Transfer Station Attendant

Town of Ashfield, Massachusetts Job Description Position Title:

Transfer Station Attendant Proposed Grade Level:

Department Highway Date:

09/08/2023 Reports to:

Highway Superintendent FLSA Status Non-Exempt Statement of Duties:

The Transfer Station Attendant is responsible for the efficient operation of the transfer station, including the operation of the compactor; directs the entrance and exit, loading and unloading of vehicles compacting recyclables and bulky waste into roll offs for further transportation. The employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.

Supervision Required:

Under the general supervision of the Highway Superintendent, the employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently with specific instruction. The supervisor provides additional, specific instruction for new, difficult or unusual assignments, including suggested work methods. The employee is expected to recognize instances which are out of the ordinary and which do not fall within existing instructions; the employee is then expected to seek advice and further instructions. Reviews and checks of the employee's work are applied to an extent sufficient to keep the supervisor aware of progress, and to insure that completed work and methods used are technically accurate and that instructions are being followed.

Supervisory Responsibility:

The employee, as a regular part of the job, is not required to supervise other employees.

Confidentiality:

In accordance with the State Public Records law, the employee does not have regular access to confidential information of the department.

Accountability:

Consequences of errors or poor judgment may include adverse public relations, missed deadlines, personal injury, danger to public health/safety, legal repercussions, labor/material costs, personal injury, and/or monetary loss.

Judgment:

Numerous standardized practices, procedures, or general instructions govern the work and in some cases, may require additional interpretation. Judgment is needed to locate, select and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation or guideline.

Complexity:

The work consists of a variety of duties which generally follow standardized practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines. The sequence of work and/or the procedures followed vary according to the nature of the transaction and/or the information involved, or sought, in a particular situation.

Work Environment:

The nature of duties may involve continuous presence of unpleasant or irritating elements, such as noise, hazardous materials, odors, chemical fumes, dust, heat, cold, oil, dirt or grease. Work is continually performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. The employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in accordance with the transfer station's hours of operation.

Nature and Purpose of Public Contact:

Relationships or contact is primarily with co-workers and the public involving frequent explanation, discussion or interpretation of practices, Highway Department Transfer Station Attendant 09/08/2023 Page 1 of 3 Town of Ashfield, Massachusetts Job Description procedures, regulations or guidelines in order to render service, plan or coordinate work efforts, or resolve operating problems. Other regular contacts are with service recipients and employees of outside organizations such as contractors. More than ordinary courtesy, tact and diplomacy may be required to resolve complaints or deal with uncooperative or uninformed persons.

Occupational Risk:

Duties may involve frequent, recurring exposure to hazardous conditions, such as operating dangerous equipment such as a trash compactor and being exposed to hazardous materials, toxic chemicals or communicable diseases contained in solid waste materials that are brought to the transfer station. Job frequently entails the possibility for serious injury or exposure to conditions which could result in total permanent disability or loss of life. Extreme care and following established safety precautions is required at all times in order to prevent injuries and ensure proper operation of the facility..

Essential Functions:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Opens and closes gates at the recycling station proper opening and closing times; checks condition of all sections daily before the start of daily operation of the transfer station. Responsible for the collection and processing of fees collected from residents for use of the transfer station. Performs pre-inspection and general maintenance of transfer station equipment including the trouble shooting of potential problems in making adjustments; lubricating, making minor repairs; ensures that all items are sorted and deposited in their proper places in accordance with DEP regulations and department operating procedures and policies. Responds to customers in determining and locating correct places to dispose of items in accordance with the department's standard operating procedures and state law. Responsible for notifying the Highway Superintendent of any and all hazardous working conditions or potential hazards. Completes and files damage, accident or major repair reports as necessary; creates and posts signs providing direction to ensure for the safe and efficient operation of the facility. Advises the Coordinator when containers need compacting by highway department personnel and as to the amounts of stored hazardous waste, florescent bulbs, batteries, medical sharps, compacted cardboard in order to schedule timely pickups. Required to attend training sessions to maintain abreast of updates or changes in occupational safety requirements and is required to maintain physical condition in order to carry out the essential functions of the position in a safe and effective manner. Highway Department Transfer Station Attendant 09/08/2023 Page 2 of 3

Town of Ashfield, Massachusetts Job Description Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Special Requirements:

As a condition of employment, the employee must pass a pre- employment physical examination and maintain physical condition in order to perform job duties in a safe and efficient manner.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill:

Knowledge:

Knowledge of the operation of transfer station equipment and department machinery in a safe and efficient manner as well as the hazards associated with solid waste materials, recycling and transfer operations. Knowledge of hazards and safety precautions in accordance with OSHA guidelines involved in operating special and heavy motor equipment; knowledge of standard safety precautions used in working with large machinery such as trash compactors, and recycling equipment; ability to use the standard hand tools, hand-held electronic tools. Knowledge of state laws and regulations pertaining to the recycling of items including hazardous materials. Knowledge of general building maintenance and repair tasks and operating practices.

Abilities:

Ability to adhere to safety precautions and perform duties in a timely manner. Ability to operate and make routine repairs to transfer station equipment and machinery including but not limited to trash compactors. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Proficient mechanical ability to work efficiently and safely with department equipment. Ability to work independently and to use the standard hand or power tools and the hand-held electronic tools; ability to deal effectively with the public.

Skills:

Proficient customer service skills and operation of department equipment in a safe and efficient manner. Good judgment and effective oral communication skills. Physical and Mental Requirements The physical demands described here 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 the position's essential functions.

Physical Demands:

Work requires some agility and physical strength, such as standing or walking most of the work period. Occasionally, work may require lifting heavy objects such as department equipment and tools and carrying them. The work assignments require extended physical effort over a significant portion of the work day.

Motor Skills:

Duties may involve a hand and eye coordination to reach, push, or pull department equipment, recyclable materials, and/or supplies

Visual/Auditory Skills:

The employee is rarely required to read documents, personal computer screens and written reports for general understanding and routinely for analytical purposes. The employee must have the auditory ability to listen and comprehend. The employee is not regularly required to determine color differences. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Highway Department Transfer Station Attendant 09/08/2023 Page 3 of 3