Recycling Plant Operator

City of Tuscaloosa; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Tuscaloosa is seeking a Recycling Facility Operator for the Environmental Services Department to support processing and handling of recyclable materials. You will operate forklifts and skid steers, sort and bale recyclables, and help maintain daily production targets.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, with preferred CDL Class A/B and prior recycling or heavy equipment experience. This is a safety-sensitive, on-site position with drug screening and steady shift schedules.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience operating forklift and/or skid steer required.
• Alabama CDL Class A or B preferred.
• This safety-sensitive role is subject to pre-employment and random drug screening.
• Experience with recyclables or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operates forklift and/or skid steer to move recyclable materials for processing, sorting, storage, and transport.
• Loads/unloads recyclable materials to/from collection trucks and trailers.
• Maintains production standards and daily/weekly/monthly tonnage reports.
• Monitors equipment and performs routine maintenance.
• Supervises inmates/trustees and community service workers on recycling tasks.
• Operates hazardous waste and electronics drop-off programs as required.
• Communicates with supervisors and vendors to coordinate activities.
• Performs general housekeeping and basic repairs.
• Maintains records and uses computer to log data.

Skills

Forklift operation

Skid steer operation

Recycling equipment operation

Inventory management

Basic computer skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Balers

Sorters

Job description

The purpose of this job classification is to perform work functions associated with processing recyclable materials and operating recycling equipment at the Environmental Services Department recycling facility in order to maintain the efficiency and sustainability of the City's recycling program.

The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

Operates forklift and/or skid steer (bobcat) to move recyclable materials for processing, sorting, storage, and transport; operates recycling processing equipment such as balers, crushers, and sorters.

Load/unloads recyclable materials to/from collection trucks, trailers, and transfer trucks; empties recycling trailers and other drop-off recycling containers as necessary; sorts recyclables appropriately in order to perform processing of materials.

Maintains recycling production standards and operation schedules; maintains inventory records for recyclable materials; prepares total tonnage on recycling materials on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annually basis as directed by supervisor.

Monitors equipment operation and reports equipment malfunctions and other maintenance and repair needs to supervisor; performs routine maintenance and repair on equipment.

Supervises assigned inmates/trustees and community service workers in performance of recycling duties; transports, assigns tasks, and maintains attendance records for inmates/trustees and community service workers.

Operates the household hazardous waste drop-off center and electronics waste drop-off program.

Prepares and/or receives various forms, logs, records, reports, readings or other documents; processes and forwards; maintains related files.

Consults with supervisors, vendors, and department personnel to review needs, discuss problems, coordinate activities, and receive advice/direction.

Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; responds to requests for service.

Performs minor repairs to equipment and materials; performs cleaning/housekeeping tasks associated with maintaining equipment and work area.

Operates a computer (laptop) and other peripheral equipment as needed to perform job duties.

Adheres to and stays up to date on all applicable federal, state, and local recycling and safety laws and guidelines.

Responds to requests for information from officials, employees, and the public or other individuals.

Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Department.

Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day-to-day activities.

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Performs other related duties as required.

High school diploma or GED required; experience in operating a forklift and/or skid steer (bobcat) required; prefer experience in working with recyclables and/or related field. Alabama Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A or Class B preferred. This job classification is considered to be safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screens.

The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to operate a variety of equipment and tools including a service truck, skid steer (bobcat), forklift, portable scale, baler, basic hand tools, computer, adding machine, telephone, fax machine, copier, two-way radio, etc. Physical demand requirements for some positions within this classification may at times be at levels of those for heavy work.

DATA COMPREHENSION:

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include forms, reports, reference materials, maps, procedural manuals, and operational manuals.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION:

Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating with the general public.

LANGUAGE ABILITY:

Requires ability to read a variety of operational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to write basic job-related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.

INTELLIGENCE:

Requires the ability to learn and understand basic mechanical principles and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.

VERBAL APTITUDE:

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE:

Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, multiply and divide totals, and determine time and percentages.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE:

Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job related equipment which may include standard measuring devices.

MOTOR COORDINATION:

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using basic hand and power tools and equipment and to operate motor vehicles.

MANUAL DEXTERITY:

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, control knobs, switches, service truck, and related recycling equipment. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DIFFERENTIATION:

Requires the ability to discern color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT:

Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION:

Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.