Sanitation Equipment Operator

Sanitation Equipment Operator / Trainee

Performs responsible semiskilled work operating a refuse collection vehicle in the collection of solid waste; does related work as required. Work is performed under regular supervision. Limited supervision is exercised over assigned crew members.

• Operates refuse collection trucks:
  • Trainee / Level I:
    Rear-load and flat‑bed refuse collection trucks picking up refuse on a predetermined route.
  • Level II:
    Side-load, rear-load, and flat‑bed refuse collection trucks picking up refuse on a predetermined route.
  • Level III:
    Front-load, grapple‑load, side-load, rear-load, and flat‑bed refuse collection trucks picking up refuse on a predetermined route.
• Obeys all traffic laws and safety guidelines; monitors the immediate environment and work area to ensure the safety of the operator, other workers, the equipment, and the public.
• Operates hydraulic mechanisms for compressing and dumping refuse.
• Transports refuse to pre‑designated disposal areas.
• Drives and operates a truck to collect household appliances, furniture, and unusually large amounts of trash.
• Performs routine inspections, cleaning, fueling, and preventive maintenance on assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Directs personnel assigned to the truck.
• When normal operations of City departments are suspended or interrupted due to a declaration that a state of emergency exists, employees in this classification will be deemed essential by the City and required to work.

• Knowledge of:
  • Florida motor vehicles and traffic laws.
  • Occupational safety hazards and safety precautions.
  • Care and operation of assigned equipment.
  • Applicable regulations regarding the proper collection, transport, and disposal of solid waste.
  • Street locations and address sequencing.
  • Safe driving practices.
• Skill in:
  • Operation of specially designed refuse collection equipment, including the manipulation of the container lifting arm to empty a refuse container while operating in high‑traffic and tight conditions.
  • Performing pre‑trip and post‑trip vehicle safety inspections.
  • Training other employees in the operation of specialized equipment.
• Abilities of:
  • Read, understand, and carry‑out oral and written instructions.
  • Prepare routine records of activities.
  • Work independently in the performance of assigned duties.
  • Read, understand, and follow a route map and/or street guide.
  • Deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in non‑standard situations.
  • Climb in and out of trucks and heavy equipment.
  • Climb stairs and ladders.
• Sanitation Equipment Operator Trainee:
  • Requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of 10th grade.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Class‑B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) including appropriate endorsement(s).
  • High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
• Sanitation Equipment Operator I:
  • Requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of 10th grade.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Class‑B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), including appropriate endorsement(s).
  • Minimum of two (2) years’ related work experience is required.
  • High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.

• Career Growth:
  Structured advancement path includes Trainee, Operator I, II, and III levels, each with pay increases and expanding responsibilities.
• Competitive Pay:
  • Training and Trainee: $20.40/hr.
  • Operator I:
    Starting at $21.48/hr.
  • Operator II:
    Starting at $22.00/hr.
  • Operator III:
    Starting at $22.56/hr.
  • Experienced operators with additional qualifications may earn more.
• Training & Development:
  Hands‑on experience operating modern sanitation vehicles and equipment; all training provided.
• Community Impact:
  Help maintain the health, cleanliness, and beauty of Boca Raton for thousands of residents daily.

• Pursuant to the SEIU collective bargaining agreement, employees must have abstained from the use of cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products for at least one year prior to their date of hire and shall abstain from the use of tobacco products at all times during their employment with the City while both on and off duty.