Solid Waste Maintenance Technician/Bear Mess

Rise Social; Ruidoso (NM); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Village of Ruidoso is seeking an entry-level, non-exempt worker for the Solid Waste Department to perform laborious tasks under supervision. Duties include cleaning around dumpsters, general grounds maintenance, and light mechanical work. Regular attendance is essential to keep services running smoothly.

Applicants should be prepared for physical labor, use of basic hand tools, and potential long hours. Background checks and drug testing may be required, with safety training provided.

Qualifications

• High School Education or Equivalent required.
• Six months to one year of manual labor experience preferred.
• Must pass criminal history checks and drug/alcohol tests.

Responsibilities

• Cleans and maintains vehicles, equipment, and grounds around the Solid Waste building and transfer station.
• Operates basic tools such as shovels, brooms, weed eaters, pressure washer, and mops.
• Performs trash pickup, dumpster relief, and special pickups as needed.
• Notifies supervisors of violations and supports safety training and compliance.

Skills

Communication

Writing

Safety awareness

Education

High School Education or Equivalent

Tools

Pressure washer

Steam cleaners

Tommy lift

Hand tools

Job description

Government Administration Full Time Entry Level

Deadline: 19 Sept 2026

Overview

Classification SummaryUnder close supervision, performs a wide variety of laborious tasks and light mechanical work for the Solid Waste Department of the Village of Ruidoso. Non-Exempt FLSA.Job Title SummaryRegular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. This position is responsible for the cleaning around the dumpsters and roadways. Picking up and hauling away trash or furniture items that are too big or too heavy to place in the dumpster. This position performs grounds maintenance around the Solid Waste building and Transfer Station. This position requires cleaning of vehicles and light mechanical work under the supervision of the Department Manager or the Mechanic Supervisor . Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, and responding to customer issues.

Duties And Responsibilities

Essential Job FunctionsRegular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services.Cleans and maintains vehicles, trucks, equipment, transfer station, solid waste buildings, grounds, dumpster area, and other areas as assigned.Works with hand tools such as shovels, picks, pressure washer, weed eater, lawn mower, brooms, mops, rakes, etc.Keeps work area clean.Performs labor type duties such as trash pickup, dumpster relief, special pickups, illegal dumps, weed eating, painting, etc.Cleans around dumpsters and right of way.Notifies Office Manager, Solid Waste Manager or Supervisor of violations of Village of Ruidoso ordinances as it pertains to Solid Waste.Attends safety training and other training classes as needed or directed.Reports dumpsters that need to be replaced to Office Manager and/or fills out proper paperwork.Light mechanical work such as, but not confined to changing tires, replacing lights, wiper blades or heavy cleaning of solid waste equipment.

Other Responsibilities Or Job Requirements

Ensures that employees timesheets based on actual hours workedEnsures that employees timesheets are submitted accurately and timelyMust have active and working phone at all times and answer it when Supervisor/co-worker callsEnsures that any on-the job injury is reported immediately and followed up with appropriate formsEnsures compliance with all Village of Ruidoso Policies and Procedures including but not limited to Personnel Manual, Procurement Policy etcReports any suspected fraud and/or abuse to the Solid Waste Manager or Deputy Village ManagerEnsures any reports of harassment are immediately reported and appropriate actions are taken.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Education or Equivalent required.One year manual labor, construction helper, or related experience required.Prefer six months solid waste experienceMust be able to pass criminal history checks, be willing to take and pass a drug/alcohol test and comply with Village "Drug Free" Policy.Must possess and maintain valid New Mexico motor vehicle operator’s permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required. Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law. MVR background checks will be conducted by the Village.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Knowledge of:Solid waste equipment operation methods, techniques, safety practices, safety policies and practices for working in the public right-of-way; preventive vehicle maintenances.Ability ToOperate a pickup truck and a tommy lift; utilize hand tools such as rakes, shovels, steam cleaners, hoses, weed eaters; understand and follow directions, regulations, guidelines, and procedures orally and in writing; learn how to operate a backhoe, frontend loader, and other equipment as necessary on department property only; establish and maintain routine working relationships and interact respectfully with citizens, contractors, community service workers, and employees; be motivated and perform functions with minimal supervisor; perform basic reading and writing functions; perform physical labor.

Maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time, driving or riding in vehicles.

Adapt to inclement weather conditions and/or situations.Drive, occasionally long distancesWork in stressful environment and deal effectively with stressWork a fairly irregular schedule, long hours, weekends, and holidaysSkill InCommunicating verbally, in writing, and by 2-way radio; safely using high pressure washer, hand tools, impact wrench, and other job-related equipment and tools.Closing StatementsAny position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position.In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services.