Solid Waste Operator

this is a temporary position. The employee occupying this position is responsible for all residential and commercial solid waste operations for the city of palmer. Employee is responsible for the operation and light maintenance of specialized collection trucks, dumpsters, and receptacle cans in a safe and efficient manner. The employee is expected to operate specialized collection equipment, conduct light maintenance, process written reports /orders / inventories, and perform manual labor.

Considerable independent judgment must be exercised while performing duties within prescribed guidelines, standards, and procedures. This position requires a high level of continuous safety consciousness.

• learn and perform solid waste collection procedures.
• check service order reports against active service orders.
• coordinate work performed with service order requests.
• develop and maintain inventory and inventory numbering system for all solid waste equipment and parts.
• negotiate service work with commercial business owners including scheduling and service fees.
• operate solid waste collection equipment on schedule.
• keep schedule of solid waste collection route(s), maintain records of waste quantity, and report maintenance problems.
• perform heavy lifting (up to 60 pounds), load and unload trucks and use various hand tools.
• learn the operation of the specialized equipment, learn city streets by name and location, and learn the house numbering system.
• learn and use safe work practices.
• responsible for operation of equipment in a safe and proficient manner.
• perform other related duties as required by the superintendent of public works.

• high school diploma or general education degree (ged).
• current valid state of alaska class b – commercial driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• prior experience in solid waste collection preferred.
• knowledge of traffic laws, waste collection procedures, and safety.
• prior experience operating light equipment, heavy trucks, and use of hand tools.
• ability to comprehend and execute oral or written instructions and to apply guidelines to varied situations.
• ability to organize activities and tasks in an efficient and effective manner and work independently in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• ability to meet and deal with the public and others in a pleasant and courteous manner.
• ability to work as a member of a team working towards a common goal.
• ability to meet attendance requirements for the position.

the above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by person(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel in this position. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.