Solid Waste Equipment Operator II (Truck Driver)  2 POSITIONS – (Solid Waste)

DEPARTMENT: Solid Waste

SALARY: Grade 58                                           $16.7634 Hourly /$34,867.82 Annually      

OPENING DATE: April 30, 2024                       CLOSING DATE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED   

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

This is skilled work in the operation and maintenance of solid waste collection equipment.  Responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of assigned equipment is a predominant task.  Under general supervision of either the Director or Landfill Supervisor, the purpose of the position is to operate medium and heavy motorized equipment.  Position is responsible for operating front-end loaders, backhoes, bobcats, refuse removal equipment, bailer and forklift in landfill and recycling operations.  Manual work and heavy lifting may also be performed as necessary.  Experience in the operation and servicing of heavy equipment is also preferred.   Performs related work as required.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.  It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Operates various solid waste collection, disposal and/or recycling equipment as needed. Maneuvers heavy equipment into loading and/or unloading positions. Operates equipment on landfill grounds, maintaining proper awareness of one’s surroundings. Weighs trailer(s) after they are loaded to make sure they are within weight limits, rolls tarps and places trailer(s) in staging areas for long haul drivers. Conducts visual and random inspections of MSW and C&D at transfer station. Operates recycling equipment to prepare recyclable materials for market; directs haulers to proper storage area for recyclables; insures quality of recyclable materials by inspecting materials and removing unacceptable items; loads trucks of baled materials for market. Performs routine servicing and maintenance of equipment used in carrying out assignments, including such tasks as fueling equipment, tire maintenance including tire changes and/or assisting as needed, and cleaning equipment exterior and interior. Performs required basic daily pre-use equipment inspections. Notifies Duplin County garage of any equipment issues. Follow Safety rules. Report unsafe working conditions, accidents and injuries to supervisor. Monitors solid waste while moving trash to identify and report any hazardous materials.  Basic hazardous materials identification and handling. Maintains clean and safe working environment in and around recycling warehouse, transfer station, metal pile and other areas as assigned at landfill..

The duties of the equipment operator will vary by job, customer needs, weather conditions and equipment operated. The equipment operator must be able to all types of related heavy equipment (i.e. bulldozer, backhoe, front end loader, grader, fork lift, etc…)  proficiently and safely at all times and in all types of conditions. 

When operating equipment the equipment operator must be able to climb in and out of the piece of equipment safely.  To climb into the equipment the operator uses both hands to grab hold of two cab mounted hand grips and raising one foot approximately thirty inches (from the ground) onto a step uses arm and leg power to lift his/her body up  to the tread of the step.  This process is repeated until the operator is in the cab. To exit from the equipment the operator uses both hands to grab hold of two cab mounted hand grips and backs down one foot at a time onto a step below using arm and leg power to lower his/her body to the tread of the step below.  This process is repeated until the operator is on ground level.  The operation of the equipment requires the use of both hands and arms for steering and moving levers and legs to operate foot controls and pedals.  These activities are repeated throughout a work day.

Because of liability issues the equipment operator cannot be taking medications that may impair the operator’s ability to safely operate the equipment.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.

May be requested to train new employees. Overtime may be required and during a disaster or emergency situation, Equipment Operators may be required to work.  Performs related duties as assigned.

                                                               MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED preferred; supplemented by three (3) to five (5) years previous experience and/or training that includes the operation of heavy equipment, and experience in refuse collection work; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Educational background sufficient to understand oral and written work assignments.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with the county’s drug free workplace policy, employees will be subject to pre-employment and random drug screening.

After Equipment Operator applicant is given a conditional job offer, but before he or she starts work, potential new hire will undergo “fit for duty” medical examination at the Duplin County Health Department to ensure potential new hire is physically able to perform the essential duties of this job description with or without reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA.  After employment begins, it is understood that the Equipment Operators will be required to undergo an annual medical examination at the Duplin County Health Department to determine if employee is able to physically continue to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA.  In accordance with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967,  the ADEA allows imposition of age limits for certain professions if evidence shows the ability to perform a particular job significantly diminishes with age or imposes a danger to society.  The ability to perform the essential job duties of a Equipment Operator typically decreases with age because of the gradual loss of hearing, sight and mobility as a person ages.  Therefore, it has been determined that a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) for an Equipment Operator is to be under the age 70.