Refuse & Recycling Technician

Under the immediate supervision of the Solid Waste Collection Division Supervisor, and under the general supervision of the Public Works Superintendent, is responsible for assisting with the routing performance of all duties related to the safe and efficient collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste and recyclable materials. May be assigned to any division within the Public Works Department as a substitute for individuals on vacation, sick leave, etc., or during heavy workload periods including extended shifts, night and weekend work. Position will be filled as a Technician I, Technician II or Technician III, dependent upon the needs of the department and qualifications/experience of the preferred candidate. Essential Functions Technician I (entry level) Assist with curbside collection of refuse, recyclables and yard waster, and for transporting materials to designated facilities. Responsible for maintaining accurate records relative to collections, hauling and disposal of materials collected. Assembles and delivers trash and recycling containers and informational packets to residents. Responsible for motor vehicle pre/post trip inspection to detect equipment malfunctions and to ensure operational safety and compliance. Physical ability to repeatedly lift, carry or otherwise move objects weighing over fifty (50) pounds for varying distances. Technician II (proficient technician) In addition to the functions above: Able to independently perform duties associated with the curbside collection of refuse, recyclables and yard waste, and for transporting materials to designated facilities. Technician III (advanced technician) In addition to the functions above: Able to independently perform duties associated with the curbside collection of refuse, recyclables and yard waste, and for transporting materials to designated facilities. Able to manage daily collection operations in absence of the supervisor. Responsible for maintaining accurate records relative to collections, hauling and disposal of materials collected, and to review the records of other crew members for accuracy and completeness. Able to train other crew members on individual routes and best practices in performing various collection operations. Able to train crew members on the safe and proper operation of all equipment, practices and procedures involved in refuse collection activities. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge Technician I (entry level) Basic knowledge of solid waste and recycling collection and disposal operations, materials, methods, principles, common practices and equipment necessary for efficient collection and disposal of refuse and recyclable materials. Basic knowledge of safe driving techniques and procedures. Some knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions with lifting and moving heavy objects. Knowledge of basic math (ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers) for the purpose of making calculations. Working knowledge of the operation and minor maintenance of trucks and similar automotive equipment and skill in the operation of such vehicles. Technician II (proficient technician) In addition to the knowledge above: Thorough knowledge of City streets and geography. Thorough knowledge of all city refuse collection routes. Thorough knowledge of transfer station facility operations and guidelines. Technician III (advanced technician) In addition to the knowledge above: Thorough knowledge and understanding of the landfill equipment and system function and operations. Full knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions with lifting and moving heavy objects. Working knowledge of Microsoft Applications including WORD, Excel and Outlook. Skills Technician I (entry level) Skill in the use of hand and power tools. Skill in performing manual labor. Skill in maintaining detailed work orders and records. Skill in detecting equipment malfunctions and identifying operational problems. Technician II (proficient technician) In addition to the skills above: Skill in operating all side load and rear load refuse collection equipment, skid steer and wheel loaders. Technician III (advanced technician) In addition to the skills above: Skill in efficient use of desktop computer Abilities Technician I (entry level) General mechanical aptitude and mental ability to perform manual tasks without supervision. Ability to skillfully operate and safely drive assigned vehicles at all times and in narrow spaces, especially in heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions. Ability to learn how to safely operate special refuse truck mechanisms. Ability to perform relatively heavy manual work for extended periods of time and ability to withstand exposure to variable weather conditions. Ability to repetitively lift and carry heavy refuse (50+ pounds) on a daily basis. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Ability to learn and memorize multiple refuse collection routes for refuse, recycling and yard waste collection operations. Ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills to interact with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. Technician II (proficient technician) In addition to the abilities above: Ability to learn and memorize multiple refuse collection routes for refuse, recycling and yard waste collection operations. Technician III (advanced technician) In addition to the abilities above: Ability to enter and manipulate data into digital collection records; prepare a professional letter; Send/receive communications via email. The primary duties of this position are performed in an outdoor environment that may include working in adverse weather conditions, vehicular traffic exposure, exposure to hazards involving moving mechanical parts and the use of power tools and equipment. Work is characterized as Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Sufficient hearing ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, emergency signals, vehicle back-up warnings and to communicate with other employees and the general public. Sufficient vi