Sanitation Equipment Operator

City of Boca Raton; Boca Raton (FL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Boca Raton is hiring Sanitation Equipment Operators I–III to join a team keeping the city clean and safe. Beginning at Operator I with field test promotions to II and III, you will operate refuse collection vehicles on defined routes and participate in ongoing training and safety programs.

Starting hourly pay ranges from $25.52 (Operator I) to $28.14 (Operator III). Opportunities for advancement exist based on performance and experience, with comprehensive training provided.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Operates refuse collection trucks on a predetermined route.
• Obeys traffic laws and safety guidelines, ensuring safety of workers and the public.
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and basic maintenance.
• Directs personnel assigned to the truck.
• Essential personnel may be required to work during emergencies.

Skills

Safe driving practices

Read route maps

Pre-trip inspections

Team leadership

Ability to work in extreme conditions

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tenth grade completion

Two years related work experience

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with endorsements

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 and equipment, 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

Take the first step toward a rewarding and stable career that makes a real difference.

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.

Essential Functions

• 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, Skills And Abilities

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.

Minimum And Preferred Qualifications

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:

• 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.

The City of Boca Raton is an Equal Opportunity, Inclusive, Veteran-Friendly Employer and Drug-Free Workplace.

The City is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

Veterans’ Preference:

The City proudly supports veterans and provides employment preference to eligible veterans and other individuals as required by Florida law. Applicants eligible for Veterans’ Preference are encouraged to indicate their eligibility and provide the required documentation during the application process.

City Of Boca Raton - Benefits Summary

SEIU Employees

ANNUAL LEAVE: Shall accrue prior to an employee attaining permanent status in the classified service and may be used after six (6) months of employment at the sole discretion of the Department Head, but it shall not be paid out upon resignation or termination unless the employee has attained permanent status (one full year). The maximum accrual is 360 hours.

0 to 5 full years 8 hours per month

5 to 10 full years 10 hours per month

10 to 15 full years 12 hours per month

15 years and over 14 hours per month

CASH OUT OF ANNUAL LEAVE: Employees who have attained permanent status shall be permitted to cash out up to forty (40) hours of accrued and unused Annual Leave, either in a single lump sum payment or two or more partial payments, each fiscal year., each fiscal year.

SICK LEAVE: 8 hours per month. Any hours in excess of 960 will be paid off annually at 50%. Upon retirement, employees with a minimum of 5 years continuous service will receive 50% of sick leave balance. Termination for reasons other than retirement shall be entitled to payment for accrued, but unused sick leave, as follows:

Continuous years of service Percentage

Less than 2 full years 0%

2 to 5 full years 10%

5 to 10 full years 20%

10 full years or more 30%

Retirement (normal, early or disability) 50%

HEALTH INSURANCE (Premiums): Employee Medical (Base Plan) - Paid 100% by City. Employee contributions are required for the buy up employee coverage plans. Employee contributions are required for Employee Dental and Vision Plans, as well as Dependent(s) Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans.

CONTINUOUS SERVICE BENEFIT: Continuous Service is determined on December 1st of each year. Payment is issued during the month of December based upon years of service as follows:

5 to 10 full years $600 annually

10 to 15 full years $800 annually

15 full years and over $1,000 annually

RETIREMENT PLANS: The two pension/retirement options are listed below:

• The option to enroll in a Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. The Defined Contribution Plan will not require a mandatory contribution on your part. The City will contribute seven (7%) percent of your annual base wages to this plan. The vesting period for this plan shall be one (1) year from your date of hire in the classified service, which coincides with your one-year probationary period.
• An option to enroll in a Defined Benefit Plan option available to you that will have a ten (10) year vesting period with a multiplier of 2.00% at normal retirement and a mandatory seven and three-quarters (7.75%) percent contribution.
• The two (2) options will be fully explained to you prior to your selection.

Optional: 457 Deferred Compensation Savings Plan is available.

HOLIDAYS: 15 per year: 12 recognized holidays and 3 floating holidays which are allocated for the fiscal year starting October 1, to all 8 hour per day employees. Employees hired between October 1 and March 31 shall receive 3 floating holidays. Employees hired between April 1 and September 30 shall receive 1 floating holiday. Non-task employees working 10-hour days receive 10, 10-hour paid holidays but do not receive floating holidays.

FUNERAL LEAVE: Up to 3 workdays - In State Up to 5 workdays - Out of State

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: A performance review(s) is given to new hires during the first year of employment and an annual review on their anniversary date. Every employee is evaluated on their anniversary date. The current ratings are: Requires Improvement, Meets Expectations, Exceeds Expectations, and Significantly Exceeds Expectations.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Full-time employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement as outlined in the City’s Tuition Reimbursement Policy which is available in Human Resources and subject to the availability of departmental funds.

MILITARY LEAVE: Members in military reserve units who attend annual training are entitled to paid leave not to exceed 30 days each calendar year.

EAP: Employees, spouses, and eligible dependents have access to five (5) face-to-face sessions with a counselor through Cigna's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Services include assistance with legal, financial, parenting, elder care, pet care, and identity theft.