.
Ability to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns.
Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations, laws, policies and standards.
Ability to work cooperatively as a supportive team member and adhere to the department’s values including, but not limited to: customer focused, teamwork, positive communication, and accountability in a punctual, regular and reliable manner.
Ability to maintain annual training requirements of the position, including but not limited to City mandatory training requirements.
Ability to work diverse shifts and/or routes including, but not limited to: weekend and holiday work, and to work extended hours as necessary.
Shall be subject to random controlled substance and alcohol testing, pursuant to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, including 49 CFR Part 40 and Section 382 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the services required on an assigned routes as applicable
Knowledge of solid waste and/or recycling customers
Knowledge of refuse regulations
Knowledge of operating characteristics of the refuse truck
Knowledge of city, state and federal traffic laws, rules and regulations with ability to direct traffic as necessary.
Knowledge of time management and workflow practices, municipal record keeping and retention processes and practices.
Knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.
Working knowledge of and ability to operate personal computer, necessary mobile devises, and other office equipment.
Knowledge and ability to utilize applicable computer programs, including, but not limited to: routing programs and basic internet access capabilities.
Must maintain accurate logs and/or records; perform basic mathematical calculations efficiently and accurately; and troubleshoot and resolve routine maintenance issues effectively.
Seeks training and guidance as appropriate.
Knowledge and understanding of safe techniques and procedures for the appropriate use of materials, hand tools, power tools, and equipment necessary.
Working knowledge Safety Data Sheets (SDS) sheets and personal protective equipment requirements.
Strong mechanical and organizational skills are essential.
Ability to take and process pictures of code violations and other occurrences as needed.
Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/smelling/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all administrative tasks as assigned.
Must possess good field of vision and be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory to process incoming stimuli and recall information and locations.
Physical strength and ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods under wet, cold, hot, dry, and generally unpleasant conditions.
Occasional to frequent bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck while performing related activities.
Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, ladders, inclines and uneven/rough terrains while maintaining balance and stability.
Occasional kneeling, crouching and/or stooping.
May work alone, or with others.
May require constant moving, sitting or standing for excessive periods of time.
Work is done primarily in an outside environment with all weather extremes, be exposed to: aggressive animals; rodents/vermin; stinging or biting insects; water; pollen; dirt; dust; smoke; noxious odors; hazardous refuse; chemicals; solvents; oil/grease; vibrations; gases and vapors; needles; drug paraphernalia; and traffic hazards.
Required to wear safety protective gear when necessary.
May come in contact with individuals who are irate, upset or otherwise emotionally distressed.
Work schedule is subject to change due to the needs of the division.
Work is required on some holidays and Saturdays.
Requires routinely driving and/or traveling to a variety of locations.
Will require routinely driving and traveling to a variety of locations.

Responsibilities

Delivers and removes metal bins, refuse and yard waste containers.
Cleans collection vehicles.
Cleans collections containers with a pressure washer and loads them into container washer.
Paints containers that may have graffiti.
Uses hand and power tools to build and repair containers.
Prunes overgrown trees and shrubs around collection sites.
Assist in the collection of special hauls that may include household items and/or large volumes of yard debris.
Uses shovel and/or pitchfork to scoop debris and garbage into collection vehicles.
Drives and/or operates vehicles as required between collection sites, provides ground guidance to assist Solid Waste Collector/Driver while backing or moving vehicle.
Assists Solid Waste Collector/Driver with various assigned tasks including ensuring equipment is fueled and operating safely, reporting hazardous waste or code violations, and entering information into service account logs.
Ensures work area is clean and organized to maintain accessibility and prevent accidents and unsafe conditions.
Safely drives and operates vehicles, trucks and motorized equipment to perform required duties in a variety of locations, within a timely and efficient manner and adhering to all traffic laws and regulations.
Keeps licenses and certifications up-to-date and completes mandatory and otherwise assigned trainings as required.
Contributes to the effectiveness of the Solid Waste/Refuse Division and the City of Yakima by exhibiting an attitude that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts, productive time management, and efficient use of resources.
Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
Requires regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
Performs other related duties as assigned.