Waste Collection Operator

JOB SUMMARY

Waste Collections is responsible for residential waste collection programs and services (including garbage, recycling, organics, and yard and leaf waste) for the two collection zones awarded to the City (currently totalling 114,119 homes). 

You are responsible for operating vehicles and equipment and performing general labour in the collection and disposal of trash, brush, organics, solid waste or recycling materials (blue/black boxes).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of Grade 10

Minimum of 2 years of recycling and refuse collection experience is required.  Additional years of driving heavy road equipment may offset years of experience in the waste collection industry.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

KNOWLEDGE

• Practices, equipment and vehicles used in waste services
• Traffic laws, ordinances and rules involved in equipment operation
• Hazards and safety rules and precautions of operating heavy equipment
• Knowledge of the roads/streets within the assigned contract zone
• Proper lifting techniques
• Refuse collection equipment operations
• Rules, policies, and procedures relating to refuse collection and safety
• Possess a keen sense of mechanical and hydraulic functions in order to safely operate equipment used in the performance of daily activities
• WHMIS, First Aid and CPR
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Operation of heavy equipment used for solid waste collection
• Read and follow route maps, drawings and street signs
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions 
• Have the ability to keep detailed, accurate records concerning materials received, processed and disbursed as well as required equipment service records
• Ability to work independently and unsupervised while on assigned route
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to the incumbent or others
• Establish and maintain a good working relationship with management, other employees, and the general public
• Ability to communicate with a hostile public when rules may cause them to become upset
• Reliability 
• Self-motivated 
• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy
• Displays initiative and willingness to contribute
• Effective team member
• Must be able to complete a Back-fit Test
• Possess the physical ability to climb to and from the operator’s position and possess the manual dexterity and coordination to use both hands and feet simultaneously in order to operate a machine
• Perform heavy manual labour
• Use a high pressure water hose to clean solid waste equipment
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements
• Physical capacity to perform the duties of the position
• Must be able to work different work schedules, including weekends and statutory holidays
• Work overtime as required