Front Load Driver

This is a skilled work involving the commercial collection of solid waste on an assigned commercial route utilizing a front-load refuse collection vehicle. Bargaining unit position.

An employee in this class is responsible for driving and operating a front-load, refuse collection vehicle. Under general supervision, an employee receives instructions orally and in writing and performs tasks, to include: operation of the front-load collection 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 commercial routes. 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 containers as assigned for commercial collection. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion through observation and results obtained.

Operates various mechanisms for functions such as lifting, pushing, pulling, loading, and unloading refuse from commercial locations; performs physical tasks relating to climbing into the hopper area, cleaning behind the blade. 

Operates tablets, vehicle’s radio utilizing standard operating procedures of a front-load truck. 

Has responsibility for proper operations and cleaning vehicles. May oversee activities of a service attendant, when assigned to the truck. 

Drives front-load collection vehicles to unloading sites and operates mechanisms to unload materials. 

Educates citizens/customers on current commercial collection procedures for front-load automated refuse collection systems; provides information regarding schedules and/or updates of service changes.

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

Safely performs pre and post trip vehicle inspections daily, to ensure vehicles are appropriately 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 commercial collection route information and time reports.

Considerable knowledge of: the principles of routing and operation of a front-load 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 front-load equipment and vehicles of any capacity. 

Ability to: systematically evaluate necessary repairs and make minor operating adjustments to equipment; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; complete route work orders on a tablet, 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 a commercial front-load refuse collection truck.

High school or vocational school graduation and three (3) years of experience in the operation of a commercial front-load refuse collection vehicle.

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.

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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