Senior Specialty Equipment Operator

  • City of Tampa (FL)
  • Tampa, Florida
  • Full Time

Introduction

Dual role of heavy equipment operator and class "A" driver for multi-faceted transfer stations disposal operations. The operator in this position will handle loading and hauling of Class I and Class III solid waste. This position requires a Class "A" CDL license. Bargaining unit position.

Nature Of Work

An employee in this class is responsible for performing tasks of significant difficulty involving the safe operation of both heavy equipment and tractor-trailers in support of the department's disposal activities of Class I and Class III material. Under general supervision, employees are required to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in completing assigned tasks. Tasks, at times, are performed under hazardous conditions and require employees to be extremely alert and careful whenever operating assigned equipment. Employees might be required to perform manual and unskilled laboring tasks, using hand and power tools, either separately from or in conjunction with equipment being operated. Employees might also be required to operate complex equipment on a relief basis or in a training capacity and serve in a lead capacity over lower-level equipment operators and laboring personnel. Work is reviewed while in progress through facility reports and upon completion by observation and through results obtained.

Examples of Duties

Safely operates a variety of complex heavy equipment including, but not limited to, tractor-trailers to haul Class I and Class III waste, household, and storm-related debris to the landfills in and out of the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, and Sumter County. Operates a variety of heavy equipment including, but not limited to, tractor trailers, lightning loaders

or pay loaders, open body equipment, compactors, excavators, boom cranes, roll-off trucks, raised cab loaders, and refuse collection vehicles. Handling, hauling, transfer, or compacting municipal solid waste, recyclables, and hazardous materials. Compacts and sorts waste at transfer stations and operates around landfills. Exercises extreme care while operating equipment; observes safety rules and obeys traffic laws. Conducts routine maintenance, inspections, and safety checks on equipment. Troubleshoots and reports mechanical issues or malfunctions for repairs. Follows environmental and safety regulations, including proper handling of hazardous waste. Adheres to local and federal laws governing waste disposal. For proper oversight of site operations and compliance, employees are expected to maintain cleanliness and orderliness at the waste disposal sites. Functions as lead operator, assigns, oversees, and reviews work of lower-level equipment operators, service attendants, and support staff. Collaborates with team members to ensure efficient operations. Assigns, oversees, and mentors work of lower-level equipment operators, service attendants, and others engaged in maintenance, repair, and similar activities; performs manual and unskilled laboring tasks; uses hand tools and operates power tools either separate from or in conjunction with all vehicles/equipment being operated. Operates complex construction/maintenance equipment on a relief basis or in an on-the-job training capacity to acquire experience and develop skills and proficiency. Transports people, materials, tools, and equipment to and from sites to ensure efficiency and safety; ensures that equipment is properly stored to prevent theft and vandalism; operates radio or telephone equipment to communicate with necessary parties. Employees in this class are integral to the success of Waste to Energy (WTE), with disposal as needed in diversion or plant operations. Completes periodic time/activity reports to document work activities; gathers information/completes forms; prepares work and action orders; verifies logs and records. Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Working knowledge of: Foundational knowledge of lightning loaders, pay loaders, open body equipment, compactors, excavators, raised excavators, boom cranes, roll-off trucks, and refuse collection vehicles to the area of assignment; traffic laws; occupational hazards, and appropriate safety precautions.

Some knowledge of the use and care of hand and power tools and equipment related to assigned areas, the city and the transfer stations.

Ability to: perform work requiring physical strength and endurance; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; acquire skill and develop proficiency in the operation of diverse complex heavy equipment/maintenance equipment.

Skill and ability to: demonstrate proficiency in operating specialized machinery/heavy equipment, tractor trailers in the management, transport, and disposal of solid waste in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited high school, technical/vocational institution, or equivalent and two (2) years of experience in operating tractor trailers, lightning loaders, pay loaders, open body equipment, compactors, excavators, boom cranes, roll-off trucks, refuse collection vehicles or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses or Certifications

Possession of a valid Florida Commercial driver's license, Class "A" with Air Brakes. Within the first six (6) months, must complete the following.

Cert 1 OSHA Front End Loader/Payloader Certification

Cert 2 HAZWOPER OSHA Certification

Cert 3 TREEO Material Recovery Facility Operator Certification

Conclusion

HELPFUL HINTS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION: Please register before you begin the application process. This will enable you to view and re-use information from previously submitted applications to complete and submit any future applications. Please make certain your application is complete and the information you provide clearly demonstrates that you possess the minimum job qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Resumes can be submitted in support of an application, but not in lieu of an application. Resumes and copies of certifications or other required documents may be attached to your online application.

Job ID: 484843151
Originally Posted on: 7/11/2025

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