What are the responsibilities and job description for the Solid Waste Equipment Operator I/II position at City of Santa Maria, CA?
OPPORTUNITY
Proficient Class B operators with experience in solid waste collections and operating a side-loader and/or front-loader are highly encouraged to apply for this job opportunity.
This recruitment is to fill a Solid Waste Equipment Operator II (Commercial Front Loader) position with a work shift from 3:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The eligibility list established by this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies for Solid Waste Equipment Operator I or II.
WHAT WE DO
The Utilities Department is responsible for providing water, sewer, refuse collection, and disposal services to Santa Maria. The Mission Statement of the Utilities Department is to provide efficient utility services using progressive innovation, excellent customer service, and the wise use of public resources for the long-term benefit of the community.
This recruitment is for a position in the Solid Waste Division of the Utilities Department. The Solid Waste Division manages the collection of refuse, including solid waste, recycling, green waste, and organics, and operates the Santa Maria Regional Landfill, including the Household Hazardous Waste Facility and Recycling Park.
THE POSITION
Under general direction of an assigned supervisor, the Solid Waste Equipment Operator I/II performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled refuse and recycling collection duties utilizing primarily standard automated side-loading refuse, green waste, and recycling collection vehicles. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification but may act as lead worker for temporarily assigned employees or special projects.
The Solid Waste Equipment Operator I/II position is an Individual Contributor role that provides refuse collection with a high level of safety, efficiency, and customer service. Their role enables the city to provide the community’s most essential and basic refuse service in the most efficient, cost-effective, and courteous manner possible.
IMPORTANT PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
- As listed in the below Conditions of Employment, possession of a Class "B" Driver's License is required.
- This position is subject to the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Program, which will require a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and submission to random drug and/or alcohol testing throughout employment with the City.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
The ideal candidate is an experienced waste collection driver with a Class B driver's license and a safe driving record. They will be reliable, customer-oriented, work well independently and with team members, have excellent communication skills, and take pride in their work. They will also demonstrate the Individual Contributor Competencies as listed below.
REQUIRED SUBMITTALS
- Online application
- A cover letter introducing yourself and explaining your interest in the position (A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for this)
FULL JOB DESCRIPTIONS & ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
- Solid Waste Equipment Operator I (Residential Side Loader) - $58,347.12 - $70,921.50
- Solid Waste Equipment Operator II (Commercial Front Loader) - $59,514.00 - $72,339.54
DUTIES
These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization. This position:
- Delivers and unloads collected refuse and recyclables primarily from commercial sites, and occasionally from residential sites and roadways, to designated disposal, composting, and/or material recovery facilities.
- Primarily drives and operates a commercial front-loader; occasionally drives and operates an automated side-loader; manipulates hydraulic controls, manually opens and closes dumpster enclosures and gates.
- Tags containers in violation of applicable ordinances and codes and communicates with the dispatch center.
- Maintains regular vehicle maintenance and keeps vehicles professional in appearance; performs daily and weekly maintenance on assigned equipment.
- Performs pre-trip vehicle inspections in compliance with governing procedures; reports and completes mechanical defect tickets on equipment in need of servicing.
- Prepares route mileage forms and other reports related to solid waste.
- Performs miscellaneous trash collection duties, including lifting and transporting large or bulky items.
- Repairs, paints, rinses, cleans, refurbishes and delivers containers and/or dumpsters and completes yard duties as assigned.
- May provide lead supervision on work activities of crew members as assigned, including equipment operations.
- Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
- Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
- Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
- Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR CORE COMPETENCIES
Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance (click the hyper link to see the full definition Individual Contributor Competencies):
- Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented, share resources, respond to requests, and support a spirit of cooperative effort.
- Customer Orientation - Effective performers are in touch with community needs and review the organization through the eyes of Santa Maria residents. They go out of their way to anticipate needs.
- Integrity - Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly, take responsibility for their actions and foster a work environment where integrity is rewarded.
- Communicativeness - Effective performers recognize the essential value of continuous information exchange and the competitive advantage it brings. They actively seek information from a variety of sources and disseminate it in a variety of ways. They use modern technologies to access and circulate information, even across great distances. They take responsibility for ensuring that their people have the current and accurate information needed for success.
- Initiative - Effective performers are proactive and take action without being prompted. They do not wait to be told what to do or when to do it. They see a need, take responsibility, and act on it. They make things happen.
- Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances, and demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation.
- Functional/Technical Expertise - Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty (e.g., finance, public works, planning, information technology, human resources, etc.), and remain current in their area of expertise.
- Problem Solving & Decision Making - Effective performers identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment.
- Learning Agility - Effective performers continuously seek new knowledge, are curious, learn quickly, and use new information effectively.
- Drive/Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and are ambitious and passionate about their role. They have stamina and endurance to maintain a fast pace.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Ideally, two years of experience comparable to driving and operating a front-loader, side-loader, or comparable sized vehicle; and
- Graduation from high school; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
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Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
- Applicable codes and ordinances which relate to refuse, green waste, recycling collection and transportation.
- Operations of refuse collection vehicles, including side-loaders and front loaders.
- Policies, safety rules, and regulations pertaining to refuse, green waste, recycling collection.
- Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).
- Use computer and other office equipment effectively.
- The ability to work in various conditions such as hot or cold weather, rain, fog, nighttime darkness, and more.
SELECTION PROCESS
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
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Required licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment:
- Valid Class “B” Driver’s License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.
- Under the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Program, successfully complete a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and submit to random drug and/or alcohol testing throughout employment with the City. Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City.
- The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
- May require completion of a pre-employment physical to the satisfaction of the City.
- Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
APPLICATION RANKING
If you are experiencing any technical (computer-related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, call the NEOGOV helpline for assistance at 1-855-524-5627.
The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at https://www.cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/human-resources/salary-group-agreements.
Retirement
The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.
Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO's) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.
Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Vision Insurance
Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2/3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.
The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees' taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Employee Assistance Program
Offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being. The City's Wellness Program includes ergonomic evaluations, flu shots, and Wellness Workshops during lunch and after work. Access to the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to the Weight room at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to employee discounts and special offers on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and services.
Mentorship Program
Succession Planning
The academies are offered to all employees including those that are not yet in a supervisory role, but are interested in becoming leaders within the organization as well as our executive management team who have an interest in honing their skills and helping to prepare our future leaders. In addition to multiple leadership academies, the City offers quarterly Speaker Series, a corporate Toastmasters club available for City employees, site tours of various departments, and more.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may participate in the City's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan sponsored by either Empower or CalPERS Supplemental Income. The plan enables employees to save salary and earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. A City match is available based upon representation.
The City also provides an IRS approved 401(a) plan sponsored by Empower for managers represented by Non-Represented Full-Time Management & Confidential (NMAC).
Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)
Based upon your bargaining unit the City may participate in a PEHP plan that will provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket cost of qualified medical expenses such as prescription drugs, doctor co-pays, eyeglasses and cover the reimbursement of medical insurance premiums upon separation or retirement.
Holidays
The City offers seven (7) paid holidays per year. In addition, based upon your bargaining unit a bank of floating holiday hours is available to be used at the employee's discretion.
Vacation
The City initially offers two weeks of paid vacation per calendar year for all full time employees. Accrual rates increase thereafter based upon your bargaining unit.
Sick Leave
Sick leave shall accrue a rate of eight hours for each month of continuous service, or approximately two weeks per year for all full time employees. Employees may use up to half of their annually accrued sick leave for family illness and up to five days (40 hours) per calendar year for bereavement leave.
Management level employees may receive a prorated amount of management leave time each new calendar year.
Educational Incentive Program
In addition to regular pay when education is in addition to the regular requirements of the job specifications and is work related.
Tuition Reimbursement
Based on your bargaining unit, you may be reimbursed for tuition and book costs of approved job related courses. The maximum amount of tuition reimbursement in any calendar year will vary based upon your bargaining unit.
Auto Allowance
Management level employees may receive auto allowance based upon the need of the position.
Telephone/PDA Stipend
Management level employees may receive a telephone and/or PDA stipend based upon the need of the position.
Bilingual Pay
Bilingual pay is provided to employees who are required by their department head to use both English and Spanish in communicating with the public while performing the duties of his/her position and who demonstrate appropriate skills in both speaking and understanding the Spanish language shall receive compensation. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Salary : $58,347 - $70,922
