Solid Waste Operator

Job Overview

This is a temporary position. The employee will be responsible for all residential and commercial solid waste operations for the City of Palmer. Responsibilities include operating specialized collection trucks, dumpsters, and receptacle cans, performing light maintenance, processing reports, orders, inventories, and manual labor. The employee is expected to exercise independent judgment while carrying out duties within established guidelines, standards, and procedures.

A high level of safety consciousness is required.

• 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 routes, 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 specialized equipment, city streets by name and location, and the house numbering system.
• Use safe work practices.
• Operate equipment safely and proficiently.
• 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 an acceptable driving record.
• Prior experience in solid waste collection preferred.
• Knowledge of traffic laws, waste collection procedures, and safety.
• Experience operating light equipment, heavy trucks, and use of hand tools.
• Ability to comprehend and execute oral or written instructions and apply guidelines to varied situations.
• Ability to organize activities and tasks efficiently 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 towards a common goal.
• Ability to meet attendance requirements for the position.

The benefits outlined below apply to eligible full‑time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance via Premera BCBS.
• Life insurance policy via Met Life.
• Short‑term disability (STD) policy.
• Employee assistance program for employees and eligible dependents.
• Enrollment in the State of Alaska Division of Retirement PERs program.
• Supplemental benefits available from Colonial Life, AFLAC, Allstate, and Met Life (employee‑paid).
• Leave benefits information available in Palmer Municipal Code, Title 4 at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). or by contacting Human Resources at human resources.

The City of Palmer complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats may contact 1‑907‑761‑1302. The City of Palmer is an equal opportunity employer.