Sanitation Equipment Operator

Salary: $39,956.80 - $63,939.20 Annually
Location : Public Services Complex, Kinston, NC
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 01446
Department: Public Services
Division: Environmental Services
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: 8/3/2026 5:00 PM Eastern


Description


Performs equipment operation in the collection and disposal of residential and commercial refuse, recycling, construction, yard waste, appliances, furniture, and other materials.

Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class participates in the work of crews engaged in skilled equipment operation on an assigned route to collect and dispose of a variety of residential household garbage and recycling materials, commercial refuse, yard waste, and large items. Work requires skill in the operation of heavy sanitation equipment in tight spaces, in the dark, and/or on crowded streets and the ability to train and lead a team including strong safety awareness and precautions. The employees serve as lead worker with a small team of refuse collectors. Work is performed in accordance with established safety rules and regulations, and the employee is held accountable for the successful completion of the route and proper cleaning and maintenance of the truck. Employee is subject to hazards of sanitation work including working in an outside environment exposed to extreme cold, heat, noise, atmospheric conditions, chemicals, moving mechanical parts, oils, and skin irritates. Work is also subject to the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated by observation and customer feedback to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of collection and related duties.

Essential Functions
Operates sanitation equipment associated with the collection of solid waste which may include a rear, front and/or side loading hydraulic loader packer with or without side arm or related sanitation equipment in the collection and disposal of garbage and recycling materials from residential and commercial areas of the city; operates heavy equipment in early/dark hours, in tight areas, and around overhead limbs, parked cars and utility lines.

Conducts pre-trip and post-trip inspections on sanitation equipment; performs operational and fluid checks on equipment; washes, cleans and deodorizes equipment and trucks.

Participates in the collection of solid waste from residential areas and businesses in the City; collects containers and pulls to the truck for emptying; operates a hydraulic lift or picks up and empties garbage containers and recycling bins; rolls cans back into place; collects any trash that falls from cans; operates hydraulic lift and compactor mechanism in the truck.


May go to side or rear yard to collect containers for handicapped and elderly residents.

Transports garbage, refuse and recyclables to landfill and appropriate disposal areas.

May work alone to collect refuse.

May train team members and watches out for the safety of team members and the public.

Tarps and drives dump truck or flatbed truck to collect curbside yard waste, appliances, furniture, dead animals, and construction debris.

Performs pick up and delivery of residential containers to customers.

Makes records of new customers, fuel use, times and stops, and unusual situations on route; maintains and submit reports and records.

Reports maintenance issues and repair needs to supervisor.

Addresses inquiries and provides information to the public regarding solid waste policies and collection regulations.

May fill in for coworkers or other divisions.

Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilitie s

Considerable knowledge of the traffic laws and the layout of the street system of the City.

Considerable knowledge of the operation and maintenance of heavy motorized sanitation equipment in the dark around overhead limbs and utility lines and parked cars and traffic.

Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions of refuse collection work.

Working knowledge of the methods and techniques applied in the collecting, loading and unloading of garbage, recycling, and refuse along assigned routes.

Working knowledge of ordinances and regulations regarding the operation of motorized equipment.

Working knowledge of City policies and regulations regarding the collection and disposal of various solid waste materials.

Working knowledge of the maintenance and minor repair of trucks.

Working knowledge of the safe operation of truck hydraulic lifts and compactor mechanisms.

Skill in the operation of a variety of large trucks and heavy equipment in tight locations around traffic, overhead utility lines, and before dawn.

Ability to prepare simple records of work activities.

Ability to learn and follow established routes.

Ability to effectively train and lead the work of crew members.

Ability to identify maintenance and repair needs of equipment and make minor repairs.

Ability to communicate effectively with the public to respond to inquiries about collection schedules and waste collection requirements.

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Ability to work in all types of weather including adverse weather conditions.
Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school and considerable experience in the operation of heavy motorized equipment and vehicles, preferably in the collection of solid waste materials; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special Requirement

Possess of valid North Carolina Grade B Commercial Driver's License.

Physical Requirements


Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and perform repetitive motions.
Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; 20 pounds frequently; and 10 pounds constantly to lift or otherwise move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to operate motorized sanitation equipment and distinguish traffic patterns and safety hazards to avoid injury to self and others; to determine accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work performed; and to operate hand and power tools and equipment.
All full-time regular employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package which includes, vacation, and sick leave and twelve holidays. Also available are medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. For an overview of the City of Kinston's benefits package offered please click here: .