Solid Waste Equipment Operator

The City of Roanoke is seeking a Solid Waste Equipment Operator to operate an automated side loader, knuckle boom, and/or packer truck depending on the route assigned. The driver will service over 900 residential or business locations per day, acting as the primary point of contact with citizens regarding solid waste, recycling, and bulk/brush issues. Strong customer service, route planning, map reading, and knowledge of city code and policy requirements are essential.

The operator must be able to abate hydraulic spills and follow procedures for chemical reactions in the truck, as well as maintain accurate logs and report maintenance needs.

This is a non‑exempt position.

The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.

• Operate automated side loader, knuckle boom, and/or packer truck.
• Read maps and logically plan the most efficient route.
• Serve as the primary contact with citizens concerning solid waste, recycling, and bulk/brush issues.
• Explain city code and policy requirements tactfully to citizens.
• Abate hydraulic spills and follow procedures if a chemical reaction occurs in the truck.
• Discuss job requirements and receive directions from a supervisor.
• Maintain accurate log sheets and checklists.
• Operate heavy and light equipment during snow removal.
• Inspect equipment for safety, ensuring the truck is equipped with all necessary items (pitchforks, radios, brooms, dust pans, toter barrels, spill kit, water cooler, first aid kit, safety flares, etc.).
• Train and instruct sanitation workers.
• Apply knowledge of rules, regulations, guidelines, safety orders, and departmental procedures to ensure compliance.
• Follow safety rules and procedures, avoiding known hazards.
• Place safety above all other job requirements.

May supervise 1–2 sanitation workers, carrying out responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws, and responsible for the safety and customer interaction of the workers.

High school diploma or GED and 2–3 years of experience:

• CDL A/B experience, city driving with multiple stops per day.
• Experience in solid waste management preferred.
• 2–3 years of customer interaction experience.

• Read and interpret documents such as maps, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Communicate effectively and tactfully with citizens and coworkers.

• Apply common sense to carry out instructions given in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Valid Class B commercial driver's license with air brake endorsement issued by the state of Virginia.

Regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; walk, climb, balance, talk, or hear. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include adjusting focus.

Regular exposure to outside weather conditions, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles. Noise level is usually loud.

The City of Roanoke is committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing diverse differences, fostering an inclusive work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a vibrant community.