Solid Waste Operator I

City of Atlanta•Atlanta, GA

2d•$40,945 - $51,181

About The Position

The Solid Waste Operator I drives and operates commercial garbage trucks, including rear loaders, for the Department of Public Works. The role works alongside laborers to collect household waste, recyclables, yard debris, and other materials, and to transport collected waste to dump sites. The operator checks vehicles and equipment for readiness, maintains and secures them, and records waste weights and GPS information in the city database using a portable tablet. The position requires a valid commercial driver’s license and the motor skills and physical capabilities needed to perform assigned work safely and effectively. The role involves operating dual-drive, conventional rear-loader, and mini-garbage trucks; assisting with collection work; communicating with management, coworkers, and the public; and following safety protocols. Physical work includes lifting and moving objects, with heavy-work demands of exerting up to 100 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds constantly.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least six months of experience operating heavy trucks or other large equipment.
Flagger certification.
CDL B.
Knowledge of safe operating procedures and user maintenance for equipment operated.
Knowledge of collection routes and operating schedules.
Skill in operating vehicles, equipment, and tools.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to learn and understand subject-matter principles and techniques.
Physical ability to operate job-related machines at required efficiency levels and perform physical labor, including moving or carrying related objects or materials.
Ability to use basic mathematical operations and determine percentages, time, and weight.
Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape.
Ability to coordinate body movements while using job-related equipment.
Ability to interact with supervisors and customers beyond exchanging instructions.

Nice To Haves

CDL A.
Heavy equipment certification.
One year of equipment operating experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct pre-trip inspections of trucks and equipment to confirm operational readiness.
Drive commercial vehicles safely in traffic while protecting laborers riding on the rear step.
Perform post-trip inspections, refuel trucks, and check for issues.
Safely operate dual-drive garbage trucks, conventional rear-loader garbage trucks, and mini-garbage trucks.
Collect household garbage, trash, yard trimmings, recyclables, and other curbside materials.
Use machinery and tools such as shovels, rakes, brooms, and pitchforks to collect waste and empty receptacles.
Review daily schedules to choose efficient routes and landfill trips based on workload.
Maintain and secure departmental vehicles and equipment, including cleaning, minor repairs, and reporting damage.
Retrieve and maintain daily scale reports and track waste transported and dumped.
Communicate with management, employees, and the general public.
Assist laborers during waste collection as needed.
Enter weight-ticket and GPS information into the database system.
Refuel trucks with diesel and DEF and ensure gas generators are started and operational.
Empty trash cans and push debris up for efficient dumping.
Clean equipment and lock down the building at the end of the day.
Explain acceptable recycling items to customers.
Follow safety protocols to protect workers and the public.
Perform other duties as assigned.