Transfer Vehicle Operator (CDL-A)

Salary: $23.53 - $26.00 Hourly
Location : Transportation, 4 Victory Blvd., Portsmouth, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: TVO Day
Department: Transportation
Division: Day Shift Transportation
Opening Date: 04/29/2026


Description
The Transfer Vehicle Operator transports solid waste with a tractor-trailer between SPSA Transfer Stations and other disposal sites, including the Landfill, in a safe and efficient manner. Performs daily preventive maintenance, safety checks and routine vehicle cleaning. Work is performed under the supervision of the Logistics and Transportation Manager and is carried out in accordance with Department of Transportation and SPSA requirements on or off public highways and roads.

Examples of Duties
Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The approximate amount of time spent on essential duties & responsibilities areas are as follows:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

% of Time

• Operates a tractor-trailer combination to transport solid waste between SPSA Transfer Stations and disposal site in a safe and timely fashion.

65%

• Operates and detaches/attaches trailer unloading mechanism according to established procedures.

10%

• Inspects each load before closing top and repacks load according to standard operating procedures.

10%

• Performs regular and routine inspection, maintenance, and cleaning of vehicle and equipment.

15%

• Operates a tractor-trailer combination to transport solid waste between SPSA Transfer Stations and other disposal sites, including the Landfill, in a safe and efficient manner.
• Observes all rules and regulations regarding the safe and preventable accident-free operation of motor vehicles according to Department of Transportation and SPSA requirements on and off public highways and roads.
• Inspects each load before closing tops prior to transport and repacks load, as necessary.
• Monitors the condition and performs regular and routine inspection of assigned vehicle and equipment.
• Maintains vehicle clean appearance by regular and routine washing and polishing as required by established standards.
• Performs minor maintenance, such as fluid level checks and additions, tire check, cleaning lights and reflectors, replacing washer fluid and fueling on a daily basis.
• Reports service needs to Logistics and Transportation Manager.
• Operates trailer-unloading mechanism according to established procedure.
• Connects and disconnects electrical lines, air lines and hydraulic hose from tractor-trailer.
• Releases 5th wheel and operates landing gear properly.
• Keeps daily equipment logs as required.
• Responsible for the proper use, operation, and cleanliness of assigned vehicles. Conscientiously operates vehicles and equipment in a manner which promotes longevity and maximum value.
• Observes all Department of Transportation rules and regulations.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Experience & Education

• Required Education - High school diploma or the equivalent required.
• Required Experience - Class A commercial driver's license with two years of experience driving a tractor-trailer combination, or a Class A commercial driver's license and graduation from an approved Tractor Trailer School with a minimum of one year of experience driving a tractor trailer combination.
• Required Licenses - Class A commercial driver's license. Good DMV record with less than two (2) moving traffic violations and no DUIs in three (3) years.

An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Knowledge & Skills

• Thorough knowledge of tractor-trailer equipment operation and maintenance needs, sufficient to drive safely and make required safety and maintenance checks.
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of commercial vehicle operation.
• Ability to maneuver a tractor-trailer combination at a fully competent level.
• Knowledge of the local geographical area, ability to read and understand maps and utilize GPS systems.
• Knowledge of traffic and safety rules and accident prevention practices.
• Skill in the safe and efficient operation of assigned equipment in adverse climate conditions.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and write basic reports and maintain logs, gather, and verify documentation.
• Skill in working within deadlines to complete projects and assignments.
• Skill in assessing, analyzing, identifying, and recommending solutions to problems.
• Basic operational knowledge of hydraulic systems.
• Good time management skills to ensure assigned responsibilities are completed in an efficient and safe manner while working through challenges as they may arise.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions
This position will transport and deliver solid waste from SPSA facilities, such as Transfer Stations to the Landfill facility in all weather conditions, including adverse climatic conditions (i.e., dust, odor, hot, cold, rain, snow). Subjected to work in cold weather, hot sun, extreme heat and around continuous dust and odor from trash. Requires wearing appropriate personal safety gear.
Machines, Tools & Equipment
This position will be required to regularly drive SPSA tractor trailers and maintain a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a good driving record in a safe and effective manner. Ability to operate tankers and yard hustler when needed.
Physical & Mental Requirements
This position requires the ability to:

• Drive a tractor-trailer combination safely and at a fully competent level for extensive periods of time (8- or 10-hour shifts).
• Follow traffic and safety rules, accident prevention practices, and standardized operating procedures.
• Manually latch and unlatch, open, and close a 50-100-pound pressure trailer rear door.
• Climb a portable staircase 13' 6" tall and push waste down to secure the load prior to closing the top.
• Use provided three-point support system(s) that enables a person to use simultaneously two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand while ascending, descending, or moving about the machine/equipment.
• Withstand up to 10 hours per day of bouncing and vibrations from driving on roads that are sometimes rutted and uneven.
• Connect and disconnect electrical lines, air lines, and hydraulic lines.
• Disconnect 5th wheel with fifty (50) pound pulling pressure and operate landing gear effectively.
• Safely drop trailer on a safe surface and good knowledge on how to operate landing gear.
• Adequately use arms and legs to allow for operation of manual gear shift.
• Reach and extend hands and arms above shoulders in any direction.
• Visually detect defective or worn-out parts and equipment and those which require cleaning and maintenance.
• Manual dexterity to work with hand tools on equipment, surfaces, and components.
• Bend and stoop to perform maintenance checks and minor maintenance on equipment.
• Operate machinery in close working conditions requiring good eye/hand coordination.
• Perform work in physically demanding environments, working in dusty, dirty, and odorous outdoor conditions year-round.
• Visually identify loads for hazardous materials before transport.
• Move materials up to 50 pounds.
• Communicate well, verbally and in writing with interpersonal skills and ability to relay information.
• Read, write, and comprehend general instructions, safety procedures, and reports.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions given in English.
• Work in a dynamic environment requiring teamwork and responsiveness to changing priorities and needs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Wear appropriate safety gear, including protective clothing, hearing protection, safety goggles, hard hat, and safety steel shank boots.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines, as needed.

SPSA offers a competitive benefits package to all full-time employees.

• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) - SPSA and employee contributions
• Short and Long Term Disability Coverage (VRS)
• Health Insurance (Includes Dental, Vision and Behavioral Health Coverage)
• Basic Life Insurance (SPSA paid)
• Delta Dental Insurance
• Aflac Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional Life Insurance available for Employee and Dependents
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Uniforms provided
• Safety shoes and PPE provided