SANITATION DRIVERS at City of Palatka – Palatka, Florida

Position Summary

Skilled work in the operation the manual and semi-automated operation of refuse collection and disposal equipment on assigned routes. The position involves safely and efficiently operating the equipment on prescribed daily routes, which may be performed at hours of minimal traffic. Work is performed under the general supervision and is reviewed through periodic inspections by department leadership. This position involves working early mornings, evenings, some holidays and/or weekends.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for daily pre-trip inspection and truck maintenance requirements; performs light maintenance such as checking and adding fuel, water and oil, checking brakes, checking lights, changing tires and sweeper brooms.
• Responsible for daily vehicle cleaning (inside and outside) and deodorizing after completion of route.
• Reports all vehicle defects to the appropriate Fleet Operations personnel.
• Follows up with Manager or Foreman on the status of repairs or uncorrected conditions.
• Completes Daily Vehicle Inspection on vehicle.
• Drives rear loading refuse trucks on residential routes, and discharges refuse at landfill or transfer station.
• Empties truck at prescribed designation in accordance with regulations.
• Notifies supervisor and office staff of improper set outs and blocked dumpsters.
• Inspects residential and commercial carts for compliance with City specifications.
• Notifies Superintendent or Supervisor of situations requiring attention on route, i.e., water leaks, low hanging limbs or wires, illegally parked vehicles, suspicious activity or persons.
• Drives front-loading refuse on commercial routes emptying dumpsters , and drives yard debris claw truck.
• Performs routine inspections of dumpsters on prescribed routes; notifies Supervisor of deteriorated, dangerous or unsanitary conditions.
• Responsible for safe and courteous operation of truck while in route and during dumpster operation.
• Responsible for the safety, performance and conduct of the Collectors on the vehicle.
• Ensures collectors are consistently wearing high visibility safety clothing or vests.
• Assists in training of Collectors in use of rear-loader trucks.
• Ensures that collectors in crew comply with City rules regarding safety and handling of containers.
• Assists other drivers daily as necessary to ensure timely completion of all routes. Assists in training other operators in the proper use of sweepers and heavy equipment.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability and agility sufficient to operate heavy equipment in low light and low visibility conditions and over rough terrain.
• Subject to overtime work assignments and responds to job related emergencies as required.

Education and/or Experience:

• High school diploma required, and one (1) year experience in the operation of commercial motor vehicles, to include a variety of heavy equipment in refuse collection and disposal operations.
• Valid Florida Driver's License Classification B.

Environment &Physical Requirements

• Spends most time outdoors, frequent exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures for extended periods of time.
• Possible exposure to distraction/uncomfortable noise levels and vibration of body or extremities.
• Risk of bodily injury from mechanical parts, electricity, etc.
• Possible exposure to fumes, odors, etc. that may affect respiration and skin.
• Must be capable of sitting, standing, walking, driving, climbing/ladders, squatting/kneeling, reaching, grasping, pushing/pulling, twisting/bending lifting and/or interacting with job related appurtenances and equipment which might weigh more than 75 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel in this position.

An individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.