Equipment Operator

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Under the general supervision of the Supervisor (I/II) – Solid Waste, performs skilled work in the operation of solid waste collection equipment and vehicles. Safely operates solid waste collection trucks and related equipment on assigned residential, commercial, or special collection routes. Ensures the efficient and timely collection, transport, and disposal of solid waste materials in accordance with established procedures and safety regulations. Conducts routine inspections of equipment and reports maintenance or safety concerns to appropriate personnel. Assists with occasional manual labor related to waste collection, including loading materials, handling containers, and maintaining cleanliness of assigned routes and equipment. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Equipment Operator I This position exercises no supervision. Equipment Operator II This position may exercise technical supervision over the Equipment Operator I. IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES Equipment Operator I Operate trash collection or recycling vehicles, and other Solid Waste Service vehicles and equipment. Pick up trash, brush, litter, bulky items, and recycling materials. Read street maps and route sheets to locate route destinations. Perform basic vehicle inspections and preventive maintenance. Check, service, and clean equipment. Maintain vehicle records. Safe completion of the route; and follow all Division safety rules. Report and complete paperwork for unsafe working conditions, accidents, and injuries to the supervisor. Dump collected trash or recyclables at designated dump sites/landfills. Equipment Operator II Complete route without assistance and with minimal incidents. Train Equipment Operator I employees in the proper use of equipment. Observation of safe practices of untrained employees. OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: Operating characteristics and servicing of one or more types of solid waste handling equipment. Work hazards and applicable safety precautions associated with assigned equipment and division operations. Applicable traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations involved in the operation of assigned equipment. Safe driving principles and practices. Skill to: Operate and care for a variety of tools, machinery, and equipment used in work assigned. Safely operate motor vehicles and equipment. Ability to: Perform minor equipment maintenance repairs. Make minor operating adjustments and recognize operating deficiencies in assigned equipment. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Complete assigned route by following written and printed instructions. Read maps and write reports. Maintain a safe driving record. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally. Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do. Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division's mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect. Equipment Operator II Ability to: Complete service route without direct supervision. Independently operate assigned solid waste equipment. Experience and Training Guidelines For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through: Equipment Operator I Experience This is an entry-level position. Previous experience in the safe operation of large commercial equipment is preferred. Education/Training A high school diploma or GED is required. License or Certificate A valid Texas Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required. Equipment Operator II Experience Thirty (30) days of experience with the operation and servicing of City of Abilene Solid Waste equipment and service router or prior equivalent experience is required. Education/Training Completed training on assigned equipment as verified by the assigned training on a Training Completion form is required. Completion of Solid Waste Equipment Training is required.