Equipment Operator - Sanitation

Kearney, City of (NE); Kearney (NE); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Kearney, City of (NE) seeks a capable worker to operate medium equipment and heavy-duty trucks for sanitation and recycling routes, including container handling and on-site maintenance.

The role requires a Nebraska CDL B with Air Brakes, endurance for outdoor work, and willingness to perform snow removal, overtime, and related duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of eighth grade and three years' experience in the operation of small trucks and light equipment in construction, maintenance or related activities.
• Must possess a Nebraska Commercial Class B Driver's License with Air Brakes Certification.

Responsibilities

• Operate medium equipment and heavy-duty trucks on City streets, State Highways and private parking lots.
• Perform general truck inspection and maintenance including lights, hydraulics, tires and springs.
• Maintain route book and records of extra collections; assist in snow removal when needed.

Skills

Medium equipment operation

Heavy-duty truck operation

CDL with Air Brakes

Education

Eighth grade or equivalent

Nebraska CDL B with Air Brakes

Tools

Sanitation trucks

Forklifts

Skid steer loaders

Power washer

Two-way radio

Job description

First Application Review Date: 10/8/26

Under general supervision, drives and operates medium equipment and heavy-duty trucks, including refuse trucks and/or recycling trucks on assigned routes. Work varies; limited judgment within prescribed standards and procedures is required; adjusts work methods to meet task requirements. Operates trucks on City streets, State Highways and private parking lots. Empties containers by remote operating control or manually by pulling containers to the truck attaching the container to lifting equipment and emptying the container. Performs general truck inspection and maintenance to include washing, lubricating, repairing lights and hydraulic hoses, checking and changing tires and checking springs. Maintains route book and record of extra collections. Maintains and repairs containers. Operates balers when processing recyclables, operates forklifts and skid steer loaders for placing recyclables into semis for shipment, sorts recyclables, litter pickup, lawn mowing, sweeping and mopping of floors. Assist in snow removal operations as needed. Performs overtime as required and performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS

Acts as lead worker on two-man packer truck.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public. (Daily)
• Regular timely/punctual attendance. (Daily)
• Write and comprehend written material for work assignments and work orders. (Daily)
• Maintain and safely operate equipment. (Daily)
• Assigned projects are performed properly and efficiently. (Daily)
• Handle solid waste properly and safely. (Daily)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Work Type: Medium, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects
• Climbing/Balancing: Moderate, climb inclines, uneven surfaces, balance required
• Walking: Minimal amount required
• Stooping/Bending: Occasionally
• Stand/Sit: Sit about 85 percent of the time
• Reaching: Occasional, overhead as well as horizontal
• Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions
• Color Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions
• Hearing: Regularly perceive nature of sounds by ear
• Speech: Regularly express ideas by means of spoken words
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently operates equipment requiring moderate ability
• Manual Dexterity: Frequently operates equipment requiring moderate ability

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Inside/Outside: Work outside and inside
• Cold/Heat: Adverse conditions possible
• Wet/Dry: Adverse conditions possible
• Noise/Vibrations: Heavy packer and truck noise
• Hazards: Exposure to traffic safety and dump areas
• Fumes/Dust/Odors: Exposure to yard dust, garbage odors and minimum exposure to fumes
• Infectious Diseases: Moderate exposure

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ability to read and comprehend written material.
• Ability to listen to and apply information and instructions.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of eighth grade and three years' experience in the operation of small trucks and light equipment in construction, maintenance or related activities. Must possess a Nebraska Commercial Class B Driver's License with Air Brakes Certification.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

None.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND WORK AIDS USED

Sanitation trucks, shovels, rakes, forklifts, skid steer loaders, hand tools, brooms, power washer, computer two-way radio, phone, gloves, goggles, and various personal protective equipment.

REMARKS

The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his/her duties.