Chief Solid Waste Operator

Primary Purpose of Job
The primary purpose of this position is to manage and coordinate complex solid waste operations including the supervision of solid waste staff. This position also regularly operates heavy equipment, such as the shear, logger baler, compactor, and excavator.

Under the general supervision of the Environmental Superintendent, the employee is expected to independently perform their assigned duties and responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Interfaces with the public and operates sanitary landfill, scrap yard, recycle, and transfer station
Keeps related records for billing and compliance by accurately logging pertinent data to record daily solid waste operations
Utilizes a computer maintenance management system to receive, track, and log work assignments
Directs, trains, evaluates, and oversees the work of all solid waste staff
Provides information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees responsible for solid waste management activities
Informs supervisor about inventory of incoming and outgoing materials
Performs daily, weekly, monthly, and annually, equipment, site, and facility inspections and prepares inspection reports as directed
Performs preventative maintenance on all solid waste equipment, facilities, and grounds
Cleans, fuels, lubricates, and performs repairs on Solid Waste equipment, tools, and facilities
Collects and prepares authorized disposal items for final disposition, such as shipping or landfilling, by safely removing all hazardous materials in an environmentally responsible manner
Coordinates and prepares by sorting, packaging, and completing manifests for all processed types of solid waste materials onto shipping containers to ensure loads are secure for transport on interstate highway system
Operates light to medium and heavy equipment and is responsible for regular maintenance
Compacts, bales or logs, sorts, cuts, classifies, and loads scrapped materials into shipping containers at the Scrap Yard
Operates heavy equipment to perform construction and demolition activities, biosolids processing, overburden management, and other various materials processing and disposal.
Operates all levels of heavy equipment as needed to perform the work assigned
Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge of:
Local, state, and federal codes, laws, and other requirements related to solid waste management activities
Operational means and methods associated with solid waste management operations and maintenance activities, equipment, and materials
Safe work practices associated with activities typical of a solid waste management facility including motor vehicle and other equipment operations and maintenance
All applicable CBS and Public Works directives, including general code, policies, plans, strategies, and procedures

Skills in:
Operating a personal computer using standard software, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other customized maintenance management software, GPS technology, and other relevant tools for planning and tracking maintenance activities
Operating light tools or medium and heavy equipment to dismantle and process scrap materials for recycle
Customer service geared towards providing a positive and professional experience for all citizens
Leading, directing, mentoring, and training Solid Waste Operators to ensure quality work and adherence to safety protocols
Planning, organizing, and executing maintenance projects, including budget management and resource allocation
Identifying problems and implementing effective solutions in street maintenance operations
Verbal and written communication skills for interacting with staff, other departments, and the public
Engaging positively with the community and address any public concerns related to street maintenance activities
Managing multiple projects simultaneously while prioritizing tasks effectively based on urgency and needs

Ability to:
Recognize and maintain confidential information
Comprehend and follow safety requirements, and state and federal requirements
Understand and follow policies, procedures, and instructions
Learn and master operational skills for a wide variety of light and heavy equipment
Maintain working knowledge of solid waste practices, equipment capabilities, and regulatory compliance.
Communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language
Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports related to work progress or problems, employee matters, and recommended solutions or findings of fact related to a work or staff situations
Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions
Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
Quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge

Minimum Qualifications
HS Diploma or GED; and
Valid Alaska Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with clean driving record; and
Five years of experience in in solid waste management, recycling, or a related field; and
Three years of experience operating all types of heavy equipment such as loaders, excavators, skid- steers, dump trucks, and scrap metal balers or solid waste compactors; or
Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work

Other Job Requirements or Expectations
Possession of, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire:
o Alaska Class A commercial drivers license
o First Aid, CPR, and AED certification
o HAZWOPER 40-hour Training
o Storm Water Pollution Prevention CECSL Certification

Possession of, or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire:
o SWANA Transfer Station Safety and Operations Training
o Forklift/Powered Industrial Vehicle Operator Training
o OSHA 30 Construction Safety Training

Possession of, or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire:
o EPA Section 608 Universal Certificate
o SWANA Landfill Operator Training
o Rural Alaska Landfill Operator (RALO) Certification
o Household Hazardous Waste Operator (SWANA) Training
o Recycle Operations (SWANA) Training

Maintain the above-required certifications for the duration of their employment in Public Works
Wear the right attire and safety gear for the work assigned
Work hours outside of normal shifts in the early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays and be on-call for 24 hours when necessary
Operate snow and ice management equipment as needed

Working Conditions:
Works in the field outside, often in inclement weather with related hazards, about 80% of the time
Works in office setting about 20% of the time performing scale shack duties, time entry, and work order entry
Works on and around active vehicle dismantling and hazardous waste processing activities with related hazards
Employee works daily with hazardous waste including, but not limited to, refrigerant from air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, and vehicles, fluorescent bulbs, mercury switches, oils, antifreeze, fuels, batteries, electronic waste, asbestos, household hazardous waste, pressurized cylinders, biosolids, construction & demolition waste, and municipal solid waste.
Employee works regularly on light to heavy equipment such as balers, compactors, excavator, loaders, boom cranes, shears, forklifts, roll-off truck, trailers, snowplows, sweeping equipment, vac tanks, small engines, weight scales, and similar equipment which involve moving mechanical parts and at time in precarious places.

Specific Physical Requirements:
Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling and crouching
Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying up to 50 pounds with or without assistance from appropriate equipment
Frequent physical movement (walking, standing, sitting, stooping, climbing) throughout the workday depending on operational needs and where working (office or field)
Frequently sits or rides in equipment for long periods of time
Frequently reaches, handles, and feels in order to operate vehicles and equipment
Hearing acuity to recognize alarms and other equipment noises or sounds
Visual acuity required to:
o See both near and far acuity to operate vehicles and equipment, monitor operations and observe people and objects
o Have the required depth perception to operate vehicles safely and effectively

General Physical Requirements:
Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing which permits the employee to communicate effectively
Sufficient vision, and powers of observation, which permits the employee to operate heavy equipment and tools, used in solid waste management, safely and effectively
Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to utilize computers and heavy equipment controls or grasp tools used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of transportation and stormwater systems
Sufficient physical mobility and reflexes which permits the employee to climb, enter and exit confined spaces, inside and outdoors to manipulate equipment and adhere to safety protocols in the management of solid waste