Solid Waste Technician I

Position: Solid Waste Technician I

Department: Solid Waste

Supervisor: Solid Waste Director

FLSA: FT Non-Exempt

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to provide safe, efficient and economical operation of the Solid Waste Dept. The Solid Waste Technician I works under the general supervision of the Solid Waste Services Supervisor or a Solid Waste Services Foreman.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Visits numerous residential and commercial locations, on a daily basis, to collect solid and liquid waste.
• Transporting and disposing of garbage in a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly manner, at a City or state-approved dump site.
• Collecting pieces of furniture or large electronic devices, by appointment, or from the roadside, for effective disposal.
• Assists in maintaining the garbage-disposal truck.
• Detects, identifies and reports improper equipment performance and makes necessary operational adjustments;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of proper lifting techniques when handling heavy objects
• Experience working in hazardous materials and knowledge of proper waste disposal methods.

Ability to:

• Endure tough working conditions.
• Operate all routes in the City of Liberal
• Clean equipment using appropriate materials.
• Work independently in the performance of duties if required.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the public.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to the incumbent or others.

Work Environment:

• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements.
• Work under hazardous conditions where physical danger exists due to mechanical equipment (i.e., grinding, cutting, crushing, etc.).
• Work in small cramped areas.
• Climb ladders or steps to enter or exit an equipment cab.
• Climb ladders or steps to reach objects.
• Lift arms above shoulder level.
• Work at heights greater than ten feet.
• Travel across rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces.
• Enter and exit the cab of a solid waste truck that is 3.5 feet off the ground.
• Make fine, highly controlled muscular movements to adjust the position of a control mechanism (Example: operating levers or pedals).
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Move heavy objects (50 pounds or more) short distances (20 feet or less).
• Move light objects (less than 20 pounds) long distances (more than 20 feet).
• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time.

Additional Requirements:

• This classification requires the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Pre-employment drug testing is required. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment or shift.
• This classification requires emergency callback response and on-call participation as a condition of employment.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Completion of a departmental training course (certified by Department Director); or have a minimum of two years of experience operating trucks (two ton and over). Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.