Careers at UMass Amherst

Maintenance Equipment Operator II (Recycling & Waste Management)

Apply now Job no: 527305
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Recycling & Waste Management
Union: AFSCME
Categories: Facilities/Grounds

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. 

 

Job Summary

Operates heavy or specialized trucks and equipment in solid waste or property collection, handling and transport.  Loads and unloads trucks and performs routine maintenance. Performs manual tasks requiring various specialized skills or knowledge. Performs related unskilled tasks as required. Also operates heavy or specialized trucks and equipment employed in construction, landscape, and highway maintenance.

 

Essential Functions

  • This Maintenance Equipment Operator II is assigned primarily to Recycle & Waste Management/ Moving Services but also has regular responsibilities in the operation of snowplows, sanders, and waste collection trucks.
  • Operates heavy or specialized trucks and equipment employed in solid waste collection, handling, and transport, including but not limited to trash packer truck, recycling truck, moving truck, backhoe, front-end loader, baler, skid-steer loader, forklift and in-vessel composting machine.
  • Operates heavy or specialized trucks and equipment employed in construction, landscaping and highway maintenance, including snowplows and sanders in connection with snow removal operations.
  • Operates hoisting apparatus associated with the above trucks such as automatic cart dumper, lift gate, stair climber, pallet jack, mobile toter lifter and pressure washers.
  • Performs routine maintenance including daily vehicle circle checks, greasing and makes emergency repairs of a minor nature on waste handling trucks and other equipment.
  • Operates specialized power tools and equipment such as shredders, compressors, steam washers, cart dumper, sweeper, forklifts, and related equipment. 
  • Operates any and all forklifts used in the day-to-day operations such as the bailing of cardboard, loading and unloading of trucks, moving hazardous waste around the containment area, large items around our facility as well on campus for larger scale cleanouts.
  • Operates rubber-tired excavator, or tracked machines exceeding 10,000 pounds and all attachments for these machines.
  • Performs manual tasks requiring some specialized skill or knowledge in connection with the loading and unloading of materials and equipment, and with the handling, storing and inventorying of recyclables, furniture, equipment and containers, and the proper management of hazardous waste. 
  • Performs manual tasks requiring some specialized skill or knowledge in connection with the loading and unloading of materials and equipment, and with the handling, storing and inventorying of recyclables, furniture, equipment and containers, and the proper management of hazardous waste.
  • Performs unskilled manual tasks such as the hand sorting of refuse, recyclables, or property, the moving or dismantling of wood and metal furniture, weighing of trucks, and picking, sweeping, raking, and shoveling of litter, leaves, and snow.
  • Identifies hazardous materials and equipment in University waste or surplus property stream for referral to Environmental Health and Safety or Asbestos Shop.
  • Maintains records and prepares reports on such matters as customer complaints, generator waste volumes, disposal weigh slips, surplus property forms, and container numbers, placement and contamination.

 

Other Functions

  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Knowledge of applicable University rules and regulations.
  • Working knowledge of moving skills, procedures, and strategies.
  • Working knowledge of the principles and practices of recycling and waste management.

 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

  • Two (2) years experience with operation of heavy trucks and equipment including box trucks, excavators, skid steers, compactors, packer trucks, front-end loaders, backhoes, balers, and dump trucks. A Federal Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A can be substituted for the two years’ experience. 
  • Must possess a Federal Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B (including air brakes and cargo training) or a (CDL) Class A license. 
  • Class 2A and 1C Hoisting licenses required 
  • Must be able to pass a NIDA 5 Drug Screen per Federal CFR 49.
  • Working knowledge of the methods and techniques employed in the use, care and safe operation of heavy equipment and trucks associated with solid waste handling, construction, landscaping, and highway maintenance (including front-end loaders, excavators, skid steer, backhoe, packer trucks dump trucks and box trucks).
  • Working knowledge of the operation, uses and limitations of hoisting equipment.
  • Working knowledge of State traffic laws, regulations and safety precautions pertaining to the operation of motor trucks, hoisting equipment and other heavy equipment.
  • Working knowledge of the operation and care of specialized equipment such as compactors, hydraulic cart lifters, shredders, compressors, sweepers, forklifts, balers, and loam screeners.
  • Working knowledge of the operation and applications of common hand and power tools.
  • Ability to understand and execute sometimes complex oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and responsively with co-workers and customers.
  • Ability to operate motor trucks and heavy equipment for extended periods and under exposure to noise, fumes, gases, and a wide range for weather conditions.
  • Ability to perform manual labor of a semi-skilled nature for extended periods and under a wide range of weather conditions.
  • Ability to lift and carry heavy objects 50-75 lbs.
  • Experience in identifying hazardous materials in the waste stream and in taking proper precautions – including referral to staff responsible for hazardous waste management.

 

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

  • Ability to balance, carry, pull/push, stand, bend, climb, drive, reach, sit, twist, life, and perform repetitive movement.
  • Ability to operate motor trucks and heavy equipment for extended periods and under exposure to noise, fumes, gases, and a wide range for weather conditions.
  • Ability to perform manual labor of a semi-skilled nature for extended periods and under a wide range of weather conditions.
  • Ability to lift and carry heavy objects 50-75 lbs.

 

Additional Details

This position is essential. Incumbent has the obligation to work overtime and to return to work between scheduled shifts when directed. It is also the incumbent’s responsibility to update the service desk with his or her current phone numbers.

 

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday; 7am-3pm. 

 

Salary Information

AFSCME Non-Exempt Grade 14, Step 6.

 

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

 

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action. 

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Applications close: Eastern Daylight Time

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