Sanitation Operator

Position: Sanitation Operator I
Salary: $18.46 - $22.03 Hourly
Location : VA 24540, VA
Job Type: Full Time Hourly
Job Number: 1002483
Department: Public Works
Division: Sanitation
Opening Date: 02/25/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Description
Ensures trash, debris, yard-waste, recycling, etc. are collected and processed or disposed. Operates sanitation trucks and vehicles (front-end loader, bucket truck, rear loader, roll-off, compost grinder, and clamshell) and picks up waste, sorts recycling, oversees solid waste collectors, changes out containers, and moves refuse in the landfill.

The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Collects, moves, or relocates trash, recycling, debris, yard-waste, refuse, etc. by operating trucks and vehicles; driving routes; and ensuring trash is collected regularly and is in its appropriate transfer station, compost site or recycling center.
• Picks up and delivers dump and roll off containers by dropping off empty containers; picking up filled containers; loading trailers; and ensuring refuse is covered.
• Drives truck and supervises inmates and solid waste collectors; train inmates.
• Provides emergency response during severe weather (snow, floods, storms, etc.)

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
High School Diploma or GED and two to four years of experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above

Certifications/Licenses

• Valid Driver's License (CDL Class
  
  A) and acceptable driving record according to City criteria

Job Knowledge
Basic familiarity with the work to know common principles and terminology and to understand and solve simple problems.

Reading
Intermediate:
Ability to read papers, periodicals, journals, manuals, dictionaries, thesauruses, and encyclopedias.

Writing
Basic:
Ability to write simple sentences containing subject, verb, and object, and/or series of numbers, names, and addresses.

Math
Basic:
Ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).

Communication Skills
Requires regular & routine interaction involving exchange and receipt of information.

Independence and Decision-Making
Normally performs job by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. There is a choice of appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Technical Skills
Work requires a comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization.

Fiscal Responsibilities
No budgetary/fiscal responsibility.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Performs essentially the same work as those directed. Includes oversight of quality, training, instructing and scheduling work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work requires heavy physical effort, exerting 50-100 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs. constantly.
• Adequate vision, hearing and talking to drive and communicate effectively with others.
• Constant need for fine dexterity.
• Frequent walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, crouching, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, and talking.
• Occasional standing, walking and kneeling.
• Rare need to handle paperwork or crawl.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and predictable attendance is expected.
• May frequently be required to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and to work closely with others as part of a team.
• May occasionally experience time pressure and irregular work schedule/overtime.
• May rarely experience emergency situations and frequent change of task.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
Typically operates sanitation trucks and vehicles, and equipment such as grinder, burn pit blower, hand tools, etc.; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
This work is typically performed outside, where there is daily exposure to respiratory and physical hazards, and noise and vibrations. There is constant exposure to mechanical and fire hazards, and physical danger or abuse. There is occasional exposure to explosives. There is seasonal exposure to extreme temperatures and wetness/humidity. There is rare exposure to chemical and electrical hazards and to communicable diseases.

The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task (hard hat, safety vest, steel-toe shoes, eye and protection, gloves, etc.); and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.
Accident Insurance
The City provides optional off the job accident insurance through Allstate. This insurance provides reimbursement for treatments associated with a wide array of accidents and injuries, and is available for immediate family members. Premiums are…