Solid Waste Collector/Driver

Position Description

The City of Tacoma is seeking highly motivated people devoted to public service to join our team in providing exceptional service to the citizens and rate payers of Tacoma. Solid Waste Collector/Drivers provide Garbage , Recycling , and Yard/Food Waste services for single-family residential homes, multi-family units, and commercial businesses. The utility also operates a Recovery and Transfer Center , and Household Hazardous Waste Facility as well as a popular bulk item collection service, Call-2-Haul , and the Tidy Up Tacoma Program This is a great opportunity to join the City of Tacoma and serve our community in providing an essential service.

Our ideal candidate will be a person who exemplifies the following competencies:

• Being Resilient - Is confident under pressure, handles and manages crisis effectively. Maintains a positive attitude despite adversity and bounces back from setbacks.
• Collaborates - Works cooperatively and partners with others to achieve shared objectives. Represents own interests while being fair to others and their areas.
• Communicates Effectively - Is effective in a variety of communication settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, or among diverse styles and position levels. Attentively listens and encourages open expression of diverse ideas and opinions.
• Customer Focus - Builds and delivers solutions that meet customer expectations. Establishes and maintains effective customer relationships.
• Nimble Learning - Learns quickly when facing new situations. Takes on the challenge of unfamiliar tasks and experiments to find new solutions.
• Optimizes Work Processes - Identifies and creates the processes necessary to get work done. Seeks ways to improve processes, from small tweaks to complete reengineering.
• Self-Development - Shows personal commitment and takes action to continuously improve. Accepts assignments that broaden capabilities.
• Situational Adaptability - Picks up on situational cues and adjusts in the moment. Readily adapts personal, interpersonal, and leadership behavior. Understands that different situations may call for different approaches.
• Values Safety - Promotes a safe work culture and work environment.

The City is establishing a civil service list for Solid Waste Collector/Drivers. This list will be used to fill all Solid Waste Collector/Driver vacancies that occur for a minimum of one year. Solid Waste Collector/Drivers may perform heavy manual labor involving the collection of solid waste, yard waste and recyclable materials and includes the operation of solid waste collection equipment (approximately 34,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight).

Essential Duties:

• Drive solid waste collection vehicles over assigned routes.
• Pick-up carry and empty solid waste containers, boxes, bags and bundles of branches into a collection truck; pick-up debris and other solid waste and place into truck.
• Pick-up, and place recyclable material into truck.
• Operate mechanism for loading, compressing and dumping solid waste.
• Wash interior and exterior of assigned equipment and fuel solid waste collection truck as necessary; report hazardous or non-functioning equipment to mechanics.
• Drive front-load truck and drop-off box truck as assigned.
• Drive and operate automated barrel collection vehicles.
• Drive tractor and trailer equipment as assigned (requires Class A Commercial Drivers' License).
• Prepare and maintain basic records and logs related to daily activities such as route books and timecards.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Outdoor environment; subject to adverse weather conditions, fumes and noise.
• Position requires heavy lifting, bending and climbing into vehicles.
• An employee in this position is subject to potential traffic hazards.
• Exposure to hazards of equipment operation.
• Walking on uneven and sometimes slippery surfaces requiring alertness, agility, balance and coordination.

In the Environmental Services Department we believe everything we do supports healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound, leaving a better Tacoma for all.
The Focus on healthy neighborhoods and a Thriving Puget Sound defines the core values of the Environmental Services Department and our clear focus on: Customers, Employees and Operations with the three following statements:

• Customers - Partner with the community on customer-valued services to meet the diverse needs of Tacoma neighborhoods
• Employees - Foster safe culture built on trust, conversation and equity
• Operations - Operate using best practices and innovation to meet changing environmental and community needs.

HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS + THRIVING PUGET SOUND = A BETTER TACOMA

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

Qualifications

An equivalent combination to :

• An equivalent combination to: graduation from high school (or equivalent)

AND

• At least six (6) months of relevant work experience performing heavy manual labor

AND

• At least one (1) year experience operating heavy-duty trucks , Class 8 trucks

OR

• Three (3) years of solid waste collections experience assisting drivers with solid waste collection and routing; operation of hydraulic equipment used to lift, compact and collect material
  

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Washington State Commercial Class B (minimum) Driver's License at time of application and maintenance thereafter. Verifiable safe-driving record.

Appointment is subject to passing a background check, pre-employment medical exam, physical assessment test and drug and alcohol screen.

Knowledge & Skills

KNOWLEDGE:

• Operation of heavy automotive vehicles and equipment.
• Safe techniques of lifting heavy objects.

SKILLS:

• Operate moderate to heavy solid waste-related automotive vehicles and equipment, including Automated Side Loaders, Front Load Trucks, Rear Load Trucks, Recycle Trucks, Semi-Tractors, waste compactors and other related equipment.
• Empty solid waste containers and other heavy objects into standard collection trucks.
• Understand and follow specific oral and written instructions.
• Read and follow maps.
• Learn assigned routes.
• Write accurate reports (truck maintenance repair/accident, etc.)
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Perform heavy manual labor.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity:
Interested individuals must apply online and meet the minimum qualifications to progress in the examination process.

Candidates who are eligible for Veteran's Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application , to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.

Examination Process
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online test. This test may include, but is not limited to, questions on vehicle operation and safety, traffic signs and laws, personal safety, proper lifting techniques and customer relations. The testing information will be sent to the applicants' email address after the closing date of this job announcement. In order to receive the test link, applicants must provide a valid email address on their job application/candidate profile. Applicants must complete and pass the test with a minimum score of 70% in order to be placed on the Eligible List for interview and hiring consideration.

Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to passing a background check, pre-employment medical exam, physical assessment test and drug screen. Due to the strenuous physical demands of this position, the pre-employment medical examination may also include a detailed evaluation of the lower back.

This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and the Teamsters Local 313. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

Employees in the same Rank on the Eligible List will have the date and time of the submission of their job application used as the tie-breaker to determine which employee has seniority over any others; seniority will be determined by the sequence of application submittals, with the first submittal having seniority over subsequent submittals.

WHY WORK FOR THE CITY?
The City of Tacoma offers a generous program of employee benefits:

• Outstanding working conditions and an exceptional quality-of-life environment.
• Medical coverage for eligible employees, spouses and dependents, including children up to age 26.
• Vision care with VSP for employees and eligible dependents enrolled in the Regence PPO medical plan with vision benefits.
• Dental coverage for eligible employees and their elected dependents, including dependent children up to the age of 26.
• Deferred compensation allowing tax-deferred savings as authorized under Section 457 of the IRS Code.
• Personal time off.
• Paid holidays.
• A great pension plan.

Our City:
With a population of over 210,000, Tacoma is the second largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world. Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts. Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, and our schools are exceptional.

When you work for the City of Tacoma, you'll have an opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible schedules (with some job classifications), continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:

http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend an hour or more entering the required information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400, before 4:00 pm of the closing date.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 4/21/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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