Solid Waste Operator

City of Tulare•Tulare, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs routine solid waste collection and disposal work on residential routes; maintains and repairs sanitation vehicles and equipment; and performs related work as required. This is the entry-level class in the solid waste operator series. Initially, employees work under close supervision while learning routes, vehicles, tools, equipment, and procedures. With experience, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. The position receives technical and functional direction and training from the Solid Waste Crew Leader and general supervision from the Solid Waste Supervisor. It does not supervise staff. The role involves driving and operating commercial sanitation vehicles on assigned routes and to points, scales, and transfer sites; collecting and disposing of residential waste; inspecting and maintaining vehicles and equipment; keeping work areas clean; interacting with residents; and maintaining logs and reports. Employees may be assigned to fill in on commercial routes as necessary. The City describes this as an entry-level opportunity with on-the-job training and potential advancement to senior commercial operator roles.

Requirements

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade and some experience in heavy equipment driving, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Possession of a Class B California Driver's License with Air Brake Endorsement.
Knowledge of basic solid waste collection and disposal principles, practices, vehicles, tools, and equipment for maintaining sanitation and cleanliness, including residential collection.
Knowledge of the operation and minor maintenance of a variety of tools, vehicles, and equipment.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Knowledge of safety equipment and practices related to the work, including handling hazardous solid waste, and safe driving rules and practices.
Knowledge of techniques for providing high-quality customer service to the public and City staff in person and over the telephone.
Ability to learn solid waste collection and disposal operations and related projects; safely and effectively use, operate, and maintain required equipment and tools; perform routine equipment maintenance; and troubleshoot maintenance problems.
Ability to work with heavy automotive equipment requiring motor coordination and physical strength, and to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods in all types of weather.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and maintain accurate logs, records, and basic reports.
Ability to follow department policies and procedures, understand and follow oral and written instructions, organize work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and in writing; exercise tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within applicable guidelines; and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 75 pounds, and heavier weights with proper equipment.

Responsibilities

Perform routine solid waste collection and disposal on prescribed residential routes, including cleaning waste around bins and the truck, operating the compactor, and retrieving and replacing containers.
Drive commercial sanitation vehicles on assigned routes and to points, scales, and transfer sites.
Operate solid waste vehicles, tools, and equipment, including side loaders, clam shell loaders, skiploaders, forklifts, and dump trucks.
Inspect vehicles and equipment before and after routes and perform preventative maintenance, including checking oil and water levels, brakes, and lights; changing tires; draining air tanks; washing and cleaning vehicles; and filling and greasing vehicles.
Observe and report overweight, unsafe, or broken dumpsters; maintain bins on route and grease or tighten bolts as needed.
Follow safe work methods and use required safety equipment.
Maintain clean and orderly work areas, including cleaning alleys of illegal dumping, trimming trees to ensure safe vehicle passage, and securing vehicles and equipment at the end of the workday.
Deliver and pick up containers for non-payment or new construction and exchange damaged containers.
Issue notices to customers regarding sanitation violations; respond to complaints and answer public questions or escalate issues to a crew leader or supervisor.
Respond to operational, maintenance, and repair emergencies as required.
Maintain records and logs of daily activities and prepare reports as necessary.
May fill in on commercial routes as necessary.
Perform related duties as assigned.