SOLID WASTE OPERATOR

Knox County; Tennessee; On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Knox County Government is seeking a Solid Waste Operator to load, collect, and transport waste and recyclables, and perform light maintenance at centers. The role requires operating various heavy vehicles and equipment, and adhering to safety guidelines to protect workers and the public.

The position requires two years of related experience, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a Tennessee Class A CDL within three months of hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum two (2) years’ related experience.
• Must complete and pass required online safety test(s) within designated timeframes from date of hire.
• Must obtain and maintain a Tennessee Class A CDL within three (3) months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Collect and transport waste and recycling from Knox County Convenience Centers using various trucks and equipment.
• Operate loaders, skid steers, forklift, and related equipment for loading and transport.
• Prepare and pack waste or recycling for processing or disposal.
• Perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment as directed.
• Assist center operators to maintain clean, debris-free centers.
• Drive Knox County vehicles to and from work locations and perform duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Safety awareness

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift

Skid steer loaders

Heavy truck hoist systems

Job description

Purpose of Job

The purpose of this position is to visit, load, collect and transport waste/recycling; perform light maintenance and repair at centers; and build experience and perform a combination of duties situated between center operator and truck driver. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to a drug screen.

Essential Functions

The Solid Waste Operator is responsible for the following essential functions:

• Collect and transport waste and recycling from Knox County Convenience Centers to processing, recycling or disposal locations using roll off truck, dump truck, pickup truck, loaders, and other equipment and vehicles.
• Transport and operate loaders, skid steers, fork lifts necessary to load, collect, and transport waste for disposal or recycling
• Collect, transport, prepare, and pack waste or recycling for further processing or disposal
• Perform light facility, equipment, or grounds maintenance as directed
• Assist Center Operators to keep Convenience Centers clean and free of debris
• Keep storage areas clean, neat, and tidy and inventory as directed
• Alert the supervisors when supplies are low or if other supplies may be needed
• Ride along and assist heavy truck drivers perform their duties as directed
• Operate Convenience Centers as directed
• Operate heavy trucks as directed
• Assist with creating a safe work a space, injury/accident free work environment by reporting hazards being present as a safety buddy for fellow employees working in or near workplace hazards
• Drive County vehicles to and from workplace, facilities, and work zones

Additional Job Functions

• Ensure regular, punctual attendance during scheduled work hour
• Respond to and report immediately if called upon by local regional or central office supervisors as part of a coordinated emergency response by the Knox County Mayor’s Office
• Perform other duties as required

Minimum Training & Qualifications

The minimum training and qualifications required for this position include the following:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum two (2) years’ related experience
• Any equivalent experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the position may be considered
• Must complete and pass required on-line webinar safety test(s) within appropriate timeframes from date of hire as designated by the County.
• The Solid Waste Operator must obtain and maintain a current State of Tennessee Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) within three (3) months of hire

Specialized Knowledge

• N/A

Competencies

Competencies the Solid Waste Laborer must possess include the following:

• Basic understanding of computers, printers and other office equipment
• Ability to focus and demonstrate great attention to detail
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team
• Ability to perform in a position of low complexity
• Ability to solve simple problems
• Ability to communicate with other Knox County team members and the public
• Ability to use tact when working with the public
• Ability to use a variety of tools, machines and equipment including hydraulic equipment waste compactors, heavy truck hoist systems, hand tools, cordless drill, reciprocating saw, wrench, socket set, mowers, weed eaters, forklift, skid steer loaders, bulb crushers, pallet jack, chainsaw, winch, crane boom, waste containers, flatbed trailer, rim crusher
• Ability to properly don and doff personal protective equipment such as steel toed shoes

Physical Requirements

This position requires the following physical abilities:

• Continuous moderate effort or frequent heavy physical activity
• Speak to convey or exchange information

Note: An individual offered a position as a Solid Waste Laborer must pass a US Department of Transportation approved physical examination prior to assuming his or her position.

Occupational Hazards

Potentially hazardous working conditions include the following:

• Lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds without assistance and up to 50 pounds with assistance
• Working in proximity to heavy vehicular traffic
• Risk of injury from dropping heavy objects
• Working on slippery surfaces and uneven terrain
• Driving vehicles
• Crush hazards from working in proximity to hydraulic equipment
• Working in proximity to heavy trucks, loaders or other powered industrial trucks (loader/forklift)
• Exposure to elements and working in a variety of weather conditions including high heat, cold, and inclement weather

Note: Personal protective equipment such as steel toed shoes are required

Knox County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Knox County Government may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.