Solid Waste Code Compliance Officer

A high school diploma or GED and two (2) years’ experience in a direct public contact and service-oriented environment, to include at least five (5) months code compliance and/or enforcement experience. OR Two (2) years’ experience as a Solid Waste Maintenance Worker, or one (1) year experience Solid Waste Collector/Driver, for the City of Yakima.

Must pass a background investigation regarding applicant's aptitude, character, and judgment; credit, driving record and criminal history.

Must obtain and maintain a First Aid/CPR Certificate within six (6) months of appointment. Possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License with either an A, B or C endorsement as required by the State regulations or obtain within 9 months of employment and maintain thereafter. Must obtain and maintain Bloodborne Pathogen and Hazardous Waste Certifications within six (6) months of appointment.

Under general supervision, operates a heavy special purpose vehicle collecting and dumping refuse; responds to complaints, inspects and enforces a variety of City codes pertaining to solid waste, scattered litter, illegal dumping, and other ordinances. Responds to and investigates complaints. Coordinates efforts with appropriate City departments. May act as a lead worker overseeing, training, directing and monitoring small crews of workers. Assists lead and/or supervisor with various leadership responsibilities. Applies independent judgment and discretion within set guidelines in making decisions, resolving problems, enforcing regulations and policies, and when dealing with the public.

Conducts field investigation for Solid Waste/Refuse Division ordinances concerning scattered litter, illegal dumping and other matters. Responds to resident complaints pertaining to nuisances, hazardous debris and miscellaneous code violations. Responsible for identifying sites where violations occur. Gathers evidence, issues notice of violation and prepares written reports. Determines the responsible party and/or property owner and notifies them regarding the clean-up requirements. Monitors property for compliance. Promotes open and constructive communications with property owners and other appropriate parties. Resolves complaints through enforcement of codes, mediation between parties involved, and/or legal action. Obtains appropriate documentation & permissions from residents to complete job functions as needed. Coordinates clean-up efforts when there is non-compliance and is responsible for properly billing the responsible party for clean-up.

Coordinates efforts with other divisions or departments including but not limited to public safety personnel to assure appropriate action and uniformity of interpretation, application and enforcement of regulations and codes. Provides direct assistance to City Legal Department as required. Appears as a witness for the City in legal actions taken to gain compliance.

Prepares and maintains detailed records and statistics related to enforcement activities. Compiles data and makes summary reports as required. May involve statistical calculations and tabulations in accordance with established formulas, equations, and technical data, or analysis and interpretation of data. Maintains follow–up system on reports or other matters requiring action on a periodic basis. Creates, mails and/or posts written communication regarding code violations.

May perform any/all of the duties of the Solid Waste Maintenance Collector/Driver classification and must be available to fill in as a Solid Waste Collector/Driver, as assigned. Provides assistance, guidance, training and direction to subordinate staff members as needed.

Obtains assigned routes and determines which equipment to use based on knowledge of the route; prepares for any special needs the route may require. Operates a variety of single or tandem axle compactor trucks collecting refuse from an assigned route; operates bin dumping packer collecting refuse at selected sites; drives loaded truck to solid waste disposal site and dumps refuse; occasionally trains and supervises work of one to two assistants in the collection of refuse and in developing a knowledge of the route.

Makes operational checks of the truck for safe, trouble-free operation according to DOT guidelines; takes applications for new services from the public on the route; answers public inquiries and complaints on the route; makes repairs to bins; maintains collection records. Checks route information in route books and enters data on services not out for collection and extra service charges as needed. Logs/notes information in service account logs. Reports any code violations observed on the route.

Reports any hazards on the route immediately to the proper department. Stays on the scene to ensure that public safety is maintained until the proper supporting departments arrive.

Contributes to the effectiveness of the Solid Waste Division and the City of Yakima by exhibiting an attitude that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts, productive time management, and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.

Requires regular and reliable attendance.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Considerable knowledge of national, state city and county zoning and related codes and regulations. Knowledge of: the services required on an assigned route; solid waste and/or recycling customers; operating characteristics of the refuse truck. Knowledge of city, state and federal traffic laws, rules and regulations with ability to direct traffic as necessary. Knowledge of office and technical computer programs and personal computer operations.

Knowledge and practice of effective leadership practices, principles and techniques; time management and work flow practices, record keeping and municipal records retention processes, and practices. Knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.

Working knowledge of and ability to operate personal computer, necessary mobile devices, and other office equipment. Knowledge and ability to utilize applicable computer programs, including, but not limited to: routing programs, Microsoft Outlook, and basic internet access capabilities. Must maintain accurate logs and/or records; perform basic mathematical calculations efficiently and accurately; and troubleshoot and resolve issues effectively.

Knowledge and understanding of safe techniques and procedures for the appropriate use of materials, hand tools, power tools, and equipment necessary.

Ability to: operate equipment and tools with precision, speed, and safety; operate heavy trucks and attachments in a safe, efficient manner; recognize uncollectable refuse (overweight containers, oversized containers or toxic, caustic, inflammable, explosive or corrosive materials); instruct others in work methods. Ability to perform strenuous physical work including, but not limited to pushing, pulling and/or lifting heavy refuse containers.

Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees and members of the public representing diverse education and background, utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English, including but not limited to correct grammar and vocabulary. Ability to follow verbal and written instruction.

Must be dependable; able to work independently with limited supervision maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines; be self-directed, highly motivated, organized and have a sense of urgency to complete tasks in a timely manner. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands. Strong mechanical and organizational skills are essential.

Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, contractors and other members of the public, and to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential. Must demonstrate an attitude of cooperation and coordination of division efforts and efficient use of resources.

Ability to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns. Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations, laws, policies and standards.

Ability to work cooperatively as a supportive team member and adhere to the department’s values including, but not limited to: customer focused, teamwork, positive communication, and accountability in a punctual, regular and reliable manner.

Must be able to obtain Limited Commission designation and to retain and recall information including, but not limited to, circumstances surrounding citations and provide detailed testimony in court as necessary.

Ability to maintain annual training requirements of the position, including but not limited to City mandatory training requirements.

Ability to diverse work shifts and/or routes to including, but not limited to: weekend and holiday work, and to work extended hours as necessary. to carry out the responsibilities and functions of the position.

Work requires travel to a variety of locations. Work is performed primarily in an outside environment with exposure to weather extremes. Frequent standing in combination with walking short distances throughout work day. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, ladders, inclines and uneven terrains while maintaining balance. Physical strength and ability sufficient to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods under wet, cold, hot, dry, and generally unpleasant conditions. Occasional to frequent bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck while performing related activities. Occasional kneeling, crouching and/or stooping. May work alone, or with others. Heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 65 pounds. On rare occasions may be required to lift heavier weight with the assistance of others or mechanical devices up to 100 pounds. Sitting at a desk while performing administrative functions or while driving. Continual use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/ keyboarding and other fine motor skill manipulations while performing duties including but not limited to operating electronic devices, computer, various vehicles, equipment, and machinery. Ability to take and process pictures of code violations and other occurrences as needed. Continual use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/smelling/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all administrative tasks as assigned. Must possess good field of vision and be able to distinguish color. Employee may be exposed to aggressive animals; stinging or biting insects; dust; smoke; noxious odors; hazardous refuse; chemicals; vibrations; gases and vapors; needles; drug paraphernalia; traffic hazards; and inclement weather. Required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

May come in contact with individuals who are irate, upset or emotionally disturbed. Subject to frequent interruptions and extensive contact with the public. Work schedule is subject to change due to needs of the Division. Work is required on some holidays and Saturdays. Shall be subject to random controlled substance and alcohol testing, pursuant to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, including 49 CFR Part 40 and Section 382 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima’s Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.

City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.

This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit.