Equipment Operator

Senior Landfill Equipment Operator

Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

DEFINITION: Under general supervision, leads and participates in the operation of heavy equipment at the City landfill facility; makes minor mechanical adjustments in the field; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Senior Landfill Equipment Operator is the lead class in the Landfill Equipment series. The incumbent performs lead supervisory duties, including assisting in the planning, assigning, and evaluation of the work of subordinates, giving recommendations on discipline, and providing training as required in the daily operations of the City's Landfill and heavy equipment operations. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Solid Waste Supervisor by the latter's overall responsibility for the management of the City's Landfill.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED: Receives general supervision from the Solid Waste Supervisor. May exercise technical and functional supervision over maintenance workers and/or assigned workers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)

• Leads and participates in the operation of heavy equipment; plans, assigns, and evaluates the work of subordinates; participates in the development of work schedules.
• Oversees Equipment Operator crews in the operation of heavy equipment, such as trucks, compactors, backhoes, front-end loaders, or specialized landfill operations equipment, as needed, to operate the sanitary landfill or transfer station.
• Operates skip loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, and various other power-driven equipment in the performance of construction, maintenance, and repair tasks.
• Provides instruction and answers questions; provides training as necessary to ensure successful performance of tasks in conformance to established standards and work schedules; participates in disciplinary action when appropriate.
• Prepares and maintains records of work performed, and equipment, materials, and supplies used.
• Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and cites defects or needed repairs; orders parts and supplies; provides input into equipment purchases.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, State/local agencies, City management and staff, and the public.

OTHER DUTIES: (include but are not limited to the following)

• Provides back up operations to Gas Control System Specialist and Landfill Gatekeeper when needed.
• Assists Solid Waste Supervisor in daily operations of City Landfill.
• May be exposed to confidential and privileged information during the course of duties, which should be maintained as such.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment, and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The incumbent may use cleaning and lubricating chemicals, which may expose the employee to fumes or airborne particles, and the incumbents may be exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, and often work with constant interruptions. The incumbent may be required to respond to after hours emergency call-outs and perform routine standby duties. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.) Education and/or Experience: Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Senior Landfill Equipment Operator. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of three years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation of heavy equipment, and a high school diploma or equivalent.

License/Certificate: A valid class B California driver's license is required. Must maintain DL 51A health certification and possession of California endorsements required to operate applicable City vehicles and/or equipment.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge of: Mechanical, operational, and maintenance requirements of power-driven equipment; codes, regulations, and tasks requirements governing the use of equipment in completion of scheduled work; methods and techniques of supervision; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; modern office procedures, practices, methods, and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation; proper English, spelling, and grammar; and occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to: Lead others in the performance of related activities; operate heavy equipment safely and effectively; detect the need for major mechanical maintenance; perform routine adjustments and maintenance on equipment used; use and care for hand tools in making minor adjustments and performing routine maintenance of equipment; coordinate activities of assigned staff with other City departments; prepare routine records; lead, supervise, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned staff; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to: Safely and effectively operate, and supervise the operation of, a variety of light to heavy construction equipment, power and hand tools, and to perform other skilled and semi-skilled construction and maintenance tasks.

Medical: Applicants will be required as a prerequisite to employment to successfully pass a physical examination, including a drug screen, the cost of which will be paid by the City.

Selection/Exam Process: The person selected will be expected to perform all the functions of the position. Based on a review of the applications and the supplemental applications received, the candidates appearing to be the most qualified and meeting the City's particular needs will be invited in writing to the exam process. A candidate must achieve a passing score on each exam to proceed to the next exam.

Exam Information: Panel Oral Interview: 100%

The City of Whittier is an Equal Opportunity Employer