Equipment Operator III - Waste Management

Position Description

This posting will be used to fill full-time, Safety-Sensitive Equipment Operator III position located in Waste Management Services in the Department of Public Works. This is advanced level work operating heavy-sized vehicles and construction equipment and performing semi-skilled and laborer work. NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK Employees in this class are expected to have advanced skills in the operation and preventive maintenance of a variety of construction vehicles and equipment as well as perform skilled laborer duties in waste management services. Contacts are generally limited to the crew to which the position is assigned as well as with the public in providing information, assistance, and ensuring laws and regulations are followed. The work requires considerable judgment in carrying out assignments and minimum supervision, and the work completed should not require modifications. The more complex vehicles and construction equipment that employees in this class operate would include a tractor-trailer, grader, gradall, track backhoe/excavator, and backhoe. Due to the nature of responsibilities for this position, employees are expected to be available to work hours outside of the normal workweek. Work assignments are received from a supervisor or team leader, and general guidelines are provided in how the work needs to done. There is considerable physical effort required in lifting and moving heavy materials and equipment and standing or walking for considerable periods of time, and repeated bending, crawling, or stretching. The working conditions expose the worker to dirty, noisy, dusty areas where very disagreeable odors may be present. The hazards of the job require wearing hard hats, safety shoes and glasses, when working with dangerous machinery, and tools or equipment in confined spaces. Work is frequently performed in adverse weather conditions for long periods of time. This position may have considerable contact with the public that requires courtesy and patience while providing information on county practices and policies. Work performance is reviewed and evaluated by a supervisor.

Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Operates a variety of solid waste hauling, disposal, and support vehicles and equipment such as over-the-road tractor pulling a compactor trailer, lowboy trailer, walking floor trailer, tub grinder, tanker and other similar trailers In addition operates roll off truck, water truck, bulk item truck, rear loading truck, backhoe, rubber tire loader, forklift, tri-axle dump truck, and stationary compactor units. Performs preventive maintenance on vehicles, tools, and equipment. Performs as required all laborer type tasks that are performed by lower classified employees. Responds to work emergencies and call-outs after normal work hours. Drives a tractor-trailer containing residential solid waste and recycling to various disposal and processing facilities for further processing. Drives a tractor-trailer that tows a tub grinder to various locations in the landfill and also may haul residential solid waste and recycling to various disposal and processing facilities for further processing. May be assigned supervisory duties at a convenience center or landfill in absence of a supervisor. Operates for training purposes and during temporary staffing shortfalls vehicles and equipment normally operated by a Senior Equipment Operator. Monitors small crews of community service workers, inmates or temporary laborers to perform general cleaning and maintenance tasks at the convenience centers or landfill. Provides guidance and assistance to customers in the proper disposal and recycling of solid waste and recyclable materials. Picks up dumpster cans with a roll off truck and delivers waste to appropriate disposal location. Drives a water truck on dirt roads to reduce dusty conditions and to water mulch stockpiles. Operates a backhoe and rubber tire loader to crush materials in a dumpster and load and unload materials. Performs work in all types of weather conditions and anytime during the day or week. Maintains appropriate vehicular and equipment records and logs.

Minimum Qualifications

Education : Sufficient education to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Experience : Four (4) or more years experience in the operation of heavy-duty automotive and related equipment. Additional Requirements : A valid commercial Class B motor vehicle operator's license. NOTE : This is a safety-sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol Testing. NOTE : Longevity pay is available based on years of service.

Supplemental Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants with the following: 1.) Experience with related heavy duty equipment as follows: * Solid waste hauling, disposal, and support vehicles * Over-the-road tractor pulling a compactor trailer * Lowboy trailer * Walking floor trailer * Tub grinder * Tanker and other similar trailers * Roll off truck * Water truck * Bulk item truck * Rear loading truck * Backhoe * Rubber tire loader * Forklift * Tri-axle dump truck * Stationary compactor units 2.) Possession of a valid commercial Class A driver's license (CDL). 3. Availability to work mandatory overtime.