Sanitation Operator I

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Description

Ensures trash, debris, yard-waste, recycling, etc. are collected and processed or disposed. Operates sanitation trucks and vehicles (front-end loader, bucket truck, rear loader, roll-off, compost grinder, and clamshell) and picks up waste, sorts recycling, oversees solid waste collectors, changes out containers, and moves refuse in the landfill.

The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

Collects, moves, or relocates trash, recycling, debris, yard-waste, refuse, etc. by operating trucks and vehicles; driving routes; and ensuring trash is collected regularly and is in its appropriate transfer station, compost site or recycling center.
Picks up and delivers dump and roll off containers by dropping off empty containers; picking up filled containers; loading trailers; and ensuring refuse is covered.
Drives truck and supervises inmates and solid waste collectors; train inmates.
Provides emergency response during severe weather (snow, floods, storms, etc.)

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
High School Diploma or GED and two to four years of experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above

Certifications/Licenses

Valid Driver’s License (CDL Class A) and acceptable driving record according to City criteria

Job Knowledge
Basic familiarity with the work to know common principles and terminology and to understand and solve simple problems.

Reading
Intermediate: Ability to read papers, periodicals, journals, manuals, dictionaries, thesauruses, and encyclopedias.

Writing
Basic: Ability to write simple sentences containing subject, verb, and object, and/or series of numbers, names, and addresses.

Math
Basic: Ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).

Communication Skills
Requires regular & routine interaction involving exchange and receipt of information.

Independence and Decision-Making
Normally performs job by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. There is a choice of appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Technical Skills
Work requires a comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization.

Fiscal Responsibilities
No budgetary/fiscal responsibility.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Performs essentially the same work as those directed. Includes oversight of quality, training, instructing and scheduling work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires heavy physical effort, exerting 50-100 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs. constantly.
Adequate vision, hearing and talking to drive and communicate effectively with others.
Constant need for fine dexterity.
Frequent walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, crouching, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, and talking.
Occasional standing, walking and kneeling.
Rare need to handle paperwork or crawl.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
Regular and predictable attendance is expected.
May frequently be required to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and to work closely with others as part of a team.
May occasionally experience time pressure and irregular work schedule/overtime.
May rarely experience emergency situations and frequent change of task.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
Typically operates sanitation trucks and vehicles, and equipment such as grinder, burn pit blower, hand tools, etc.; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
This work is typically performed outside, where there is daily exposure to respiratory and physical hazards, and noise and vibrations. There is constant exposure to mechanical and fire hazards, and physical danger or abuse. There is occasional exposure to explosives. There is seasonal exposure to extreme temperatures and wetness/humidity. There is rare exposure to chemical and electrical hazards and to communicable diseases.

The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task (hard hat, safety vest, steel-toe shoes, eye and protection, gloves, etc.); and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

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5 Questions You Should Ask During the Interview

Here are 5 questions we think you could ask during your interview. Use them as a guide to help you write your own questions.

Remember: Always have at least 5 questions prepared for the interview. If you do not, you run the risk of looking unprepared.

What does success look like in this role, and how is it measured?

Why ask this? You want to ensure you have a clear understanding of expectations before accepting the role. Knowing how success is measured helps you hit the ground running and avoid surprises about performance evaluations. It also signals to the employer that you're results-driven.

Can you describe the team dynamic and the company culture?

Why ask this? Skills and experience matter, but if the work environment isn’t a good fit, you won’t be happy or productive. This question helps you gauge whether the company values collaboration, how teams interact, and whether the culture aligns with your work style and values.

What are the biggest challenges facing the person in this role right now?

Why ask this? Every job has challenges, and it’s better to know them upfront. This helps you assess whether the role is a good fit for your strengths and whether the company is realistic about its expectations. If they hesitate to answer, it could be a red flag.

How does the company support work-life balance and employee well-being??

Why ask this? Burnout is real, and some companies expect employees to sacrifice personal time for the job. By asking this, you’ll get a sense of how they value work-life balance, flexibility, and well-being—things that are crucial for job satisfaction and long-term success.

These questions help you make an informed decision while also showing your professionalism and strategic thinking!

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