Refuse Equipment Operator

Job Title

Under general supervision, performs specialized skilled work in the operation of one or more types of motorized heavy equipment used in the transfer of refuse and debris from collection sites to the SPSA landfill for the Public Works Department.

Work involves operating such heavy equipment as refuse compactor, crash truck or dump trucks. Employee is responsible for manipulating such vehicles with considerable skill and constant attention to safety of operation in order to prevent accidents. Employee is also responsible for performing minor preventive maintenance on equipment; and performing various duties to assist department labor crews. Employee must exercise some independent judgment in the performance of assigned tasks. Reports to the Refuse Field Supervisor.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Essential Job Functions

• Inspects compactor truck and prepare for daily pick up of large refuse which includes checking oil, water, tires, air tanks and checking all other requirements needed before leaving the lot; inspect and prepare Automated and Compactor trucks when assigned; report any damage to the Supervisor.
• Picks up large refuse for the City of Suffolk which includes piles of limbs and bulk items.
• Calls dispatch when piles of limbs or debris looks too large to pick up and the Inspector needs to investigate.
• Assists with neighborhood clean-ups which involves picking up large amounts of debris and limbs.
• Maintains cleanliness of truck by keeping truck cleaned, washed and greased.
• Reports any breakdowns and follow requirements needed in taking truck to proper facility to get repaired.
• Follows safety procedures at all times which includes no involvement with accidents or moving violations.
• Disposes of dead animals as needed in the downtown area.
• May assist other department labor crews in such tasks as moving voting machines, erecting or dismantling holiday decorations sponsored by City, assisting in preparations for public events, etc.
• May perform on call duties for inclement weather at all times including snow storms, hurricanes, rain and extreme heat.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent. Requires a valid commercial driver's license or commercial driver's license permit (Must be able to obtain valid commercial driver's license within six (6) months of employment.)

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of the operation of motorized equipment used in sanitation operations.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and the proper safety precautions involved in operating heavy motorized equipment.
• Skilled in the use and operation of various heavy trucks.
• Ability to operate trucks over assigned routes safely and in accordance with traffic laws and regulations.
• Ability to perform minor maintenance on heavy motorized equipment.
• Ability to follow oral instructions.
• Ability to work effectively in an unpleasant working environment.
• Ability to exercise tact and courtesy in contact with the general public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
• Ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors.
• Ability to read work orders; to prepare work orders, using prescribed formats.
• Ability to speak to people with poise, voice control and confidence.
• Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagrammatic form; to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in or from standardized forms.
• Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently in Standard English.
• Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract.
• Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.