Front Load Driver (Automated Collection Driver)

This is skilled work involving the collection of solid waste on an assigned commercial and/or residential route utilizing an automated sanitation collection vehicle.  Bargaining unit position.

An employee in this class is responsible for driving and operating a fully automated front loader, fully automated side loader, or rear-loading refuse collection vehicle. Under general supervision, an employee receives instructions orally and in writing and performs tasks, which are of average difficulty to include: operation of the truck and the associated hydraulic packing devices; considerable manipulative skills in the safe operation of automated equipment in areas of limited space and heavy traffic. The exercise of some initiative and independent judgement is required in completing route. Work may also include performing a wide variety of routine duties in assisting in solid waste equipment maintenance and service operation as assigned. Performs physical tasks relating to curbside service and special backdoor service when assigned to residential collection. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion through observation and results obtained.

Operates various mechanisms for functions such as lifting, loading, and unloading refuse from residential and commercial locations; performs physical task relating to loading material into designated hoppers.

Operates vehicle radio utilizing standard operating procedures.

Has responsibility for proper operations, cleaning, and minor maintenance of trucks and equipment; may oversee activities of an assistant driver and/or collectors when assigned to the truck.

Drives vehicles to unloading sites and operates mechanisms to unload materials.

Educates citizens on current collection procedures for fully automated refuse collection systems; provides information regarding schedules and updates of service.

Reports violations of refuse collection regulations to supervisor; makes special runs as assigned in attending to resolve complaints.

Ensures proper safety inspection is performed on all assigned vehicles before operating.

Safely performs pre and post trip vehicles inspections to ensure vehicle is properly equipped, serviced, and cleaned; performs routine and minor maintenance such as checking tire pressure, motor oil, fuel, hydraulic oil, etc.; completes daily vehicle inspection reports and indicates maintenance requirements for immediate attention at the beginning, during, and the end of each shift; completes daily collection route information and time reports.

Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of: the principles of routing and operation of packer type refuse collection trucks to include large trucks equipped with hydraulic packing equipment; operation and maintenance characteristics of solid waste collection vehicles used in solid waste operation; occupational hazard and appropriate safety precautions.

Some knowledge of: traffic ordinances and regulations governing heavy duty equipment operation.

Skill in: the safe operation and care of all assigned equipment including front end loading and side loading automated vehicles of any capacity. 

 Ability to: systematically evaluate needed repairs and make minor operating adjustments to equipment; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; prepare and maintain routine records and reports of activities; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public; read maps and navigate area streets to effectively collect service locations; perform work requiring physical strength and endurance during all types of weather; complete and submit oral and written reports in a clear and concise manner; establish effective working relationships with others.

Skill and ability to: operate an automated refuse collection truck.

High school or vocational school graduation and three (3) years of experience in the operation of one or more of the following three types of equipment: front-loading commercial refuse container trucks, side-loading or rear-loading manually loaded refuse collection vehicles with packer and dump; and six (6) months of experience in performing heavy physical work.

Possession of a valid Florida commercial driver’s license, class “A” or “B” with air brakes.

Must successfully demonstrate operational skill-sets for fully automated refuse collection vehicle.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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