Waste Collection Specialist (R5)

City of Newton
Newton, MA

Purpose:

The Waste Collection Specialist provides collection services of organic, inorganic materials, and minor curbside collection, and other related work as required under the direction of the Sustainable Materials Management Division. Responsibilities include operating equipment required for Public Works projects and ensuring for the safe and efficient operation of vehicles and machinery.

Supervision: 

Supervision Scope: Employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently, with specific instruction. Any questionable cases are referred to the supervisor for clarification or interpretation. Work is reviewed only to an extent sufficient to keep the supervisor aware of progress, and to insure that completed work and methods used are technically accurate and that instructions are being followed. 


Supervision Received: reports to the Director of Sustainable Materials Management and/or designee. Employee works under the general supervision of the Working Foreman. 

 
Supervision Given:  Employee does not exercise any supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Functions:

  • Equipment operation and manual work relating to the activities of the Sustainable Materials Management Division. 
  • Pick-up and haul residential yard waste and other organic material. 
  • Pick up and haul trash and recycling at schools, parks, and city buildings, as needed. 
  • Pick-up, repair, and deliver trash/recycling carts. 
  • Ensure that proper disposal rules and regulations are followed, and only permissible items are collected. 
  • Haul yard waste and sweepings and construction debris as needed. 
  • Participate in storm activities including plowing, salting, and hauling. 
  • Notify other divisions/departments of observed problems, such as debris in street, potholes, downed tree limbs, and water leaks. Fills potholes as needed. 
  • Drives trucks to haul materials, plows snow, operates sander and other vehicles as assigned. Keeps logs of activities as required. 
  • Ensures that all safety precautions are followed while performing work. 
  • Performs a CDL circle check; lubricates, adds oil, inflates tires and otherwise services equipment to ensure proper operation; reports any malfunctions to supervisor, and may assist in making minor repairs and maintenance.  
  • Completes a Vehicle Condition report daily and may assist with repair and maintenance of equipment and machinery. 
  • Performs similar or related duties as required or directed by the supervisor. 

 

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:  
A candidate for this position should have a High School diploma or equivalent and one to three (1-3) years of experience in waste collection. CDL B required (Applicants with a CDL permit could be considered for this position) 2A,1C hoisting license or ability to obtain within 6 months 


Knowledge, Ability and Skill:    
A candidate for this position should have knowledge of: 

  • Waste Collection
  • Construction and/or landscaping methods and materials associated with the respective department
  • Truck driving and small equipment operating practices and procedures
  • Occupational safety precautions

 

Skill in:

Performing duties safely and efficiently

Ability to:

  • Operate heavy trucks in a safe manner in accordance with department safety guidelines
  • Detect mechanical problems, maintain vehicle and equipment, and may assist in performing minor repairs
  • Read and follow oral and written instructions
  • Perform strenuous physical work over a period of time and lifts, carries, and places heavy objects often under adverse weather conditions.

 

Computer Skills 
Must be able to operate a personal computer and technical software, such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other industry specific programs. 
A strong commitment to public service required. 

Physical requirements/work environment:

Employee works on loud to very loud construction sites and is exposed to outdoor weather conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, more than 2/3rd of the time; toxic or caustic chemicals, extremes of heat and cold up to 1/3rd of the time. 

Employee is required to talk, listen, use hands, and reach with hands and arms more than 2/3rd of the time; stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl. 

Employee frequently lifts up to 60 lbs., occasionally lifts up to or more than 100 lbs. 

Normal vision is required for this position. Equipment operated includes trucks in excess of 26,001 lbs., pneumatic tools, and hand tools. 
 

Position responsibilities require the use of judgment and initiative to interpret the numerous standardized practices, procedures, codes, or general instructions governing the work. Employee is expected to locate, select, and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation, or guideline for a given situation. 

 
Errors can result in personal injury/loss, delay or loss of service, damage to equipment or injury to others.  


The position has occasional contact with the public and frequent contact with City employees, in person to respond to inquiries and provide information and assistance. 

 

Performance Standard:

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics. 

  • Health insurance - 75% employer sponsored
  • Dental insurance
  • Two (2) weeks of vacation time per year
  • Annual step increases (up to the maximum of the grade)
  • Annual cost of living adjustments (COLA)
  • Longevity payments after 5 years of continuous service
  • 12.5 paid holidays per year
  • $1000 clothing allowance per year
  • 2 paid floating holidays per year, 2 personal business days per year
  • 80 hours of special leave time per year
  • Snow bonus - an additional $8.50/hour
  • Summer Hours - Friday's off - Monday through Thursday 10 hour work days
  • For Fleet Mechanics/Technicians, one (1) time $1500 tool allowance paid out upon completing probationary period
  • Availability for overtime
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 457 Deferred Compensation plans
  • Metro Credit Union
  • Verizon Wireless discount
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • City Retirement (Mandatory)
  • Weekly Direct Deposit
  • Opportunity to serve the public and join a dynamic team of dedicated employees
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