Job Description

Solid Waste Technician

Location: 3095 114th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33716

Schedule: Initially Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with plans to transition to a variable 10-hour schedule, Monday–Saturday.

***ONLY PINELLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES MAY APPLY***

This is specialized technical and professional field and office work assisting in all operations related to the Solid Waste department’s Recycling Drop-off program. Position also provides backup support to the Operations Division assisting with aspects of contract management including general site inspections, equipment operations, Artificial Reef Program support and backup support for other sections within the Operations Management Division including the Special Waste handling program. Work involves a high degree of contact with contractors, citizens, and stakeholders and requires frequent coordination with various sections within the department. An employee in this position is expected to function independently to plan, organize, and accomplish works tasks. This position may also provide support services to other programs within the Solid Waste department and may be required to work during periods of special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

What Would You Do?

• Develops and maintains productive professional relationships with co-workers, other County staff, and contractors.
• Responds to phone and web inquiries from citizens and stakeholders regarding the Recycling drop-off program.
• Recycling drop-off and beach/park programs support: at least twice-weekly site visits for condition and container levels; cleanup and proper disposal of litter and illegally dumped material. General site maintenance of recycling drop-off locations such as landscaping and painting, and scheduling container pickups with the contractor.
• Provides educational guidance to residents using the recycling drop-off sites.
• Mulch drop-off program support including monitoring and refilling of mulch as needed to various drop off locations. Conducts monitoring and documenting the mulch sanitization process to ensure provided mulch is free of weeds, seeds and pathogens.
• Coordinate significant maintenance requirements of recycling sites.
• Monitors, tracks, and trends recycling collection contractor performance.
• Documents and reports recycling collection contractor deficiencies to Program Manager for correction.
• Utilizes Cityworks to input and log equipment maintenance and inspection activities, as well as site asset inspections.
• Operates the department’s roll off container truck to deliver mulch to several mulch drop-off locations.
• Serves as backup support providing heavy equipment operations to the department.
• Inspect, perform preventative maintenance document and communicate observed condition of operating equipment assets to Program Manager and coordinates maintenance and repairs as needed with Fleet Services.
• Assists with disaster preparation of Operations assets and programs as required and assists with assessment during recovery, in accordance with the department’s Disaster Preparedness Plan.
• Serves as backup support to assess that general conditions of Bridgeway Acres, Sod Farm, and Toytown are generally compliant with permit requirements and provide a positive public image.
• Serves to provide customer assistance with load inspections, provides for proper routing of materials to appropriate tipping locations.
• Provides backup support conducting customer and tour escorts to various locations throughout the Bridgeway Acres landfill.
• Monitors the site radio and responds to requests to aid in the identification of special wastes and to assist with various operational needs.
• Identify data trends associated with the Recycling Collection and Processing contract that are projected to fall outside contract limits.
• Plans, organizes, and evaluates work processes to ensure the efficient delivery of program services and fulfillment of program objectives.
• Reviews existing recycling program policies, procedures, and directives and recommends changes where necessary.
• Provides departmental support when required in the event of emergency, and/or disaster situations to include load screenings.
• Participates with teams to complete assigned tasks.
• Plans and manages time and priorities for related work as assigned or required within the designated deadlines.
• Monitors and coordinates public load searches.
• Assists with incident investigations and reporting.
• Assists with monitoring and coordinating traffic diversions.

What Do You Need To Have?

• Four (4) years of experience in chemical handling, recycling, or other solid waste operations; or
• Associate’s degree with major coursework in environmental science, physical science, natural science, education, public administration, sustainability, or related field, and two (2) years of experience in recycling or other solid waste operations; or
• Bachelor’s degree or higher with major coursework in environmental science, physical science, natural science, education, public administration, sustainability, or related field; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

Additional Qualifications

• Florida Commercial Driver's License "B” within six (6) months of hire and maintain.
• Heavy Equipment certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Forklift Truck certification within one (1) year of hire and maintain.
• Safe Boater certification within one (1) year of hire and maintain experience.
• Spotter certification within one (1) year of hire and maintain.
• Hazardous Waste Operator and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification, 29 CFR 1910.120, within six (6) months of hire and maintain.
• FEMA ICS 100 and 700 certifications within six (6) months of hire.
• OSHA 10-Hr General Industry certification within one (1) year of hire.
• CPR/First Aid certification within one (1) year of hire and maintain.

Preferences

• Degree
• Bilingual in Spanish or Vietnamese

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of solid waste and recycling methods, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge and basic understanding of the County’s recycling programs.
• Knowledge of first aid and CPR.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, policies, and established procedures.
• Ability to maintain accurate and organized files and records.
• Ability to prepare reports and correspondence.
• Ability to use a computer, hand-held tablet, and related software applications, including Microsoft Office products.
• Skill in effectively communicating with others.
• Skill in providing excellent customer service and communicating with the public about recycling, waste reduction, and other solid waste programs.
• Skill in the safe operation of heavy trucks with lift gates, roll-off vehicles, forklifts, and marine vessels.
• Moderate level math skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain composure and respond constructively when conflict arises or under stressful conditions.
• Ability to prioritize work.
• Ability to organize programs and projects.
• Ability to evaluate visual conditions and determine the appropriate course of action.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions, including prolonged heat.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to work flexible 10-hour work schedules, including Saturdays.

Want To Learn More?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.

Solid Waste Technician, C21