Solid Waste Operator Job at Alachua County in Town of Florida

Overview

This is skilled work operating a variety of heavy equipment, roll-off trucks and semi-tractor trailers used in the daily operations of the Alachua County Transfer Station. An employee in this classification is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of complex heavy equipment, conducting routine preventative maintenance on such equipment, performing manual tasks and assisting in the detection of hazardous materials. Work is performed under the general direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

Qualifications

• Completion of the eighth grade and two years experience operating heavy and/or moderately complex equipment; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Applicants within six months of meeting the education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.
• Florida Class "A" Commercial Driver's License with air brakes and fifth wheel endorsement is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7. MVRs will be reviewed prior to employment.
• If, in the past 24-month period, the applicant's MVR has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at-fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and/or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.
• Satisfactory completion of a course in hazardous waste identification is required within the first 12 months of employment.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen & physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.

Essential Job Functions

This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.

• Exudes a positive customer service focus.
• Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values.
• Operates roll-off truck and a semi-tractor trailer.
• Occasionally operates a variety of transfer station related heavy equipment including a grappler/tamper; skid steer loader/sweeper; yard tractor; front-end loader; farm tractor.
• Cleans transfer station floor as required.
• Loads tires into a transfer trailer.
• Maintains wood waste and mulch stockpiles.
• Checks waste for hazardous and/or prohibited substances.
• Performs routine and preventative maintenance on equipment to ensure good working order.
• Performs manual tasks as required and assists with routine servicing of transfer station related vehicles and equipment.
• Drives a County and/or personal vehicle to perform required duties.
• Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions necessary in the operation of heavy equipment, roll-off trucks and semi-tractor trailers.
• Knowledge of the operating and repair characteristics of heavy equipment, roll-off trucks and semi-tractor trailers.
• Knowledge of the component parts, operating principles and maintenance requirements of heavy equipment and semi-tractor trailers.
• Skill in operating an 80,000 pound vehicle with fifth wheel and air brake endorsement.
• Skill in the operation of various types of heavy equipment, roll-off trucks and semi-tractor trailers.
• Ability to service various types of equipment and perform minor repairs.
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to withstand temperature extremes and endure difficult working conditions.
• Ability to recognize hazardous and/or prohibited substances brought into the site.
• Ability to provide courteous and effective customer service to the general public.

Physical Demands

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 essential functions.

• Regularly use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; frequently walk, and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally stand; climb or balance; talk or hear.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly works near moving mechanical parts; may work in high, precarious places; exposed to fumes or airborne particles; outdoor weather conditions, and vibration.
• Frequently exposed to risk of electrical shock; occasionally works with explosives and is exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.