Solid Waste Collection Operator Operates a grapple truck, or fifth-wheel unit, to transport and dispose of solid waste material collected from City commercial and residential locations. Performs experienced operations and supports lower level operators when needed. Environmental FactorsPosition functions outdoors with exposure to all weather and traffic conditions; exposure to noise, mechanical hazards, gases, chemicals, odors, fumes, dust, dirt, moving equipment and vehicles; possibility of cuts, bruises, dog bites, and traffic hazards. Protective clothing includes safety shoes, eye wear, gloves, vest, and hard hat. Physical Factors Moderate to heavy physical effort is required to perform job functions including ability to lift items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds and push/pull items weighing up to seventy-five (75) pounds and balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, crouching, kneeling, and reaching above shoulder height. Sufficient clarity of speech, hearing, or other communication capabilities, vision or other powers of observation, manual dexterity, and personal mobility and physical reflexes sufficient to effectively and efficiently perform essential job functions. Work Situation FactorsPosition involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Operates a 66,000 pound gross vehicle weight (GVW), 10-wheel truck with 8-shift transmission, equipped with front, side, and roll-off loading mechanism to collect solid waste material from residential and commercial waste containers. Maintains a safe localized environment equipment ensuring a visual on several different variables that can be an issue behind the controls of equipment; operates equipment safely and efficiently use while in tight quarters such as behind building between cars and other obstacles; ensures all safety precautions and protocols are followed. Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections, routine vehicle service, and general re-fueling; checks and adds various fluids to include oil, water, and hydraulic fluids; checks tires and air level and drains air tanks as needed to ensure safety and proper maintenance is performed; reports issues so any necessary repairs can be scheduled and vehicle and equipment are maintained in proper working condition. Responds to inquiries, complaints, and emergencies; maintains necessary documentation, daily log books, mileage records, and other records; prepares and presents various special and recurring reports, forms, and other documents as required and requested in compliance with established policies and procedures. Delivers and removes residential containers as needed and required to ensure appropriate levels of service; inspects commercial containers to maintain proper functionality and condition. Provides leadership as the acting supervisor, assigning tasks and monitoring the solid waste staff's workflow in the absence of the supervisor Provides performance feedback, trains, and instructs employees to meet established goals and objectives; participates in staff evaluations with designated supervisor to provide impartial feedback regarding performance; assures that staff maintain safety standards and adhere to policies and procedures for efficient and safe operations. Reviews, maintains, and updates records in various formats, mediums, and automated systems to ensure data integrity and adherence to internal controls, practices, and policies; demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless services. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:This is the senior level class in the Collection Representative series; employees at this level perform complex and/or specialized duties which may include additional responsibility for handling more complex accounts and inquiries, serving as lead to other workers, training other employees, serving as a resource to other staff, and back-up to supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications:
No specific education requirement. Four (4) years of experience operating vehicles of at least 66,000 pounds (GVW). A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.
Licenses/Certification(s):
Valid State of New Mexico Class B Commercial driver's license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of: principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.
Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.
Skills in: reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.
