SOLID WASTE LABORER

General Statement of Duties

Performs unskilled manual work in the collection and disposal of garbage and refuse.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Employees in this class perform manual labor involving the collection and disposal of refuse and garbage. Employees work as a member of a crew led by a Solid Waste Equipment Operator in loading and unloading refuse over an established route. Employees are subject to the hazards of Solid Waste work including working in outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to noise, vibration, moving mechanical parts, atmospheric conditions, oils, skin irritants, and narrow passageways. Work is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on bloodborne pathogens. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a Solid Waste Equipment Operator who reviews work by observation to determine the effectiveness of collection duties. Work is also supervised by the supervisor for overall effectiveness and efficiency of the division.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

Works as a member of a garbage and refuse collection crew in an assigned area of the City.

Walks along a designated commercial or residential route to collect garbage and refuse from curb sides or rear yards; empties refuse containers into a loader packer truck; operates packer mechanism; assists in emptying load at appropriate location.

Works on a crew to collect and dispose of yard waste; feeds limbs into chipper; cleans up street area.

Works on a crew to collect furniture, appliances and other items from the curbside; lifts heavy materials into bed of truck.

Informs supervisor of substandard refuse containers.

Assists in greasing, washing and cleaning of Solid Waste trucks.

Maintains good relationship with the public through respect to individual property.

Assists with sorting various solid waste items for proper disposal.

Assists with other Solid Waste or public works crews as needed.

Additional Job Duties

Performs related and/or additional duties as required and deemed necessary by the Supervisor/Department Director

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Working knowledge of the methods and techniques applied in the loading and unloading of garbage and refuse along an assigned route.

Some knowledge of City solid waste collection regulations.

Some knowledge of the occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions of refuse collection work.

Ability to perform heavy manual labor in varying weather conditions.

Ability to understand and follow instructions.

Ability to cooperate and work as a team member in carrying out assignments.

Assists in the removal of ice and snow and dead animals.