Temporary - Solid Waste Maintenance Worker

City of Yakima•Yakima, WA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a temporary, non-civil-service, non-union position limited to 866 work hours in the year. Under supervision, the Solid Waste Maintenance Worker assists Solid Waste Collector/Drivers with special hauls and debris collection, performs a variety of assigned tasks, and may drive or operate heavy special-purpose vehicles to collect and dump refuse. Work is performed primarily outdoors and involves travel to varied locations and exposure to weather extremes and other job-site hazards. The worker may work alone or with others, and the work schedule may change based on division needs. The position requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and have six months of construction, mechanical maintenance, or other related manual labor experience. A valid Washington State driver’s license is required upon hire until a Commercial Driver’s License is obtained. The worker must obtain and maintain a CDL with an A, B, or C endorsement as required by state regulations, either upon hire or within nine months of employment, and obtain First Aid/CPR certification within six months of appointment. The worker must meet DOT requirements for commercial drivers, including periodic physical examinations and drug screenings. Work includes strenuous physical labor, including lifting and carrying up to 65 pounds and, rarely, lifting heavier items up to 100 pounds with assistance or mechanical devices. Employees must be able to work outdoors in varied and sometimes unpleasant conditions, wear protective equipment when necessary, and work some weekends and holidays and extended hours as needed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or GED.
Six months of construction, mechanical maintenance, or other related manual labor experience.
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license upon hire until a CDL is obtained.
Must possess and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License with an A, B, or C endorsement as required by state regulations, or obtain one within nine months of employment.
Must obtain a First Aid/CPR Certificate within six months of appointment.
Must meet Department of Transportation requirements for commercial drivers, including the ability to pass periodic physical examinations and drug screenings; subject to random controlled-substance and alcohol testing.
Ability to drive and safely operate vehicles, heavy trucks, attachments, equipment, and tools, and to recognize traffic hazards and safety concerns.
Ability to perform strenuous physical work, including pushing, pulling, and lifting heavy refuse containers; lift and carry up to 65 pounds and, rarely, up to 100 pounds with assistance or mechanical devices.
Ability to recognize uncollectable refuse, including overweight or oversized containers and toxic, caustic, inflammable, explosive, or corrosive materials.
Knowledge of refuse services and regulations, route requirements, refuse-truck operating characteristics, and applicable city, state, and federal traffic laws.
Knowledge of safe procedures for using materials, hand tools, power tools, and equipment; working knowledge of Safety Data Sheets and personal protective equipment requirements.
Ability to maintain accurate records, perform basic calculations, troubleshoot routine maintenance issues, and use a computer, mobile devices, office equipment, routing programs, and basic internet access.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and orally with coworkers and members of the public; follow verbal and written instructions; and interpret, apply, and explain rules, policies, and procedures with a customer-service focus.
Ability to work independently with general direction and limited supervision, maintain attention to detail, manage competing tasks and deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and complete work in a timely manner.
Strong mechanical and organizational skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and demonstrate tact, diplomacy, respect, cooperation, and accountability.
Ability to work safely and comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, laws, policies, and standards.
Ability to work diverse shifts and routes, including weekends and holidays, and extended hours as necessary.
Ability to perform the physical and sensory demands described in the job posting, including outdoor work in weather extremes and traversing uneven terrain.

Responsibilities

Deliver and remove metal bins, refuse containers, and yard-waste containers.
Clean collection vehicles and containers, including using a pressure washer and loading containers into a container washer.
Paint containers, including covering graffiti, and build or repair containers using hand and power tools.
Prune overgrown trees and shrubs around collection sites.
Assist with special hauls, including household items and large volumes of yard debris.
Use a shovel or pitchfork to load debris and garbage into collection vehicles.
Drive or operate vehicles between collection sites and provide ground guidance to Solid Waste Collector/Drivers when backing or moving vehicles.
Assist the Solid Waste Collector/Driver with assigned tasks, including fueling equipment, ensuring it operates safely, reporting hazardous waste or code violations, and entering information into service account logs.
Keep work areas clean and organized to maintain accessibility and prevent accidents and unsafe conditions.
Safely operate vehicles, trucks, motorized equipment, tools, and machinery while following traffic laws and regulations.
Maintain current licenses and certifications and complete mandatory and assigned training.
Maintain accurate logs or records and perform basic mathematical calculations.
Take and process pictures of code violations and other occurrences as needed.
Contribute to efficient operations, productive time management, cooperation, and customer service for internal and external customers.
Attend work regularly, reliably, and punctually, and perform other related duties as assigned.