Refuse Collector/Driver
REFUSE COLLECTOR / DRIVER
DEPARTMENT: Public Works – Solid Waste, City of Cartersville
REPORTS TO: Solid Waste Supervisor
CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time
JOB SUMMARY
The Refuse Collector / Driver is responsible for safely operating a refuse collection vehicle along assigned residential and other designated routes to collect, transport, and dispose of solid waste, yard waste, discarded items, and related materials. The position performs pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections, assists with loading and collection activities, maintains assigned equipment, communicates with supervisors and the public, and supports other Public Works and Solid Waste operations as assigned.
MAJOR DUTIES
• Operates a refuse collection truck along assigned routes to collect residential refuse and transports collected material to the appropriate landfill, transfer station, or disposal location.
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the vehicle is clean, serviced, properly equipped, and safe to operate; documents and reports defects or repair needs.
• Collects and loads refuse, discarded items, yard waste, and other approved materials from curbsides, streets, and designated collection points.
• Operates refuse-truck collection mechanisms and other assigned equipment safely and in accordance with manufacturer instructions and departmental procedures.
• Observes traffic conditions, pedestrians, overhead obstructions, parked vehicles, utility lines, and other hazards while maneuvering on residential streets and collection routes.
• Performs routine operator-level preventive maintenance, including checking tires, air pressure, brakes, lights, belts, fluid levels, safety equipment, and other basic vehicle components.
• Cleans and washes assigned vehicles and equipment and helps maintain them in a safe, orderly, and serviceable condition.
• Uses two-way radio or other approved communication devices to maintain contact with supervisors and coworkers and to report delays, hazards, missed collections, vehicle issues, or other route concerns.
• Reports accidents, injuries, spills, property damage, unsafe conditions, and customer-service concerns promptly and completes required documentation.
• Provides courteous and professional service to residents and members of the public and refers complaints or unusual service requests to the appropriate supervisor.
• Assists other Solid Waste and Public Works crews with leaf and limb removal, bulky-item collection, storm cleanup, special collections, and other duties as operational needs require.
• Follows all applicable traffic laws, City policies, departmental procedures, safety rules, and required personal protective equipment practices.
• Maintains route awareness and assists with identifying collection locations, access issues, and changes affecting efficient service delivery.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Knowledge of the geographic layout of the City and assigned residential refuse collection routes.
• Knowledge of departmental safety rules, City policies, traffic laws, and safe operating practices applicable to refuse collection vehicles.
• Knowledge of the basic operation, inspection, and preventive maintenance of refuse trucks and related equipment.
• Skill in defensive driving and in safely maneuvering large vehicles in residential, commercial, and congested areas.
• Ability to recognize unsafe vehicle or route conditions and take appropriate action or report concerns promptly.
• Ability to read route information, follow oral and written instructions, complete basic records, and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors, coworkers, other City employees, and members of the public.
• Ability to perform physically demanding collection work in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining dependable attendance, punctuality, route efficiency, and safe work practices.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• High school diploma or GED preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Experience operating trucks, heavy vehicles, refuse equipment, or similar equipment is preferred; prior refuse or public works experience is desirable.
• Possession of a valid Georgia driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle operated. A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) must be obtained and maintained if required for the assigned refuse vehicle.
• Ability to meet City driving standards and any required pre-employment or ongoing licensing, safety, or equipment-operation requirements.
• Ability to work early mornings, extended hours, holidays, or during emergency operations when required by service needs.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Solid Waste Supervisor assigns routes, work priorities, and other duties through general instructions, schedules, and established procedures. Work is reviewed through observation, route completion, vehicle and safety records, customer-service results, and compliance with departmental requirements.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include state traffic laws, City ordinances, City and Public Works policies and procedures, Solid Waste operating practices, vehicle inspection requirements, manufacturer instructions, safety rules, and supervisory direction. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require judgment in responding to changing route, traffic, weather, or equipment conditions.
COMPLEXITY
The work consists of operating a refuse collection vehicle and performing collection duties on assigned routes. Traffic conditions, vehicle size, repetitive stops, weather, changing route conditions, customer-service issues, equipment malfunctions, and the need to complete service safely and efficiently contribute to the complexity of the position.
SCOPE AND EFFECT
The purpose of this position is to provide safe, reliable, and timely refuse collection and related Solid Waste services. Successful performance helps maintain clean neighborhoods and public areas, supports public health and sanitation, and contributes to efficient Public Works operations.
PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts are typically with Solid Waste and Public Works employees, other City employees, landfill or disposal-site personnel, residents, customers, and members of the general public.
PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts are generally to exchange information, coordinate collection activities, report service or safety concerns, provide assistance, and respond to routine questions regarding refuse collection services.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is performed while sitting and operating a vehicle for extended periods, with frequent or intermittent standing, walking, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, climbing, pushing, pulling, and lifting. The employee may be required to lift and move heavy refuse containers, bags, discarded items, or other materials and must be able to safely enter and exit the vehicle repeatedly throughout the workday.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is performed primarily in a refuse collection vehicle and outdoors. The employee may be exposed to heat, cold, rain, other inclement weather, traffic, noise, dust, dirt, grease, odors, insects, sharp objects, refuse, potentially infectious materials, machinery with moving parts, and other hazards associated with solid waste collection. The work requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and adherence to established safety procedures.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
None. The employee may assist in orienting or providing task-specific guidance to new employees when directed by the Solid Waste Supervisor.
The City of Cartersville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable law.
Interested in applying?
Complete application and email Cover letter, Resume, with Qualifications to: hr@cityofcartersville.org.
