Equipment Operator (Solid Waste) - $1,500 Sign-On Bonus

Major Duties

Drives a rear packer or automated truck along a predetermined route to collect solid waste.

Participates in ongoing training provided by the City of Hickory.

Transports refuse to Transfer Station or Landfill.

Operates front loader to empty dumpsters on an assigned route.

Operates leaf truck, junk truck, boom truck, and box truck as required.

Performs routine maintenance on equipment (i.e., greasing, checking air pressure, oil and other fluids) and informs appropriate personnel of necessary repairs.

Loads and empties refuse, yard waste, or recyclables into the truck.

Determines that truck is properly cleaned, serviced, equipped and in proper operating condition at all times.

Maintains radio contact with supervisors, other trucks in Solid Waste and dispatcher regarding route changes, work orders, etc.

Must be able to work on all Holidays except Christmas Day, in all weather conditions, and must be able to work overtime when needed.

Maintains a clean interior of all vehicles operated on a regular basis.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Duties and Equipment As Assigned

Prefer applicants who possess some experience in the operation of rear-end garbage packer, automated and/or front-end loaders under all types of weather conditions.

Knowledge and Qualifications

Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.

Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Knowledge of the geographic layout of the city.

Knowledge of residential refuse, yard waste and recycling collection procedures and routes.

Knowledge of departmental and safety rules and regulations.

Knowledge of basic preventive maintenance techniques for equipment and vehicles.

Skill in operating a rear packer, automated truck, and front loading garbage truck.

Skill in safe and defensive driving techniques.

Skill in oral communication.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee in this position to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently/repeatedly required to stand; walk; use hands and exert forces needed to handle various types and sizes of tools, equipment and objects; reach with hands and arms and perform elevated work for periods of time; climb ladders and balance; climb into vehicles and equipment; stoop; kneel; half-kneel; squat; crouch; or crawl; and talk; or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift, push, pull and/or move more than 100 pounds. An employee in this position will have successfully passed a "Functional Prework Screen" administered by a professional and impartial third party specialist.

Safety SENSITIVE: This position has been identified as safety-sensitive. The employee in this position will be part of a random drug testing pool. The methodology for choosing the random test subjects is handled by an outside, impartial, third party vendor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is performed in a truck and outdoors. The work exposes the employee to much noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious diseases, irritating chemicals, foul odors and inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, ear protection, safety shoes, or gloves.

Benefits

The City of Hickory provides a generous benefit package, in addition to salary:

• 11 paid holidays
• 12 paid sick leave days per year
• Paid vacation
• City-paid individual health insurance (H.S.A.)
• Low-cost dental and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program – 5 FREE visits
• 14.35% contribution per employee to the NC Local Government Retirement System
• Up to 5% matching contribution to 401k
• Free Life insurance of 1.5 times salary up to ($125,000)
• Tuition Assistance Program
• On-site Wellness Clinic
• A selection of voluntary benefits such as additional life insurance, dependent life, Short-term disability insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance; All at very competitive rates.
• Benefits package valued at over ($15,000) annually.

* Employees working in seasonal/part-time positions are not eligible for benefits.