Senior Solid Waste Equipment Operator

DEFINITION:

Under direction, the Senior Solid Waste Equipment Operator will maintain and operate a variety of heavy equipment in solid waste landfill operations; overseeing the work of other equipment operators in solid waste landfill operations and associated construction activities assist commercial and general public customers to ensure safe and efficient dumping; and perform related duties, as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Senior Solid Waste Equipment Operator is an advanced journey-level classification performing lead level skilled crafts in the Solid Waste Equipment Operator series, which is responsible for the operation of heavy equipment and/or overseeing the work of other equipment operators in solid waste landfill operations, and associated construction activities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:                              

This position receives direction from the Solid Waste Supervisor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The Senior Solid Waste Equipment Operator provide direct supervision lower level staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following examples.

 

• Leads, oversees and performs skilled heavy equipment operation work using equipment such as dozers, compactors, graders, scrapers and loaders in the moving and compacting, and covering of solid waste, landfill site maintenance, and construction projects.

• Inspects and performs routine servicing of assigned equipment; maintains service, operator and use records; cleans equipment as needed.

• May operate or use light equipment such as water truck, pick-up truck, air wrench, steam cleaner, generator, and miscellaneous hand tools. May be assigned to other maintenance and construction work when light or heavy equipment is not in use.

• Assists in the supervision of landfill operations including traffic control and landfill construction activity.

• Trains employees in equipment operation, laboring skills and safety practices; provides advice to workers in resolving problems in public contact, maintenance, repair and construction problems; gives instructions to other operators.

• Assists in and/or leads landfill construction work activities to ensure proper and timely completion.

• Troubleshoots and repairs equipment malfunctions; keeps various heavy power equipment maintenance records accurately and consistently, and reports any needs for major repairs.

• Monitors permit loads; resolves conflicts with commercial haulers and members of the public; investigates suspicious loads for hazardous materials.

• Monitors landfill for erosion, appearance and drainage.

• Recommends changes to minimize operation and maintenance costs, improve utilization of site resources, and meet regulatory changes.

• Provide assistance to co-workers, as well as to management and directors.
• Comply with all District safety rules, policies, and procedures.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Any equivalent combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience operating heavy equipment, including the use of scrapers, compactors, motor graders, and similar equipment on unstable ground.

Education:

A High school diploma or equivalent.

License/Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver’s license and a driving record acceptable for insurability.

Depending on assignment, a valid Class B driver’s license may be required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

The following are a representative sample of the KSA necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods, practices, materials, equipment and tools used in landfill site operations, construction and maintenance.
• Heavy equipment operation as applicable to landfill operations and construction activities.
• Safe work practices applicable to maintenance, construction and equipment operation activities at a solid waste landfill.
• Preventative maintenance planning principles and practices.
• Equipment maintenance requirements and techniques.
• Basic supervisory principles.
• Basic hazardous materials identification and handling.
• Administrative operations and practices related to operations reporting.
• Construction engineering as applicable to equipment operation.
• Soils characteristics and use.

Ability to:

• Oversee and assign work to equipment operators in landfill construction and operations.
• Select work methods and tools to complete assignment efficiently.
• Lead the work of others engaged in maintenance or construction project activity.
• Troubleshoot, service, and maintain equipment.
• Visually judge distances and space between approaching vehicles while operating equipment in a landfill site.
• Read grade stakes.
• Understand and interpret blueprints, schematics and manufacturer information on equipment
• Conduct safety training; respond effectively to emergencies.
• Maintain accurate records and document actions taken.
• Prioritize work assignments
• Read and comprehend written equipment operation and safety materials.
• Detect and explain equipment performance difficulties.
• Safely and efficiently, operate a variety of heavy equipment; use hand tools in the repair of equipment.
• Observe activities performed around equipment in use.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of business, including other employees, managers and executives, vendors, consultants, contractors, and the public.
• Work irregular shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position requires sitting, standing, walking on uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties.  The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting project sites or landfill activities.  The need to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment, and supplies weighing 25 pounds or more is also required.  Additionally, the incumbent in this position works in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold.  The incumbent is exposed to unidentified materials, foul smells, scavenger animals, fumes, dust, and air contaminants at the landfill.  The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment on steep slopes, on solid waste, and around other heavy equipment.

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.