Equipment Operator - Sanitation

Salary : $51,604.80 Annually Location : 1220 East 26th Street, Kearney, NE Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 00223 Department: Utilities Division: Sanitation Opening Date: 09/24/2026 FLSA: Non-Exempt Description First Application Review Date: 10/8/26 Under general supervision, drives and operates medium equipment and heavy-duty trucks, including refuse trucks and/or recycling trucks on assigned routes. Work varies; limited judgment within prescribed standards and procedures is required; adjusts work methods to meet task requirements. Essential Functions Operates trucks on City streets, State Highways and private parking lots. Empties containers by remote operating control or manually by pulling containers to the truck attaching the container to lifting equipment and emptying the container. Performs general truck inspection and maintenance to include washing, lubricating, repairing lights and hydraulic hoses, checking and changing tires and checking springs. Maintains route book and record of extra collections. Maintains and repairs containers. Operates balers when processing recyclables, operates forklifts and skid steer loaders for placing recyclables into semis for shipment, sorts recyclables, litter pickup, lawn mowing, sweeping and mopping of floors. Assist in snow removal operations as needed. Performs overtime as required and performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS:

Acts as lead worker on two-man packer truck.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public. (Daily) Regular timely/punctual attendance. (Daily) Write and comprehend written material for work assignments and work orders. (Daily) Maintain and safely operate equipment. (Daily) Assigned projects are performed properly and efficiently. (Daily) Handle solid waste properly and safely. (Daily)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Work Type: Medium, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects Climbing/Balancing: Moderate, climb inclines, uneven surfaces, balance required Walking: Minimal amount required Stooping/Bending: Occasionally Stand/Sit: Sit about 85 percent of the time Reaching: Occasional, overhead as well as horizontal Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions Color Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions Hearing: Regularly perceive nature of sounds by ear Speech: Regularly express ideas by means of spoken words Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently operates equipment requiring moderate ability Manual Dexterity: Frequently operates equipment requiring moderate ability

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Inside/Outside: Work outside and inside Cold/Heat: Adverse conditions possible Wet/Dry: Adverse conditions possible Noise/Vibrations: Heavy packer and truck noise Hazards: Exposure to traffic safety and dump areas Fumes/Dust/Odors: Exposure to yard dust, garbage odors and minimum exposure to fumes Infectious Diseases: Moderate exposure

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Ability to read and comprehend written material. Ability to listen to and apply information and instructions. Qualifications MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of eighth grade and three years' experience in the operation of small trucks and light equipment in construction, maintenance or related activities. Must possess a Nebraska Commercial Class B Driver's License with Air Brakes Certification.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:

None. Supplemental Information

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND WORK AIDS USED:

Sanitation trucks, shovels, rakes, forklifts, skid steer loaders, hand tools, brooms, power washer, computer two-way radio, phone, gloves, goggles, and various personal protective equipment.

REMARKS:

The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his/her duties. Rates effective January 1, 2026 and are subject to change. Benefits are effective on the 1st day of employment. Health and Dental Insurance: The City of Kearney Health Insurance Plans includes health, prescription, and dental coverage. The City offers two plans (traditional PPO and a high deductible option) Employee spouses' who have health/dental coverage available through their own employer are not eligible to participate in the City's health/dental insurance. Health/Dental (4 Tiers) - Traditional PPO Single Coverage $ 92.20 biweekly Employee + Spouse Coverage $196.62 biweekly Employee + Dependents Coverage $156.73 biweekly Family Coverage $229.57 biweekly Health/Dental (4 Tiers) - High Deductible Health Plan with HSA option Single Coverage $ 81.50 biweekly Employee + Spouse Coverage $174.03 biweekly Employee + Dependents Coverage $138.56 biweekly Family Coverage $203.05 biweekly HSA City Contribution: Individual - $750 Family - $1,200 Vision Insurance: EyeMed Vision coverage is available. Employee only - $3.32; Employee/Spouse - $6.30; Employee/Dependents - $6.64; Family - $9.76. All rates are bi-weekly payroll deductions. IdentityForce: Identity Theft Protection available, Employee/Children (children 26 and under) $8.49; Family $14.49 per month. Retirement: City contributes 6% if the employee contributes 6%. Life Insurance: The City pays 100% of the cost of employee life insurance of $50,000, spouse coverage $10,000, and dependent children coverage $5,000. Supplemental life insurance available at a discounted group rate. Cafeteria/Section 125: Can be used for medical and daycare expenses per IRS guidelines. Deferred Comp: Voluntary deferred compensation program (457 & Roth IRA Plans). EAP: Employee Assistance Program provides 6 free counseling sessions per issue for employees and dependents. Long Term Disability: Long term disability insurance provided by the City. Longevity: Annual payment of $300 after 5 years of continuous years of service with $50 increases every 5 years with a maximum payment of $550. Vacation: Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner: 80 hrs years 1 - 4; 120 hrs years 5 - 14; 160 hrs years 15+. New employees receive 40 hours of vacation upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Vacation leave may accumulate to a maximum of 240 hours. Medical Leave: Medical leave is accrued at a biweekly rate equal to 12 days a year. New employees receive 40 hours of medical leave upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Medical leave may accumulate to a maximum of 1,440 hours. Parental Leave: 3 weeks paid leave. Personal Leave: 2 personal days are provided on the first of every calendar year. Employees must be employed on January 1st to receive personal leave days. Unused personal leave does not carry over to the next year. Holidays: Twelve paid holidays per year. Military: Active members receive 120 hours of military leave annually. Military leave does not carry over to the next year. City of Kearney, NE