Equipment Operator

BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general supervision of the designated supervisor, the Equipment Operator is responsible for operating a wide variety of heavy, medium, and light tracked and wheeled equipment used to conduct Commission operations, facility construction, and maintenance activities. They conduct inspections, primary maintenance, and minor repairs to equipment. The Equipment Operator complies with and enforces federal, state, and local disposal rules and maintains a safe working atmosphere for staff and the public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Carries out landfill operations and various construction activities, including grading, compacting, covering, moving, processing, and otherwise managing waste.
• Operates equipment such as dozers, compactors, excavators, haul trucks, and end loaders in compliance with the Commission’s operating safety policies and procedures.
• Completes the daily operators report, including walk-around inspection, lubrication, and corrects and reports any discrepancies during inspections or operations.
• Services equipment by cleaning, lubrication, routine preventative maintenance, and aids the mechanic as needed for repairs.
• Directs traffic to appropriate disposal and processing sites.
• Sort, stockpile, haul salvage, and raw materials.
• Perform litter and erosion control tasks and operate related equipment.
• Mend and build fences for property security, debris, and erosion control.
• Enforces waste screening protocol and other regulatory requirements.
• Respond to emergencies, including hot loads, equipment failures, storms, and other operational disruptions as needed.
• Performs assigned work as required.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of operating techniques, procedures, and safety practices for equipment.
• Skill in operating the following equipment and tools: heavy refuse disposal and material handling equipment, including single and dual-axle trucks, bulldozers, end loaders, horizontal grinders, and other related material handling equipment; specialty equipment, including transit and surveying equipment; and small tools such as grinders, drills, saws, etc.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, operate survey and GPS equipment and software (Topcon, Geologic, Carlson GPS Solutions), and operate plans.
• Ability to detect unsafe or hazardous conditions of equipment and work environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively and follow instructions.
• Ability to provide training and explain instructions and guidelines to others effectively.
• Ability to work around offensive sights, odor, noise, and dirty environmental conditions.
• Must be capable of working in adverse weather, i.e. rain, cold and hot temperatures, sleet and snow.
• Establish and maintain constructive and effective working relationships with Commission employees and landfill users.
• Knowledge of standard practices, methods, and materials used in Integrated Solid Waste Management.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of four years related heavy equipment operating experience or equivalent combination of training and experience to demonstrate proficiency in operating multiple types of heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of local, regional, and environmental and solid waste practices is preferred.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

• Must have a driver's license valid in the State of Iowa and be insured under the Commission guidelines.
• Obtain Iowa Landfill Operator’s Certification within the first 6 months of employment
• Ability to obtain CDL Class B with air brake endorsements
• Ability to obtain OSHA Hazardous Waste Work Site Operator (HAZWOPER) Certification within the first 12 months of employment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The environment will commonly be an outdoor setting with few hazards. Hazards may be encountered when entering, walking, or operating in landfill areas; during all weather conditions; and participating in landfill diversion activities. This employee may need to navigate manholes, trenches, and confined spaces to complete job duties. Occasional travel in a car, pickup, or SUV is required. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to heavy. An individual must be able to work a rotating Saturday shift, be available during non-standard work hours for waste collection and emergencies, and manage time effectively

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk, hear, use hands and fingers, feel, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with hands and arms. In addition, the employee must frequently lift and move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds. Ability to identify trucks, heavy equipment, and signage at varying distances to ensure safe and efficient operations. Ability to read and interpret printed and electronic information such as safety labels and operational instructions. Ability to monitor surroundings for hazards and moving vehicles during work activities.

Pay: $24.00 - $29.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person