Refuse Equipment Operator I/II

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under supervision, to learn to safely operate motorized refuse collection equipment in providing effective, efficient collection of solid waste; to learn to drive an assigned service route maintaining quality service standards; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISITICS

This is the entry and training level in the Refuse Equipment Operator class series. Incumbents learn and perform basic assignments in the operation of refuse collection equipment and provision of quality services. Incumbents work with considerable guidance and supervision. The class is distinguished from Refuse Equipment Operator II, in that Refuse Equipment Operator II assignments are performed with little guidance and supervision. This is a specialized training classification in which the incumbent may be promoted to Refuse Equipment Operator II meeting minimum training requirements.

REPORTS TO

Public Works Supervisor - Solid Waste or designee.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

This is not a supervisory classification.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Learn to operate refuse collection equipment in the collection and transportation of commercial, industrial, and residential solid waste; learn to operate hydraulic picking and dumping controls on equipment. Learn to operate a variety of heavy equipment, such as front-end, rear-end, and automated side loaders, roll-off container trucks, and other vehicles in the performance of assigned duties; adhere to safe driving practices and procedures including in off-road conditions and at a landfill or construction site. Learn to maneuver refuse collection equipment on City streets, using safe and skillful driving techniques; learn and follow pre-determined collection routes and schedules as assigned. Transport solid waste for disposal at landfill sites. Operate a two-way radio, learning to maintain communications with the Public Works Corporation Yard. Perform heavy physical labor in the loading and unloading of containers and learn and operate special equipment to load large bulky refuse, as needed. Learn to perform special or non-routine refuse collection service and assignments as needed including building and repairing refuse containers, delivering or removing refuse containers for customers, and removing dead animals from streets. Learn to complete, maintain and submit records related to operations and maintenance activities, including those related to time, materials and equipment usage; note and maintain records of container conditions, container enclosure conditions, and access problems. Perform basic maintenance and washing of refuse collection equipment; learn and perform daily pre-trip safety inspections of equipment, recording findings and determining the operational fitness of equipment; perform servicing activities such as checking and maintaining fluid levels and lubing key components of vehicles; and report unsafe working conditions, accidents and injuries to supervisory and/or management staff. Maintain good public relations with customers; respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner; and service handicap residents by moving containers to and from the street. Learn to report various violations including illegal dumping and watering, trees down in the streets, and sewer overflow. Respond to emergency and after hour calls. Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Basic knowledge of tools and equipment used in refuse collection. Basic principles of methods of equipment inspection and preventative maintenance. Basic recordkeeping techniques. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices and procedures related to the operation of a wide variety of refuse collection vehicles and equipment. Proper lifting procedures.

Ability to:

Learn to perform duties in refuse collection and disposal. Maintain proper quality and quantity of services. Learn to skillfully and safely operate a variety of equipment utilized in refuse collection and services in accordance with applicable Vehicle Code requirements. Read and interpret City maps. Read and comprehend oral and written instructions, short correspondence and memos. Effectively present information in one-on-one situations to customers and other City employees. Learn to apply applicable laws, codes and regulations. Perform basic mathematical functions including add, subtract, multiply and divide. Deal with standardized situations with occasional or frequent variables. Maintain accurate daily records and reports. Perform heavy manual tasks. Deal tactfully and courteously with the public. Maintain an acceptable DOT driving record on and off duty. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Learn the City and streets. Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience:

Previous experience in maintenance work and operating equipment is desirable.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a Class B California Driver License without a Restriction 48 (air brakes). Possession of a Class A California Driver License is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.

Environment :

Work is performed both in a corporation yard and an outdoor field environment with travel from site to site; work in varying temperatures and weather conditions; exposure to hazardous materials, smoke, gases, fumes, dust, grease, noxious odors, and noise; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions; exposure to hazards such as moving machine parts and electrical current; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain; continuous contact with other staff; and regular contact with the public.

Physical :

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; occasionally sit and frequently stand, walk, bend, crawl, reach, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch, and make repetitive hand movement; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds; exert unusual physical effort in the loading and unloading of containers; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; operate motorized refuse collection equipment; use a variety of hand and power equipment; and operate a two-way radio and use a telephone.