Refuse Equipment Operator

Refuse Equipment Operator

This is skilled work for a professional driver encompassing heavy equipment operation in a commercial scale waste collection program. This position will service Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) and County of Loudoun government operated sites/facilities. The Refuse Equipment Operator will be responsible for meeting scheduled pickups on assigned routes, loading the refuse or recyclables into the heavy equipment provided and safely transporting the collected refuse/recyclables to the proper recycling center or landfill. Work is performed in all types of weather on congested roads in both urban and rural areas, and requires constant attention to safety.

Roles and Responsibilities

The following information is intended to describe the overall nature and scope of the work being performed. This is not a comprehensive listing of all responsibilities or tasks; work may differ and other work may be assigned when deemed appropriate.

• Operates a large front loader refuse collection truck to pick up and dispose of the waste/recycling steam generated by LCPS and County of Loudoun government.
• Operates refuse collection equipment in confined areas of schools, parks and other municipal/county government facilities in a safe and professional manner; this includes loading the truck from pre-staged containers, backing the vehicle in and out of tight areas, and compacting the trash with the hydraulic compactor unit in the truck.
• Determines load limits and assures equipment is operated within those limits.
• Washes and maintains refuse equipment to maintain function and appearance in a manner consistent with the professional image of LCPS Facilities Services.
• Maintains a constant awareness of the possibility of illegal hazardous waste dumping and notifies supervisory personnel when hazardous waste is suspected at LCPS or county government collection sites.

Qualifications

Below are the minimum qualifications for this job. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are also acceptable.

Education

High School Diploma or GED required

Experience

Experience operating large capacity, front-loading commercial refuse collection equipment and transporting refuse and recyclables on public roads

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License and must meet all Commercial Driver's License requirements
• Minimum 3 years of accident/conviction free commercial driving (not including minor traffic infractions)

In the state of Virginia (VA Code Section 46.2-341.4), and specifically when referencing the commercial driver's license (CDL), an "employee" is defined as:

• a payroll employee
• a person employed under a lease or contract or,
• a person who has applied for employment and whose employment is contingent upon obtaining a CDL.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understand/meet applicable waste management regulations and best practices
• Understands hazardous waste reporting procedures
• Knowledge of hazards and application of safety precautions in solid waste disposal field
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision

Physical Requirements

The following provides a brief description of physical requirements for this job:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk for extended periods of time; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects or tools; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to see, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch or bend, climb a ladder, and may be required to lift up to approximately 50 pounds. May be exposed to extreme temperatures or other inclement weather, and loud noises.