Maintenance Equipment Operator I (Recycling & Waste Management)

Apply now Job no:517559
Work type:Staff Full Time
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: Recycling & Waste Management
Union: AFSCME
Categories:Facilities/Grounds

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

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

• 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, 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, 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.
• Knowledge of University rules and regulations.                                                                                                                

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

• Experience in identifying hazardous materials in the waste stream and in taking proper precautions - including referral to staff responsible for hazardous waste management.
• Experience using heavy trucks equipment including packer trucks, front-end loaders, backhoes, and dump trucks.
• Working knowledge of the methods and techniques employed in the use, care and safe operation of certain heavy equipment and trucks associated with solid waste handling, construction, landscaping and highway maintenance, including front-end loaders, backhoe, packer trucks, and dump 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 hydraulic cart lifters, shredders, compressors, sweepers, forklift, 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 of 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.
• Must possess all required licenses.
• Must be able to pass a NlDA 5 Drug Screen, per Federal CFR 49.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Work involves regular exposure to various outdoor climate conditions.

Additional Details

• Possess a valid Federal Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class B (including air brakes and cargo training) and a Class 2b Hoisting License. A Forklift Endorsement is required by any staff that will operate forklifts.
• This position has a maintenance function, which includes 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 their current phone numbers.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday; 6:00am-2:00pm.
• This position is designated on call.

Salary Information

Grade 13

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please complete the online application and provide contact information for three (3) professional references to ensure consideration.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information 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 the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.