Sanitation Equipment Operator

City-of-Boca-Raton,-Fl; Boca Raton (FL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Boca Raton is hiring Sanitation Equipment Operators I–III to operate refuse collection trucks and support the city’s cleanliness goals. Starting pay ranges from $25.52/hr for Operator I up to $28.14/hr for Operator III, with growth opportunities based on experience and performance.

Training is provided and advancement is available through Operator I, II, and III levels, with safety and efficiency at the core of daily tasks.

Qualifications

• Requires a State of Florida Class-B CDL with appropriate endorsements.
• Minimum two years of related work experience is preferred.
• Ability to operate various refuse collection trucks and tools safely.

Responsibilities

• Operate refuse collection trucks on predetermined routes.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of vehicles and equipment.
• Follow traffic laws and safety guidelines to protect crew and the public.
• Direct personnel assigned to the truck and assist with loading when needed.
• Perform routine vehicle maintenance and report any issues.
• Work as an essential employee during emergencies or special details.

Skills

CDL Class B

Safety protocols

Vehicle inspections

Route navigation

Team guidance

Education

Tenth grade or equivalent

High school diploma preferred

Tools

CDL Class B

Job description

Join the City of Boca Raton - Where Your Work Makes a Difference!

Are you ready to play a vital role in keeping our community clean, safe, and beautiful? The City of Boca Raton is hiring Sanitation Equipment Operators!

Whether you’re starting your career or bringing experience to the table, we provide opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive.

Why Join Us?

• Career Growth: Our structured advancement path includes Operator I, II, and III levels, each with pay increases and expanding responsibilities. Placement depends on experience, with opportunities to grow at every stage.
• Competitive Pay: Starting pay ranges from $25.52/hr. for Operator I to $28.14/hr. for Operator III. Experienced operators with additional experience or specialized qualifications may earn more.
• Training & Development: Gain hands‑on experience operating modern sanitation vehicles andequipment, with all training provided for career advancement.
• Community Impact: Help maintain the health, cleanliness, and beauty of Boca Raton for thousands of residents every day.

A Distinct Career Path

The Sanitation Equipment Operator position at the City of Boca Raton is a unique career opportunity. All hires begin at the Sanitation Equipment Operator I level to ensure consistent training and safety standards. Upon successful completion of a field test, operators may be promoted to Operator II, with additional opportunities to advance to Operator III through demonstrated experience, skill, and performance. This structured approach allows you to develop your skills while advancing your career.

Positions Available:

• Sanitation Equipment Operator I: Starting at $25.52/hour
• Sanitation Equipment Operator II: Starting at $26.80/hour
• Sanitation Equipment Operator III: Starting at $28.14/hour

General Statement of Job:

Performs responsible semiskilled work operating a refuse collection vehicle in the collection of solid waste; does related work as required. Work is performed under regular supervision. Limited supervision is exercised over assigned crew members.

• Operates refuse collection trucks: Depending on level, this includes:
  • Level I: Rear-load and flat-bed refuse collection trucks picking up refuse on a predetermined route.
  • Level II: Side-load, rear-load, and flat-bed refuse collection trucks picking up refuse on a predetermined route.
  • Level III: Front-load, grapple-load, side-load, rear-load, and flat-bed refuse collection trucks picking up refuse on a predetermined route.
• Obeys all traffic laws and safety guidelines; monitors the immediate environment and work area to ensure the safety of the operator, other workers, the equipment, and the public.
• Operates hydraulic mechanisms for compressing and dumping refuse.
• Transports refuse to pre-designated disposal areas.
• Drives and operates a truck to collect household appliances, furniture, and unusually large amounts of trash.
• Performs routine inspections, cleaning, fueling, and preventative maintenance on assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Directs personnel assigned to the truck.
• When normal operations of City departments are suspended or interrupted due to a declaration that a state of emergency exists, employees in this classification will be deemed essential by the City. For the preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail, employees deemed essential shall be required to work.

Knowledge of:

• Florida motor vehicles and traffic laws.
• Occupational safety hazards and safety precautions.
• Care and operation of assigned equipment.
• Applicable regulations regarding the proper collection, transport, and disposal of solid waste.
• Street locations and address sequencing.
• Safe driving practices.

Skill in:

• Operation of specially designed refuse collection equipment, including the manipulation of the container lifting arm to empty a refuse container while operating in an area of heavy traffic and tight conditions.
• Performing pre-trip and post-trip vehicle safety inspections.
• Training other employees in the operation of specialized equipment.

Abilities of:

• Read, understand, and carry-out oral and written instructions.
• Prepare routine records of activities.
• Work independently in the performance of assigned duties.
• Read, understand, and follow a route map and/or street guide.
• Deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in non-standard situations.
• Climb in and out of trucks and heavy equipment.
• Climb stairs and ladders.

Sanitation Equipment Operator I:

• Requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of the tenth grade.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Class-B Commercial Driver's License (CDL), including appropriate endorsement(s).
• Minimum of two (2) years’ related work experience is required.
• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Pursuant to the SEIU collective bargaining agreement, employees must have abstained from the use of cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products for at least one year prior to their date of hire and shall abstain from the use of tobacco products at all times during the period of their employment with the City while both on and off duty.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OR CONDITIONS:

The environmental conditions and physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Continuously ascends or descends ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and similar structures.
• Continuously moves in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight or confined spaces.
• Continuously remains in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Continuously moves about within the immediate work area to accomplish tasks.
• Continuously moves from one worksite to another.
• Continuously communicates with others to exchange information.
• Continuously repeats motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Continuously operates machinery and/or power tools.
• Continuously operates motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Continuously assesses the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of assigned work.
• Continuously observes details accurately and identifies variances.
• Continuously pushes and pulls objects.
• Continuously works in areas that may be somewhat uncomfortable due to drafts, noise, or temperature variations.
• Continuously works in areas that may be very uncomfortable due to extreme temperatures, noise levels, or other environmental conditions.
• Continuously works in outdoor areas where exposure to animals, reptiles, and/or insects may occur.
• Continuously works with equipment or performs procedures where carelessness could result in minor cuts, bruises, or muscle pulls.
• Occasionally lifts or carries objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Occasionally adjusts or moves objects weighing up to 100 pounds in all directions.

POST-OFFER BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS:

The background check process for this position may include:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Motor Vehicles Report (MVR) Check
• Workers' Compensation
• Physical
• Drug and Alcohol Screen

Essential Employee Designation

When normal operations of City departments are suspended or interrupted due to a declaration that a state of emergency exists, any employee may be deemed essential by the City. For the preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail, employees deemed necessary shall be required to work.