Sanitation Heavy Equip Operator

Jimmy Jazz; Pigeon Forge (TN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Pigeon Forge seeks a Sanitation Driver to collect garbage, brush and debris on assigned routes using front loaders, side loaders, and knuckle boom trucks. This semi-skilled to skilled role requires physical strength, safety awareness, and the ability to follow daily instructions in all weather conditions. You must have a high school diploma or GED.

A valid Tennessee CDL Class B license is required. The job includes operating heavy equipment, interacting with residents, and maintaining

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required.
• Experience with heavy equipment used for solid waste collection preferred.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in various weather.
• Ability to interact tactfully with the public and follow daily instructions.
• Knowledge of safety precautions for waste collection operations.

Responsibilities

• Assist with picking up trash containers and emptying into the collection truck.
• Transports solid waste to landfill using tractors and trucks.
• Operate street sweeping equipment when required.
• Direct traffic around collection trucks to ensure safety of coworkers and the public.
• Perform daily maintenance checks and minor repairs on equipment.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Manual labor

Interpersonal communication

Safety procedures

Ability to follow instructions

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hydraulic equipment

Job description

• Location 3215 RENA ST,P.O. BOX1350,PIGEON FORGE, TN, 37863-3759,United States
• Base Pay $24.29 - $26.98 / Hour
• Job Category Sanitation
• Employee Type Non-Exempt

• Phone [phone]

Nature of Work

This is semi-skilled and skilled work involving the collection of garbage, brush and debris from individual residences, commercial businesses and along the roadways for the City of Pigeon Forge. Activities associated with the job including operating a front loader, side loader or knuckle boom truck along assigned routes, emptying trash disposal containers and other household debris into garbage trucks for disposal, cleaning up debris along roadways when required. Additional activities include transporting solid waste to the landfill utilizing tractor trailers, operating street sweepers, utilizing hydraulic mechanisms for compressing and dumping refuse, operating a hand loader or container loader truck and performing the activities of Sanitation Driver as assigned to the truck. Job duties require knowledge of the safe use, operation and preventive maintenance of assigned equipment and trucks, sufficient physical strength and agility to perform the physically demanding aspects of the job in a variety of weather conditions, ability to consistently follow daily instructions and perform assigned job duties. Incumbents may be assigned to residential collections, commercial collections and/or other assignments depending upon workload demands. Job performance is evaluated by the Sanitation Supervisor through review of the quality and quantity of work, ability to perform assigned job duties and follow daily instructions and physical capacity to perform the job.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Assists with picking up trash containers placed by the roadside for collection, emptying them into the collection truck and replacing them by the road.
• Transports solid waste to the landfill utilizing tractor trailers.
• Operates street sweeping equipment when necessary.
• Assists with cleaning areas around commercial trash containers when necessary.
• Assists with emptying and re-bagging trash containers along city streets.
• Assists with the collection of trash, yard waste, appliances and recyclable items placed roadside for collection.
• Ensures adherence to scheduled routes and performs assigned job duties in a timely manner.
• Assists with directing traffic around the collection trucks and vehicles to ensure the safety of co-workers and the public.
• Cleans the collection trucks and other equipment when needed.
• Performs minor repairs, preventive maintenance activities and makes adjustments to equipment as necessary.
• Performs daily maintenance checks on assigned trucks and equipment.
• Interacts with homeowners when present in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Operates hydraulic equipment and mechanisms for compressing and dumping refuse.
• Operates a hand loader and/or container loader truck and transports refuse to designated disposal sites.
• Operates a knuckle boom truck for collection of debris and brush.
• Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

Necessary Requirements of Work

Graduation from an accredited high school or GED program; considerable experience working with heavy equipment and machinery utilized for solid waste operations, 2 years preferred; sufficient physical strength and agility to perform the physically demanding aspects of the job in a variety of weather conditions; experience performing heavy manual work; ability to interact tactfully with the public and follow daily instructions and job assignments; or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience to provide the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Considerable knowledge of garbage collection practices and procedures including all related safety precautions and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of the safe and proper use of commercial solid waste collection trucks including hydraulic mechanisms and equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of traffic laws, rules and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of the safe use, operation and preventive maintenance of equipment used for residential and commercial solid waste collection.
• Considerable knowledge of the safe use, operation, and preventive maintenance of equipment used for brush and yard waste collection.
• Considerable knowledge of Pigeon Forge roadways and streets.
• Considerable knowledge of various public sanitation activities including the collection of litter and other debris, cleaning and maintenance of trucks and equipment, etc.
• Ability to perform the physically demanding aspects of the job in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to interact effectively with co-workers and the public
• Ability to understand and follow specific oral and written instructions and perform daily job assignments in a timely and thorough manner.
• Skill in the use of assigned vehicles and equipment.

Physical Requirements

This is heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects

• Work requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, lofting, grasping, feeling, and repetitive motions
• Vocal communication is required for conveying detailed or important instructions to other accurately, loudly, or quickly
• Hearing is required to receive detailed information through oral communications
• Visual acuity is required for visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, and observing general surroundings and activities
• The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, and oils.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid Tennessee CDL Driver’s license, Class B and the ability to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates.

Summary

The City of Pigeon Forge is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions, including those that are federal or state sponsored, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. The City is committed to complying with both Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d). The City is a Drug-Free Workplace and participates in E-Verify, and all applicants are subject to a background check, baseline physical, driving history check, and drug testing in accordance with City policy.

Additional Information

• Application Deadline Position is open until Filled

Deadline to apply is Friday, October 16, 2026.