Title: Maintenance Equipment Operator I (Recycling & Waste Management)

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Facilities Management

Department: Recycling & Waste Management

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Maintenance Equipment Operator I (Recycling & Waste Management) is responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to Moving, Recycling & Waste Services. Operates heavy or specialized trucks and equipment employed in solid waste 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. Operates heavy or specialized trucks and equipment employed in construction, landscaping, and highway maintenance.

Essential Functions

The Maintenance Equipment Operator I is assigned primarily to Recycling and Waste Management but also has regular responsibilities in the operations of Moving Services, snow blows, 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, backhoe, front-end loader, baler, skid steer loader, 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, liftgate, stair climber and toter rover lifter.

Performs routine maintenance (including daily vehicle circle checks) and makes emergency repairs of a minor nature on waste handling trucks and other equipment; reports vehicle performance or condition problems to Office of Waste Management (OWM) supervisor or to Fleet Services Manager when an emergency occurs, and supervisor is not reachable.

Operates specialized power tools and equipment such as shredders, compressor, steam washer, cart dumper, sweeper, forklifts, and related equipment.

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 and containers, remanufacturing of computers, and the proper handling of hazardous waste.

Performs unskilled manual tasks such as the hand sorting of refuse and recyclables, dismantling of wood and metal furniture, weighing of trucks, 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, and container numbers, placement, and contamination.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Practices and promotes excellent customer service in the workplace and exhibits a clear commitment to the diverse needs of customers.

Knowledge of University rules and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

Massachusetts Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brakes.

Class 2B Hoisting License.

Must be able to pass NIDA 5 Drug Screen, per Federal CFR 49.

Experience using heavy construction equipment such as heavy six and ten-wheeled dump trucks.

Working knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the utilization, care, and safe operation of a wide variety of heavy and specialized highway construction and landscape maintenance equipment and trucks.

Knowledge of the state laws pertaining to the operation of heavy equipment.

Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods in varying climatic conditions.

Working knowledge of the operation and application of a wide variety of power and hand tools used for highway construction and landscape maintenance.

Considerable experience in the methods and techniques utilized for effective highway construction and landscape maintenance.

Ability to develop and maintain harmonious working relationships with staff and customers.

Ability to use basic hand tools.

Ability to locate trouble-shoot off-loading issues without “tripping” the equipment with supervision, if necessary.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Must be able to use ladders and industrial trucks, and physically fit to perform outdoor work.

Ability to work extra/irregular hours.

Ability to work outside for long periods of time.

Preferred Qualifications

Valid Massachusetts Class A Commercial Driver’s License.

Additional Details

This position is essential. This includes the obligation to work overtime, to return to work between scheduled shifts when directed, and to report to work during any delays, early departures, and closures. Incumbent is responsible for updating the service desk with current phone number.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments, and requires frequent lifting, bending, tool use or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday; 6am-2pm.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: AFSCME Grade 13 

Click here to view the Classified Step Scale

Special Instructions for 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.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.