Solid Waste Worker I

Solid Waste Worker I Job Description

Position Title

Solid Waste Worker

Department

Public Works / Solid Waste Division

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Reports To

Street and Solid Waste Superintendent

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Position Summary

The Solid Waste Worker performs manual labor and operates collection equipment in support of residential, commercial, and municipal solid waste collection services. Employees in this position are responsible for collecting, loading, transporting, and disposing of refuse, recyclable materials, yard waste, and other approved materials while ensuring a safe, clean, and efficient operation. The work requires extensive physical activity, adherence to safety standards, and interaction with the public.

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· Collect residential, commercial, and municipal solid waste, recycling, and yard waste along assigned routes.

· Load refuse and recyclable materials into collection vehicles manually or by operating mechanical collection equipment.

· Ride on collection vehicles and safely enter and exit vehicles numerous times throughout the workday.

· Assist drivers with route navigation and collection operations.

· Operate hydraulic controls and collection equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

· Inspect waste materials for prohibited, hazardous, or improperly prepared waste and report violations.

· Pick up litter and debris surrounding collection points as necessary.

· Assist with special event collections, community clean-up projects, and emergency response activities.

· Maintain cleanliness of vehicles, equipment, and work areas.

· Report equipment malfunctions, vehicle defects, accidents, injuries, and safety hazards.

· Respond to customer questions and concerns in a courteous and professional manner.

· Follow all departmental policies, safety procedures, and applicable regulations.

· Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all safety requirements.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

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Required Qualifications

· High school diploma or GED required.

· Previous solid waste collection, construction, maintenance, or labor experience preferred.

· Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Licenses and Certifications

· Valid driver's license required.

· Commercial Driver's License (CDL) may be required for certain assignments.

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· Knowledge of waste collection, recycling, and solid waste procedures.

· Knowledge of occupational safety practices and proper use of PPE.

· Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.

· Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

· Ability to communicate professionally with coworkers and the public.

· Ability to recognize unsafe conditions and report hazards.

· Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

· Ability to maintain consistent reliable attendance.

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· Ability to perform strenuous physical labor throughout the workday.

· Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 75 pounds without assistance; heavier items may require team lifting.

· Ability to walk long distances and repeatedly enter and exit collection vehicles during assigned routes.

· Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, and climb for extended periods.

· Ability to grasp, hold, and manipulate tools, equipment, containers, and waste materials.

· Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, and humidity.

· Ability to tolerate exposure to dust, dirt, odors, noise, insects, and other environmental conditions associated with solid waste collection.

· Ability to maintain balance and coordination while working around moving vehicles, heavy equipment, and uneven terrain.

· Sufficient visual and hearing acuity to identify hazards, follow safety procedures, communicate effectively, and perform assigned duties safely.

· Ability to work extended hours, overtime, weekends, holidays, and emergency response situations as needed.

· Ability to wear and utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety vests, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, and hearing protection.

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· Work is performed primarily outdoors and involves exposure to varying weather conditions.

· Frequent exposure to dust, odors, noise, traffic, and other environmental factors associated with waste collection operations.

· Exposure to potentially hazardous materials and biological waste.

· Work around moving vehicles, equipment, and machinery.

· May be required to work independently or as part of a crew.

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· Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, with shifts generally beginning between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and lasting 8 to 10 hours per day, depending on route assignments and operational needs.

· Employees are expected to report to work on time and be prepared to begin route operations at the designated start time.

· Overtime may be required due to increased workloads, special event collections, weather events, equipment breakdowns, staffing shortages, or other operational demands.

· Weekend, holiday, and emergency response work may be required as needed to maintain essential solid waste services.

· Work hours may vary based on seasonal demands, route changes, special projects, and departmental requirements.

· Employees may be required to work extended shifts during emergencies, natural disasters, community events, or other situations affecting waste collection operations.