Refuse/Recycle Collector

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:
1.    Picks-up up refuse and recyclables on a regularly scheduled or special route and delivers the collected materials to the appropriate destination. 
2.    Operates hydraulic machinery such as 10,000-pound winches, container lifts, and packers.
3.    Completes equipment checks prior to each shift to ensure that all equipment used is in safe, properly serviced working order.
4.    Performs minor equipment repair and maintenance or informs the fleet services section of more extensive repairs; fuels, lubricates, and examines trucks.
5.    Provides uninterrupted and continuous collection of refuse, recyclables, and organics for residential, multi-family, and commercial customers, during all inclement weather events or other natural disasters and/or emergencies.
6.    Identifies and coordinates potential exposure to chemicals or other hazardous material.
7.    Assists other departments with emergency waste management response including encampment cleanups, upon request.
8.    Completes monthly safety training to include topics on cold weather, heat stress, diving, biohazards, and cyber security; completes ongoing driving training as needed.
9.    Responds to inquiries, questions and comments from the public per established standards and protocols; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive inquiries, issues and complaints.
10.    Creates work orders and monitors through completion.
11.    Identifies and documents contamination issues on electronic tablets by taking pictures and inputting data. 
12.    Updates logbooks from driver's daily log sheets ensuring compliance with all Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements to include pre and post inspection of vehicles.
13.    Works shifts outside of normal business hours and on all holidays and most weekends.
14.    Follows City and public safety guidelines and protocols and performs job functions in a safe manner; reports all safety hazards per established policies and procedures.
15.    Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.
 
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
1.    Knowledge of the occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions related to refuse and recyclable collection.
2.    Knowledge of proper, safe hydraulic machinery operation.
3.    Knowledge of Washington state motor vehicle laws.
4.    Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook and Excel) and applicable department and organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required. 
5.    Skill in operating various types of heavy equipment.
6.    Ability to work as a member of a service provision team.
7.    Ability to drive and operate two and three-axle trucks and use complex hydraulic machinery.
8.    Ability to identify and repair minor problems on refuse and recycle trucks and other section equipment.
9.    Ability to perform basic, routine truck maintenance, such as changing oil.
10.    Ability to recognize hazardous materials and manage exposure according to policy and training.
11.    Skill in using mathematics required for the work.
12.    Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
13.    Ability to use reasoning skills that minimize duplication of efforts, including comparing, classifying, analyzing and coordinating. 
14.    Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure, diffuse potentially confrontational situations and resolve disputes.
15.    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Experience/Education:
1.    High school diploma or GED; some experience in the operation of two and three-axle trucks is preferred; 
2.    OR a combination of experience, certification, education and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas.

Special Requirements:
1.    A valid Washington State driver’s license may be required.
2.    Must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) Class B or ability to obtain within a designated period.
3.    Completes an extensive driver training program for each of the different types of trucks which includes a minimum of 80 hours for side-load, 160 hours for front-load, and 80 hours for rear-load. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Contacts:
1.    Refuse/Recycle Collectors are highly visible to the public while driving to all portions of the City in clearly marked vehicles to collect refuse and recyclables at individual residences.
2.    Courtesy and projecting a positive image of City services is central to program success.
3.    Responding to questions, complaints, and comments requires tact and the ability to explain City services clearly.
5.    Questions or complaints which require more than a brief, routine response may be referred to a Lead Worker or the Waste Management Supervisor.
 
Supervision:
1.    None

Accountability:
1.    Refuse/Recycle Collectors are accountable for the proper collection, handling, and disposal of refuse and recyclables; for the safe operation of all equipment at all times; and completing a safety check on assigned equipment prior to each shift.

Working Conditions:
1.    Refuse Collectors work in a variety of environments depending on assigned tasks.
2.    Most assignments require Refuse/Recycle Collectors to perform work outdoors, often in inclement weather and hazardous working conditions.
3.    Hazards include potential exposure to chemicals and other hazardous materials; maneuvering a large, bulky vehicle in heavy and fast- moving traffic; and working on, near, and around large machinery.
4.    The position also requires strenuous physical activity and the ability to repeatedly lift cans weighing up to 70 lbs., repeatedly climbing into and exiting a large truck, and repetitive shoulder/arm movements while supporting weight.
5.    Refuse/Recycle Collectors occasionally encounter hazardous substances and must manage each occurrence according to City policy and training.
6.    Refuse/Recycle Collectors are required to work Monday through Friday, regardless of holidays; employees receive compensation in lieu of holidays.
7.    Intense concentration is required while driving and operating heavy equipment and machinery, and the ability to quickly respond to and use appropriate judgment in situations where the safety of the operator, the public and the equipment is at risk.
8.    Some assignments may require extended sitting and close attention to detail in an office where noise and frequent interruptions are common.

Olympia is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
 

Union:

Compensation (minimum-maximum):

Exempt:

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources athumanresources@ci.olympia.wa.us.

The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Manny Bosser, Director of Human Resources, at (360)753-8309 or mbosser@ci.olympia.wa.us. This contact is for ADA accommodations only. If youhave questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager noted in theContact section near the top of this recruitment.