Solid Waste Equipment Operator

Performs responsible semi-skilled work in the operation of equipment used for collection and disposal in the solid waste division.

An employee in this class works independently or as a crew leader in the operation of motorized sanitation equipment. An employee in this class operates boom loaders, rear loaders, side loaders, open body trucks, and other related equipment. Special skill is required for the safe operation in high traffic areas. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Solid Waste Operations Supervisor and is reviewed upon completion for accuracy and successful completion of assigned route in a safe and timely manner.

• Operates rear loaders, side loaders, boom trucks, dump trucks, and leaf automation trucks; operates equipment such as packers, tippers, boom arms, grabber arms, lift forks, and vacuum hoses; collects recyclables, bulk trash, brush/yard waste; dead animals, metals, and leaves; transports collected waste material to landfill or disposal sites.
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspection of vehicles and equipment; ensures the safety of crew members; completes vehicle safety inspection sheets.
• Washes and cleans assigned equipment; performs routine servicing as needed; assembles and cleans roll-out containers; cleans public services grounds; cleans streets at special town events; cleans area around dumpsters.
• Delivers roll-out containers, recycle bins, and dumpsters; delivers and places ordinance violation tags.
• Acts as crew leader for solid waste collector on back of vehicle; supervises, instructs and provides assistance to solid waste collectors.
• Maintains good relationship with the public through respect to individual property.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Work requires considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of the operation of medium to large size equipment.
• Work requires considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards involved and the safety precautions necessary to operate large equipment in heavy traffic.
• Work requires considerable knowledge of traffic laws and regulations governing equipment operation.
• Work requires general knowledge of the street patterns and geographical layout of the town.
• Work requires general knowledge of the towns policies concerning solid waste collection.
• Employee must have the skill to operate large sanitation equipment.
• Employee must have the ability to lead solid waste collectors in the completion of assigned tasks.
• Employee must have the ability to work independently.
• Employee must have the ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Employee must have the ability to maintain effective working relationships.

High School Diploma preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience operating heavy equipment.

Special Requirements:

North Carolina Class B commercial drivers license with clearance and without restriction in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse to immediately perform FMCSA Safety Sensitive duties as a DOT regulated Driver under 49 CFR parts 382 & 391. Please see career ladder below for advancement opportunities.

Classification Criteria Solid Waste Equipment Operator I Time in Lower Grade - This is an entry level position. Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of a 6 month probationary period. Required Certifications - High School Diploma preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience operating heavy equipment. North Carolina Class B Commercial Driver's License.

Solid Waste
Equipment Operator II Time in Lower Grade - Minimum 5 years of light-medium duty equipment experience. (Timeframe does not have to be with the Town of Kernersville.) No disciplinary action during the preceding 12 months.
Required Certifications - High School Diploma; North Carolina Class B Commercial Driver's License. Successful completion of the course titled Collection Operations Basics administered by SWANA.
Illustrative Examples of Work

In addition to tasks associated with Equipment Operator I:

Operates Front End Loaders.

Solid Waste Equipment Operator III Time in Lower Grade - Minimum 8 years of light duty equipment experience (4 of the 8 years must be with the Town of Kernersville.) Minimum 2 years experience as a Solid Waste Equipment Operator II. No disciplinary action during the preceding 12 months.
Required Certifications - High School Diploma; North Carolina Class B Commercial Driver's License. Successful completion of the course titled Managing MSW Collection Systems administered by SWANA.

Illustrative Examples of Work

In addition to tasks associated with Equipment Operator I and Equipment Operator II:

Provide leadership in the absence of the Supervisor and/or on special occasions and events.

Provide customer service by performing client outreach and account maintenance for our Industrial, Commercial and Small Business Accounts.

This position is classified as safety sensitive per the Towns Personnel Policy.