Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00000579

Department: Public Works

Division: Solid Waste Collections

Job classification: Waste Equipment Operator G121

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Works

Summary

This position is responsible for operating a refuse collection truck or other solid waste equipment. Maintaining the operator level Maintenance as well as the pre operations and post operation checks. Supervises inmates used in the collection process, writing disciplinaries for rule infractions and poor work performance.

• Operates refuse collection truck and secondary equipment controls in the pickup and disposal of refuse.
• Supervises inmates; ensures that inmates follow safety guidelines.
• Performs vehicle maintenance.
• Operates a grab all and a boom.
• Assists other drivers with routes.
• Responds to inquiries; records complaints and informs the appropriate personnel.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Examples of duties

• Knowledge of safety rules and regulations.
• Skill in reading maps.
• Skill in the operation of equipment such as grab alls and booms.
• Skill in troubleshooting and maintenance of vehicles.
• Skill in the operation of a refuse collection truck.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic mathematical calculations.

Qualifications

Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the occupational field, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. This position is required to supervise state inmate labor. Employee must pass the Department of Corrections three-day certification within the time frame required by this department, which is normally six (6) months but may be altered. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Supplemental information

The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Balancing – maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.
• Climbing – ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps, requires body agility.
• Crouching – bending body forward by bending leg, spine.
• Feeling – perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.
• Grasping – applying pressure to object with fingers, palm.
• Handling – picking, holding, or working with whole hand.
• Hearing 1 – perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.
• Hearing 2 – receive detailed information, make discrimination in sound.
• Kneeling – bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees.
• Lifting – raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back.
• Manual Dexterity – picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.
• Mental Acuity – ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.
• Pulling - use upper extremities to exert force, haul or tug.
• Pushing – use upper extremities to press against objects with force, or thrust forward, downward, outward.
• Reaching – extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion – substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.
• Speaking – expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.
• Standing – for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping – bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back.
• Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word.
• Talking 2 – shouting to be heard above ambient noise.
• Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading.
• Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.
• Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.
• Visual Acuity 4 - operate motor vehicles/heavy equipment.
• Visual Acuity 5 -close acuity for inspection of small defects, machines, use measurement devices, or fabricate parts.
• Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site.

The work is typically performed outdoors where the employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and cold or inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.