Sanitation Equipment Operator

Town of Smithfield, NC; Smithfield (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Smithfield, NC seeks a dedicated sanitation equipment operator to manage residential collection routes and assist with yard waste and recyclables. The role includes operating loaders, supervising a small crew, and ensuring safety on all routes.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED, a valid CDL-B license in North Carolina, and 2–5 years of related experience. The position emphasizes reliability, route efficiency, and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Must operate sanitation equipment and loaders.
• Experience supervising sanitation laborers is preferred.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and municipal policies.

Responsibilities

• Operate a loader packer or related sanitation equipment to collect and dispose of refuse.
• Supervise sanitation laborers during loading/unloading and train on safe methods.
• Maintain simple records of route and activities.
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment.
• Follow established rules and regulations and safety procedures.

Skills

Loader operation

Supervision

Record keeping

Safety procedures

Weather resilience

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDL-B NC license

Job description

General Definition And Conditioning Of Work

Performs equipment operations in the collection and disposal of residential garbage, yard waste, recyclable materials, refuse and debris.

Employees in this class operate a motorized loader packer or related sanitation equipment on an assigned route to collect and dispose of refuse from residential and business areas.

• Work may involve the supervision of a small crew of employees who collect and dispose of refuse and debris.
• Employee disposes of all daily collections at various sites depending on type of materials collected.
• Work is performed in accordance with established rules and regulations, and the employee is held accountable for the successful completion of the route, and enforcement of safety procedures.
• Employee is subject to hazards of sanitation work including working in an outside environment exposed to extreme cold, heat, noise, atmospheric conditions, chemicals, moving mechanical parts, oils and skin irritants.
• Work is subject to the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens.
• Work is performed under general supervision of the Sanitation Crew Leader and Public Works Superintendent and is evaluated by observation for efficiency and effectiveness.

Essential Functions/Typical Tasks

THE EMPLOYEE MAY PERFORM A COMBINATION OF SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING DUTIES AND OTHER DUTIES WHICH MAY BE ASSIGNED BY THE TOWN OF SMITHFIELD:

• Operates a loader packer or related sanitation equipment in the collection and disposal of refuse from residential areas of the Town.
• Operates a specialized recycled materials collection truck with bins for various materials; collects materials from curbside and stores in proper bins; empties bins at recycling center and obtains proper records of materials recycled by type.
• Supervises several sanitation laborers in the loading and unloading of refuse and garbage; instructs employees in standard methods of refuse collection and disposal; ensures their safety during route.
• Performs minor maintenance and related care of motorized equipment used in daily refuse collection.
• Maintains simple records of route and activities.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the street system of the Town.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation and maintenance of motorized sanitation equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of Town policies, related state and local laws concerning the collection and disposal of solid waste materials.
• Considerable knowledge of safety regulations and procedures related to work of crew.
• Working knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations regarding the operation of motorized equipment.
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions.
• Ability to supervise sanitation laborers effectively.
• Ability to work in all types of weather.
• Ability to deal courteously with the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor and crew members.

Ability to maintain simple records

Education And Experience

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and 2 to 5 years of experience in the operation of motorized sanitation equipment and the collection of trash and refuse or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess a valid commercial class B North Carolina driver’s license.