Solid Waste Operator I/II/III

Solid Waste Operator

Welcome, 'ist das Leben schn!' (Life is good!) At the City of New Braunfels, we seek out people ready to serve the community, plan for the future, and preserve our well-renowned natural beauty. Our five Core Values serve as a cornerstone of our work: Integrity, Service, Visionary Leadership, Stewardship of Resources, and Cultural Heritage. Do our values speak to you?

What we're looking for: A motivated individual to join the City of New Braunfels Public Works department in the Solid Waste division. You will continue to successfully serve the current and future needs of the New Braunfels community. Under close supervision, performs skilled and semiskilled work operating and driving solid waste and recycling collection equipment and vehicles, in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures.

The responsibilities you'll be trusted with:

• Assists in providing for the delivery of high-quality solid waste and recycling collection services to the public, according to City ordinances, policies, procedures and safety standards.
• Attends and participates in all-staff Solid Waste and Recycling events which take place on various Saturdays throughout the year.
• Collects solid waste, green waste, and recyclable materials from residential and commercial sites on established routes; empties and returns small garbage cans and designated recycling and green waste containers or large garbage containers without damage to containers, property or vehicle; operates mechanism(s) for loading and dumping into collection vehicle; picks up litter and debris caused during collection from roadway and/or right-of-way and deposits in collection vehicle.
• Drives, operates and maintains specialized vehicles, power equipment, tools and other solid waste collection equipment including hand-operated hydraulic controls to lift and load refuse, following all safety regulations and procedures.
• Performs complete pre-trip and post-trip inspection according to division guidelines; identifies and reports mechanical problems requiring additional repair.
• Cleans and performs routine maintenance work on vehicles and equipment, which includes but is not limited to cleaning waste from packer blade, waste cleanout locations, truck body and cab as instructed, applying lubricant at all grease fittings and other identified locations, and adding air, water, motor and hydraulic oil, and transmission fluid as needed.
• Reads and follows route information, follows route guidance and services each customer as identified on the route.
• Completes required daily logs and reports.
• Attends all relevant training including quarterly all-staff meetings, which may occur on scheduled days off.
• Follows all standard operating procedures (SOPs) as instructed at time of hire and as new SOPs are introduced to the team.
• Performs traffic control activities as needed, reports safety hazards and traffic problems.
• Reports and cleans up the area around an accidental waste or hydraulic-oil spill.
• Utilizes proper safety precautions in all work performed; recognizes, avoids, and immediately reports unsafe acts, conditions, accidents, and injuries.
• Successfully complete 6-month probation period
• Demonstrate proper use and care of all personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Demonstrate proper pre/post trip inspection process and operator vehicle maintenance procedures
• Demonstrates proper adherence to all City policies and division SOPs
• Demonstrates proficiency in completing daily logs and reports
• Safely and efficiently operates primary vehicle type following routes as assigned
• Demonstrates reliability and dedication to the delivery of high-quality solid waste and recycling services
• Demonstrates a positive, solutions-oriented attitude while displaying willingness and ability to complete division objectives as a member of a dynamic team
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Your areas of knowledge and expertise that matter most for this role:

• Education and Experience: High School diploma or GED equivalent, AND two (2) years' work experience operating solid waste and/or recycling collection vehicles and equipment
• Required Licenses or Certifications: Must possess at minimum a valid Class B Texas Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with insurable record
• Required Knowledge of: City policies and procedures. Basic tools and equipment used in solid waste and recycling collection. Traffic laws and rules for vehicle and equipment operation. Occupational hazards and safety precautions in using heavy equipment. Operation, maintenance and repair standards for motorized equipment and vehicles. City safety rules and regulations, occupational hazards and safety precautions. Federal and state safety laws and regulations, including drug and alcohol testing guidelines for CDL. Local and regional traffic patterns, road systems, and the locations of landmarks and buildings.
• Required Skill in: Safe and efficient operation and maintenance of tools and motorized equipment according to standard operating and safety procedures. Making routine operating adjustments and repairs to assigned equipment. Identifying mechanical problems. Effective communication skills, both verbal and written for positive relationships with employees, citizens, and the general public.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions, with exposure to hazardous equipment, and extended periods of sitting and driving; requires ability to climb, use fine motor skills and ability to safely lift, carry and move items weighing up to eighty (80) pounds.
• Employee may be required to work weekends, holidays, and other irregularly scheduled times.
• May be required to work immediately before, during or after an emergency or disaster.

The City of New Braunfels is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, order of protection status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.