Sanitation Collections Equipment Operator

City of Grand Forks (ND); Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Grand Forks (ND) is seeking a dependable Sanitation Collection Equipment Operator to join our team. You’ll operate collection equipment, pick up garbage and recyclables, and ensure routes are completed safely and efficiently, supporting daily operations and public health.

The role emphasizes inspections, maintenance, seasonal workload, and strong customer service as you work with residents and colleagues to keep Grand Forks clean.

Qualifications

• One year of equipment operation and maintenance experience.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL with air brake and tanker endorsements required within six months.
• Equivalent to a high school diploma.
• Ability to perform physical labor in varying weather.

Responsibilities

• Collect refuse and recyclables using manual or automated equipment.
• Operate collection trucks and hydraulic compactor systems.
• Perform daily pre-trip inspections and document results.
• Maintain containers and perform basic repairs.
• Provide excellent customer service to residents.

Skills

Equipment operation

Safety practices

Customer service

Pre-trip inspections

Manual labor

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Hydraulic refuse truck

Front-end loader

Packer/compactor equipment

Job description

We're hiring a dependable Sanitation Collection Equipment Operator to join our team. If you're looking for steady work, great benefits, and the satisfaction of serving your community every day—this is your opportunity. You'll be on the front lines keeping Grand Forks clean and healthy, operating collection equipment and ensuring every route is completed safely and efficiently.

YOUR DAY-TO-DAY:

• Collect refuse – Pick up and haul garbage and recyclables using manual or automated equipment
• Operate collection trucks – Run hydraulic compactor systems and assist with landfill unloading
• Equipment inspections – Perform and document daily pre-trip inspections
• Maintain inventory – Assist with container maintenance, assembly, and repair
• Seasonal support – Help with street maintenance operations during peak times
• Facility upkeep – Perform building maintenance, grounds work, and custodial duties as needed
• Customer service – Interact professionally with residents and address concerns

Essential Functions:

1. Perform snow removal activities; operate single and tandem axle trucks to haul snow; operate front-end loader in various locations as assigned.
2. Perform seasonal operations utilizing light to medium duty equipment including but not limited to tractor mowers, weed eaters, and various utility equipment.
3. Perform minor street repair and maintenance activities including gravel, blacktop, or concrete materials, operating street sweepers, packers, tar kettles, and compressors.
4. Perform sweeping or snow removal activities on municipal sidewalks, underpasses, and other assigned areas.
5. Assemble, install, and remove event and traffic control related items as assigned.

Marginal Functions:

1. Perform a variety of manual labor as required.
2. Perform customer service-related duties as assigned.
3. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

When assigned to Sanitation: Essential Functions:

1. Pick-up and haul garbage and refuse materials manually or with automated equipment; operate hydraulic refuse truck compactor and assist with unloading of refuse truck at landfill.
2. Perform a variety of work utilizing light, medium, and heavy duty equipment as assigned.
3. Perform and record pre-trip inspections for equipment assigned.
4. Perform duties as part of a team assigned to seasonal operations, special projects as assigned.
5. Perform general clean-up at various field and facility locations.
6. Perform duties to assist with container and other inventory maintenance, assembly, and repair activities as assigned.
7. Assist in seasonal street maintenance operations as assigned.
8. Perform a variety of building maintenance and grounds work including custodial work.

Marginal Functions:

1. Perform a variety of manual labor as required.
2. Perform customer service related duties as assigned.
3. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge:

Operational characteristics of light, medium, and heavy equipment; Occupational hazards and standard safety practices related to the operation of a wide variety of light to heavy equipment; Pertinent Federal, State, and local traffic laws; Basic principles of vehicle and equipment operation; Interpret and explain City policies and procedures; Principles and practices of customer service.

Skills:

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities; Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.

Abilities:

Operate a variety of equipment in a safe and effective manner; Interpret, explain, and enforce division policies and procedures; Perform prescribed maintenance and repair duties; Perform arduous tasks for extended periods of time in all types of weather; Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections to assist in proper maintenance of a wide variety of light to heavy equipment; Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Experience:

One year of equipment operation and maintenance experience in light to heavy equipment operation.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a valid driver’s license. Possession of, or ability to obtain within six-month probationary period, an appropriate, valid commercial driver's license with air brake and tanker endorsement.