Solid Waste Equipment Operator

This promotional opportunity is only open to Regular-Full Time, current employees of Ventura Regional Sanitation District.

Deadline to apply is Friday, March 14, 2025.

 

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, the Solid Waste Equipment Operator operates a variety of heavy equipment in solid waste landfill operations, assists commercial and general public customers to ensure safe and efficient dumping.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Solid Waste Equipment Operator is a journey level skilled crafts classification responsible for operating the full range of heavy equipment including dozers, scrapers, loaders, graders and compactors utilized in the solid waste landfill operation to move, compact and cover solid waste at the District’s landfill.  Incumbents operate all heavy equipment in the construction of landfill cells, road grading, and site contouring and have a full understanding of landfill operations and regulatory requirements impacting their position.

 

This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Senior Solid Waste Equipment Operator which provides lead supervision and assists in the training of lower level operators and the Solid Waste Worker which may operate water trucks and light to medium equipment as part of other assigned duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

This position receives direct or general supervision from a designated supervisor or manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The Solid Waste Equipment Operator exercises no supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following examples.

• Operates equipment including dozers, scrapers, loaders, graders and compactors to move and compact solid waste, perform site excavations, trenching, rip and haul cover materials, establish roads, grades and drainage, dust and erosion control, and other construction activities.
• Inspects and performs routine servicing of assigned equipment including lubrication, fuel checks, belt, brakes etc.; maintains service and operation records; cleans equipment as needed.
• Reports need for equipment servicing and repair; explains equipment performance and mechanical issues to supervisors and mechanics.
• Follows survey stakes, drawings or other instructions for construction of various landfill projects.
• Complies with safety regulations and practices and contributes to safety inspections and investigations.
• Monitors solid waste while moving, compacting or covering trash to identify and report any hazardous materials.
• Performs laboring work in the maintenance and construction of the site assigned.
• May work as traffic spotter as needed.
• May lead others in the completion of maintenance, construction of projects or operations assigned activity.
• Performs other related duties as requested.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Any equivalent combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in the operation of heavy equipment including use of scraper, compactor, motor grader and similar equipment.

Education:

Equivalent to a high school diploma.

License/Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license, and a driving record acceptable for insurability.

Depending on assignment, a valid Class B driver’s license may be required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

The following are a representative sample of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge of:

• Heavy equipment operation as applicable to landfill operations and construction activities.
• Safe work practices applicable to maintenance, construction and equipment operation activities at a solid waste landfill.
• Equipment maintenance requirements and techniques.
• Basic hazardous materials identification and handling.
• Types and characteristics of trash in material distribution and compaction.
• Litter control methods.
• Construction engineering as applicable to equipment operation.
• Soils characteristics and use.
• Techniques for traffic control at a disposal site.
• Public contact techniques.

Ability to:

• Operate all equipment utilized in landfill with minimal supervision in compliance with operating procedures and practices.
• Visually judge distances and space between approaching vehicles while operating equipment in landfill site.
• Read grade stakes.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Read and comprehend written equipment operation and safety materials.
• Troubleshoot, service and maintain equipment.
• Keep service and usage records.
• Detect and explain equipment performance difficulties.
• Follow safe work practices.
• Observe activities performed around equipment in use.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Project consequences of decisions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties.  The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting project sites or landfill activities.  The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing 25 pounds or more is also required.  Additionally, the incumbent in this position works in all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold.  The incumbent is exposed to unidentified materials, foul smells, scavenger animals, fumes, dust and air contaminants at the landfill.  The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment on steep slopes, on solid waste and around other heavy equipment.

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.