Frontloader Serv - Equipment Operator I, II- Solid Waste

About the Role

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor (I/II) – Solid Waste, this position performs skilled work in the operation of solid waste collection equipment and vehicles. The role involves safely operating solid waste collection trucks and related equipment on assigned residential, commercial, or special collection routes to ensure efficient and timely collection, transport, and disposal of solid waste materials in accordance with established procedures and safety regulations.

Equipment Operator I positions exercise no supervision, while Equipment Operator II positions may provide technical supervision over Equipment Operator I.

Responsibilities

• Operate trash collection, recycling, or other Solid Waste Service vehicles and equipment.
• Collect trash, brush, litter, bulky items, and recycling materials.
• Read street maps and route sheets to locate route destinations.
• Perform basic vehicle inspections and preventive maintenance; check, service, and clean equipment.
• Maintain vehicle records and ensure safe completion of routes while following all Division safety rules.
• Report unsafe working conditions, accidents, and injuries to the supervisor and complete related paperwork.
• Dump collected trash or recyclables at designated dump sites or landfills.
• For Equipment Operator II: Complete routes without assistance and with minimal incidents, and train Equipment Operator I employees in proper equipment use and safe practices.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge Of:

• Operating characteristics and servicing of solid waste handling equipment.
• Work hazards and applicable safety precautions associated with assigned equipment and division operations.
• Applicable traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations involved in operating assigned equipment.
• Safe driving principles and practices.

Skills To:

• Operate and care for a variety of tools, machinery, and equipment used in assigned work.
• Safely operate motor vehicles and equipment.

Ability To:

• Perform minor equipment maintenance repairs and make operating adjustments.
• Recognize operating deficiencies in assigned equipment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Complete assigned routes by following written and printed instructions.
• Read maps and write reports.
• Maintain a safe driving record.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values: Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission.
• For Equipment Operator II: Complete service routes without direct supervision and independently operate assigned solid waste equipment.

Qualifications

Equipment Operator I

• Experience: Entry-level position; previous experience in the safe operation of large commercial equipment is preferred.
• Education/Training: High school diploma or GED is required.
• License Or Certificate: Valid Texas Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required.

Equipment Operator II

• Experience: Thirty (30) days of experience with the operation and servicing of City of Abilene Solid Waste equipment and service routes or prior equivalent experience is required.
• Education/Training: Completed training on assigned equipment as verified by the assigned training on a Training Completion form is required. Completion of Solid Waste Equipment Training is required.

Physical Demands

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

• Overall Strength Demand: Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds.

Physical Demand Codes:

The following describes the frequency of physical demands during a typical workday:

• Standing: Almost Never (<10% of the time)
• Sitting: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Walking: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Lifting: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Carrying: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Pushing/Pulling: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Overhead Work: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Fine Dexterity: Almost Never (<10% of the time)
• Kneeling: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Crouching: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Crawling: Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
• Bending: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Twisting: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Climbing: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Balancing: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Vision: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Hearing: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Talking: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Other: Smell (in case of fire)