Sanitation Operator

US Lawns; Pocatello (ID); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

PERSI Retirement

11 Paid Holidays

Education Assistance

Employee Wellness Program

Job summary

The City of Pocatello is seeking a Sanitation Operator to operate a fixed-route collection program, including commercial, residential, and roll-off trucks. The role requires CDL with airbrake endorsement, Idaho STAR card, and strong safety and public interaction skills.

Work includes weekends/holidays rotation, data documentation, and routine vehicle maintenance. Benefits package includes medical, retirement, and paid time off, with a focus on community service and safety.

Qualifications

• Requires ability to communicate effectively in English.
• Provides excellent customer service while maintaining route efficiency.
• Ability to operate a computer and job-related software applications.

Responsibilities

• Operates a commercial or residential collection truck on fixed routes.
• Performs pre/post-route inspections and basic maintenance.
• Maintains route information and analyzes data from routing software.

Skills

English communication

Customer service

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Class B CDL with airbrake endorsement

Idaho STAR card

Job description

Job Description

The Sanitation Operator operates Sanitation Department collection equipment on a fixed route, collecting refuse in a timely and safe manner. The operator holds required certifications and has the skill and knowledge to operate the following collection trucks: commercial, residential, roll‑off and cart removal. The operator is proficient in fixed routes and operations as assigned.

The job requires the ability to maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship with elected and appointed officials, other City employees, other organizations, and the general public.

The work environment is a public street environment that may include exposure to adverse weather conditions, traffic hazards, and moving vehicles. The noise level is generally moderate but with occasional exposure to noisy and/or loud equipment.

The job is required to work rotating weekends and holidays, as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operates a commercial collection or residential truck on fixed routes. Operates a cart retrieval truck on a fixed route. Loads and unloads roll‑off boxes and compactors as required.
• Collects refuse on a fixed route in a timely and safe manner. Empties refuse containers and collects items left at curbside, as needed. Responds to special pickup requests from customers. Makes route adjustments to accommodate weather, road construction and/or closure, or other conditions.
• Performs pre‑ and post‑route inspection of equipment for mechanical problems and/or damage to ensure safe operation. Performs minor maintenance on equipment, checking fuel and fluid levels, tire condition and air pressure, greasing as needed, and washing and cleaning interior and exterior.
• Maintains and updates route information books, software and related records and logs. Analyzes data from routing software.
• Cleans, delivers, and picks up refuse and recycling containers.
• Provides essential services by having access to the landfill after regular open hours.
• Performs right of way maintenance as needed.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS*

• High school diploma or GED;
• Class B CDL with airbrake endorsement;
• Idaho STAR card is required.

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

*Hiring Note:

The Sanitation Operator position requires a Class B CDL with airbrake endorsement and an Idaho STAR card within six (6) months of hire date. Failure to acquire this certification by the established date will violate the terms of the position and will result in layoff from the position.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, techniques, and objectives of refuse collection on a fixed route;
• Methods, techniques, and objectives of operating a department collection truck on a fixed route or assigned operation;
• Basic equipment maintenance methods and techniques;
• City streets and traffic patterns;
• Federal regulations and City policies regarding safe work practices relating to use of equipment, power tools, and hand tools;

Skill and Ability to:

• Operate a personal computer and job‑related software applications.
• Operate commercial, residential, cart retrieval and roll‑off collection trucks on fixed routes and as assigned, collect refuse in a timely and safe manner;
• Train to use all equipment in the Department inventory;
• Perform basic vehicle and equipment maintenance;
• Make independent decisions on route alterations, container placements, and related decisions;
• Operate a two‑way radio;
• Operate hand tools;
• Operate power tools and equipment;
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance;
• Complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations;
• Analyze data from routing software;
• Provide excellent customer service while maintaining route efficiency.
• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials or manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms; and operate a motor vehicle and job‑related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

The City of Pocatello offers a generous benefits package to full‑time employees:

• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• PERSI Retirement
• PERSI Choice 401(k)
• 457 Retirement Planning
• HRA VEBA Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Medical
• Dependent Care
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Education Assistance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer

Company Description

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a perfect blend of work and play. With a semi‑arid climate, you can experience the best of all four seasons, from hiking and skiing to fishing and camping. Plus, you’re just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other must‑visit destinations.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.