This is a regular, full-time position involving the collection and disposal of solid waste (garbage, recyclables, landscape waste, & other refuse) included in the City's Solid Waste Collection Programs. The Apprentice Teamster is responsible for the physical collection and proper disposal of solid waste which may include garbage and other refuse, recyclables and landscape waste. Work requires strenuous manual labor in the form of lifting and carrying requiring good hand and eye coordination in the use of equipment control levers used for volume reduction and loading assist. Driving and operating solid waste vehicles and equipment is required. The Apprentice Teamster follows the lead of the refuse truck driver while on the collection route, but reports, is directly responsible to and is evaluated by the Refuse and Recycling Supervisor under the direction of the Director of Operations.

Collect and Dispose of Solid Waste and Recycling:
Climb frequently in and out of truck; ride standing on rear worker step and/or walk briskly between stops
Visually locate and manually pick-up and carry solid waste in approved containers, bundles or as individual items weighing up to 50 pounds from set-out location to the truck
Lift items to heights of 3 to 4 feet and deposit them into the truck hopper in bulk or by visually identifying recyclables and sorting into specified truck tubs
Verbally request assistance from the truck driver when items may weigh over 50 pounds.
Manually return containers to their original location in a manner that does not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic
Manually operate the hydraulic control levers or buttons to activate compaction, dumping or unloading mechanisms
Visually watch for and direct driver when the truck is backing
Accompany refuse driver to landfill, or remain at yard to perform additional duties as assigned
Traverse daily routes while driving and operating solid waste collection equipment w/standard or automatic transmission including those having custom right hand drive with capacities up to and including a 50,000-pound dual axle truck refuse compaction truck
Drive refuse compaction truck continuously for up to 8 hours each day. Memorize and recall established collection routes to promote efficient and effective customer service
Load recyclable igloo containers onto truck by manually affixing the appropriate hooks and cables of the knuckle-boom crane to the igloo and operating the appropriate hydraulic control mechanisms of the crane
Service and Clean Equipment:
Manually conduct pre-operation visual and manual check of vehicles and equipment prior to use
Adjust equipment fluid levels and tire pressures; replace inoperative light bulbs; check radio for proper operation
Operate compaction mechanism to warm fluids and check for hydraulic leaks
Apply lubricants to daily lube points
Perform walk-around visual inspection checking for pre-operation physical damage
Present truck to the garage when deficiencies cannot be resolved without assistance from mechanic
Manually clean truck cab and body, or other equipment after each day’s use, using high-pressure washer, brush, and required soaps and solvents
Climb a 12-foot ladder to wash and access service locations at top of certain trucks and equipment
Clean up maintenance garage wash bay and operator maintenance bay in after each use
Clean and Maintain Public Works Maintenance Facility
Perform manual janitorial work to clean facility buildings requiring use of standard janitorial procedures and appropriate tools, such as, brooms, mops, squeegees, power vacuums, etc.
Pick up litter, sweep, remove snow and ice from walks and drive, mow grass, and trim shrubs about the Public Works Maintenance Facility requiring basic knowledge of the proper use of small manual and power equipment including by not limited to shovels, rakes, power mowers, hedge trimmers and edgers, snow blowers, etc.
Practice Good Safety
Exercise extreme caution and good judgment when working around and operating vehicles and other related equipment and when performing other work assignments
Comply with both verbal and written policies concerning safe operation of vehicles and other equipment and other work assignments
Communicate effectively
Comprehend and follow both verbal and written instructions and sometimes over two-way radio and/or telephone
Speak clearly and distinctly into microphone, two-way radio and telephone in order to be clearly understood
Follow specific individual instructions closely, so that proper routing and customer service can be monitored and maintained
Keep minor hand written legible records while traversing collection route
Use tact and good judgment and utilize strong and effective interpersonal skills in interacting with co-workers and members of the community
Work effectively both independently and as a team member
Other Duties: Perform all other duties and assignments related to the overall operations in the Maintenance and Environmental Services Division of the Public Works Department.

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily outdoors and exposes the employee to fumes, odors, smoke, gases, excessive noise, extreme heat/cold weather, and working on, in and around moving vehicles. Protective equipment such as ear plugs, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves and steel toe shoes are worn.
Physical Demands: Work requires the regular and sustained performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, crouching, crawling, kneeling, working in restricted and/or confined spaces, climbing and frequent to continuous lifting and carrying of moderately heavy objects between 15 and 49 pounds and frequent lifting and carrying of heavy objects 50 pounds or more. Work also requires the ability to perceive and/or discriminate colors, sounds, depth and texture.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications - Must have a high school diploma or equivalent; experience in the operation of at least one of the following types of equipment: front-loading commercial refuse container truck, side- or rear- loading manually filled refuse collection vehicle with packer and dump, and six (6) months of verifiable experience in performing heavy physical work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Must possess or obtain and maintain a valid CDL Class B Illinois driver’s license with air-brake and tank endorsements within Forty-Five (45) days; must obtain a valid CDL B permit (air-brake & tanker) within fourteen (14) days of employment. Must pass pre-employment and ongoing random drug screening tests, a pre-employment background check, and a pre-employment job duty physical evaluation. The ability to perform sustained heavy manual labor is required. Preference will be given to candidates with valid CDL Licenses and/or Permits as described herein.

Position is open until filled, initial application deadline is 4:00PM on June 18, 2024.