Debris Equipment Operator

Performs difficult skilled equipment operation collecting yard waste and bulk items in the Public Works Department. Employees in this class operate large boom truck equipment in tight areas around overhead lines, heavy traffic, parked cars, overhanging limbs, in narrow alleyways, or other areas requiring a high level of skill or competence in the collection of bulk trash and yard waste and related work. Employees may also serve as crew leader or lead worker. Work may require lifting and dumping containers and heavy lifting of furniture and appliances. Employees perform preventive maintenance and repairs to assigned equipment. Employees are subject to hazards including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as noise, oils, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, tight quarters, moving mechanical parts, vibrations, chemicals, and narrow passageways and may be subject to the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under regular supervision and is reviewed for accuracy, safety, and adherence to established standards.

• Operates heavy boom truck equipment and/or rear load garbage packers to collect yard waste, furniture, and appliances; may have to lift and dump heavy containers; rakes debris into piles and removes from ground.
• Receives phone or radio calls with locations for trash removal.
• May serve as lead worker with a crew member; provides orientation and training; ensures safe work methods and safety precautions for staff and the public.
• Performs repairs and preventive maintenance to assigned equipment; replaces hydraulic lines, belts, and other parts; greases and replaces fluids; cleans and washes equipment on a periodic basis; reports major repair needs to supervisor.
• Maintains records of work activities; performs checklist for truck.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Considerable knowledge of the operation, maintenance, capabilities and limitations of assigned equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and proper safety precautions involved in the operation of heavy equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of the traffic laws and regulations governing equipment operation.
• Working knowledge of the Towns solid waste management policies.
• Skilled and cared in the operation of several types of construction equipment.
• Skilled in customer service excellence.
• Ability to learn Town streets and find addresses.
• Ability to train lower skilled employees and to provide leadership to a small crew in assigning tasks and insuring work quality.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and to make simple records of work activity.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees, supervisors, and the general public.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; and/or 50 pounds of force frequently; and/or 20 pounds constantly.
• Must possess the visual acuity to operate heavy equipment and distinguish details and differences in grading streets as well as for safety issues and to read instruction and prepare simple records.

• Graduation from high school and considerable experience in the operation of related heavy equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Possession of a valid North Carolina Commercial driver's license, Class B.

• The starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's skills and qualifications.