Solid Waste Equipment Operator

City-of-Clearwater; Clearwater (FL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Clearwater is seeking a Solid Waste Equipment Operator to drive, operate, and maintain heavy waste collection trucks on assigned routes. The role requires CDL training and a state license, with emphasis on safety, accuracy, and customer service.

Responsibilities include inspections, minor repairs, and maintaining daily records while ensuring timely pickups and compliance with city policies. This is a full-time, on-site position with the Public Works department.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED and two years driving heavy-duty equipment, or one year as Solid Waste Worker with CDL training.
• Valid State driver's license; Class A CDL for tractor/trailer or Class B CDL for other equipment.
• Knowledge of solid waste collection, safety procedures, and city geography.
• Ability to operate heavy-duty trucks and perform basic maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Drive and operate solid waste trucks on assigned routes.
• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections and minor repairs.
• Dump and load refuse containers, ensuring safe placement.
• Maintain daily truck reports and route records.
• Provide customer service and respond to inquiries.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Customer service

Route navigation

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CDL training

Job description

ENTRY SALARY: $45,031.08 ANNUALLY

Under general direction, the Solid Waste Equipment Operator drives, operates, and assists in the maintenance of all rear, side-loading, and front-loading, grapple truck, roll-off and tractor trailer solid waste collection trucks and other heavy equipment on assigned routes and in all weather conditions.

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Drives, operates, and assists in the maintenance of allfront, rear and/or side loading solid waste trucks, "jaws" trucks, and transfer tractor trailer trucks used for the collection,transfer, and disposalof waste, trash,orrecyclingon assigned routes; navigates streets and City geography, maintains safe driving practices, and makes all collections stops.

• Checks, evaluates, and reviews the condition of trucks and equipment; identifies, reports, and communicates needed repairs and servicing; directs and assists one or more workers in assigned tasks; performs preand post trip inspections on equipmentdaily prior to use.

• Lines up the solid waste vehicle to refuse container bins and activates controls to raise and dump bin in vehicle body; lowers container bins and ensures placement to prevent bins from being damaged by traffic flow and to prevent interference with right-of-way.

• Learns and applies skills in the operation of roll-offs; performs manual labor in conjunction with the pickup of refuse bins at all residential and commercial facilities, parks, and on beaches.

• Performs and participates inminor field repairs and adjustments to vehicles and equipment; monitors routine maintenance and other repairs necessary to keep equipment fully functional and operational.

• Answers and respondstoquestions and complaints and refers major problems to superior; maintains professional composure and provides excellent customer service; responds to service orders and requests.

• Dumps waste at City's transfer station or other location as assigned; cleans and washes truck regularly.

• Prepares daily truck report and keeps incidental records of collection activities; tracks daily collections and issues or concerns that were addressed.

• Performsother dutiesas assigned.

Licenses,Certifications, and Equipment:

A valid State driver's license is required.

Possession and maintenance of Class A CDL (for tractor/trailer) or Class B CDL (for all other) is required.

This position is required to operate the below equipment, machines, tools, and other work aides:

Specialized automotive equipment, heavy-duty equipment, and other equipment as assigned.

Educationand Experience:

High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate AND two (2) years of experience driving heavy-duty automotive equipment or one (1) year as Solid Waste Worker with CDL training through the City of Clearwater third party trainers.

Knowledgeof–

• Automotiveand heavyequipment and related hazards

• Occupational hazards associated with the operation of heavy-duty automotive equipment and of precautions for the safety ofassigned workers and the public

• Solid waste collections, disposal, and recycling

• Operation of heavy-duty equipment and driving in accordance with State and local lawsand ordinances

• City geography and following assigned routes

• Safety and hazard precautions

• Power tools and equipment

• Department policies and protocols

• Equipment maintenance practices and methods

Skill in–

• Operating various equipment and heavy-duty solid waste collection equipment

• Working collaboratively with other staff over engine noises and adverse weather

• Determining recycling from contamination

• Lifting and moving large objects

• Operating control levers or steering devices

• Understanding thegeography of the City

• Understanding and complying with oral and written instructions

• Using tactand independentjudgmentwithin established guidelines