Solid Waste Operator

Overview

The City of Fort Myers strives to be an employer of choice and most of our employees turn jobs into long term careers. The salary shown in the job description is the full range for this position from entry to later career. NEW EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AT, OR NEAR THE ENTRY POINT SHOWN, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE. FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt. Safety Sensitive: YES. Level II Screening: NO.

Under the general direction of the designated supervisor, this role is responsible for the operation of a solid waste vehicle and the removal of trash and recycling at homes and businesses, and/or special pickups. Assist other crews/employees to ensure daily tasks are completed as needed. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Employees may be required to work during a declared emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice. Non-Essential Employees will not be required to work during a declared emergency. The employee’s Department Head will determine when the employee will be required to work.

• Operate solid waste vehicle(s) and collect trash/recycling along an assigned route.
• Transport and dispose trash and recycling materials at authorized disposal areas.
• Provide information to customers regarding trash/recycling pickup schedules and answer inquiries about materials and disposal of hazardous waste.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and ensure maintenance is up to date for safe operation.
• Inform supervisor about safety issues, route changes, customer complaints, and equipment status.
• Maintain route sheets, timesheets, vehicle inspection forms, and billing records.
• Assist Trades worker II in the Solid Waste Maintenance Department as needed.
• Assist with delivery and removal of carts, commercial dumpsters, roll-offs, and compactors.
• Report carts/dumpsters requiring repair or replacement.
• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance and physical presence at the workplace.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of heavy trucks (Class 8 – 16 1/2 tons or larger) or solid waste equipment.
• General knowledge of the mechanical operation of equipment.
• Knowledge of occupational safety rules, practices and PPE relevant to solid waste operations, in traffic and adverse weather conditions.
• Knowledge of City and State rules, regulations and protocols.
• Ability to operate a large truck efficiently and establish effective working relationships.
• Ability to adapt to deadlines and emergency situations.
• Ability to receive and understand oral and written directions in English.
• Ability to recognize and address common safety issues in the field.
• Ability to detect improper functioning mechanical systems.
• High School diploma or GED; related experience or training may substitute for the diploma.
• One year of experience operating heavy vehicles or solid waste equipment.
• Valid Florida Class B Commercial Driver’s License with airbrake endorsement and a satisfactory driving record.
• Department of Transportation (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Drug/Alcohol Testing required.

This work typically requires the following physical activities:
Balancing, Climbing, Crawling, Crouching, Feeling, Fingering, Grasping, Handling, Hearing (two aspects), Kneeling, Lifting, Mental Acuity, Pushing, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Speaking, Standing, Stooping, Visual Acuity (multiple aspects), Pulling, Walking. These activities may be required to perform job duties.

• Outdoor work with exposure to weather, uneven terrain, and potential exposure to chemicals, pathogens, smoke.
• Contact with customers, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to work after hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and during emergencies.
• May require hours outside the regular schedule, including on-call hours.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. The duties listed are representative and not all-inclusive.