Solid Waste Technician
Category: Classified
Pay Grade: C21
Job Code: 16962
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
JOB SUMMARY
Performs technical field and office work assisting in the operation and public outreach related to Solid Waste Programs all phases of the Solid Waste Department’s specialized recycling and waste diversion programs, and education and outreach programs; provides public outreach efforts and coordinates programs to promote waste reduction and recycling throughout the County; monitors contracts associated with the above-mentioned programs, collects data, reviews waste disposal and recycling data and reports, prepares environmental and operational reports, and presents program information to governmental agencies and the general public; performs extensive data management. Acts as designated lead worker when applicable.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (examples, not all inclusive)
- Plans for and provides effective facility tours, presentations, and events for public education on the principles of integrated solid waste resource management, measure success, and applies feedback;
- Oversees programs and projects for the department and the residents of unincorporated areas related to integrated solid waste management system, including reuse, recycling, waste reduction, and disposal;
- Sorts household hazardous waste into the proper classifications for shipping in compliance with DOT regulations;
- Lab packs drums per DOT regulations and completes paperwork in accordance with Federal Guidelines;
- Maintains records and completes reports assigned Solid Waste Program Supervisors and Managers;
- Operates heavy equipment and trucks in association with the yard waste recycling program and the transportation of wastes;
- Develops, implements, and monitors contracts and agreements for various program and services, including review of contractor’s work and invoices;
- Researches and maintains a directory of material reuse and recycling services available in Pinellas County;
- Develops internal and external communication on behalf of the department;
- Serves as a resource to the public and county departments for waste handling, minimization and recycling processes and opportunities and responds to inquiries;
- Collaborates with municipalities on solid waste reporting, including collection and recycling efforts and grant administration;
- Tracks, reports and maintains data on materials collected for reuse, recycling and disposal;
- Coordinates efforts, conducts research and analysis, and contributes to the success of the “Pinellas Partners in Recycling” committee;
- Compiles program related data and prepares reports based that data;
- Prepares reports and recommendations, and tracks progress of waste reuse, reduction and recycling efforts;
- Develops a network of outreach opportunities;
- Performs related work as assigned or required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Four (4) years of experience in chemical handling, recycling, or other solid waste operations; or an Associate’s degree with major coursework in environmental science, physical science, natural science, education, public administration, sustainability; or related field and at least two (2) years of experience in recycling or other solid waste operations; or a bachelor’s degree or higher with major coursework in environmental science, physical science, natural science, education, public administration, sustainability or related field.
Special Qualifications (May be required depending on area of assignment):
- Florida Driver’s License or Florida Commercial Driver’s License and endorsement, if any.
- Possession of OSHA 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operator and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification, 29 CFR 1910.120 within 6 months of hire.
- Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
- Experience in project management.
- Other knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials required for a specific position.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of principles of integrated solid waste management;
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to solid and hazardous wastes, and recycling;
- Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of public relations;
- Knowledge of marketing and sales principles, practices, and methods;
- Skill in public speaking;
- Skill in the use of Internet applications and Microsoft Office suite applications;
- Ability to perform research and document sources;
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing to audiences of various ages, and to make presentations to large groups;
- Ability to engage audiences to reach outreach program goals using a variety of media;
- Ability to coordinate the efforts of multiple groups and individuals;
- Ability to maintain databases and create tabular and graphic displays;
- Ability to formulate and present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in written, oral or graphic form;
- Ability to communicate effectively in verbal, written, graphic, and visual form;
- Ability to deal with the public, media, County officials, and specialized interest groups in an effective and courteous manner;
- Ability to use or repair small and medium equipment and machinery.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS
The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:
- Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
- Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
- Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
- Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to- position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
- Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
- Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
- Visual ability: Sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; and to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.
- Hearing ability: Sufficient to hold a conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone; and to hear recording on transcription device.
- Speaking ability: Sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over a telephone.
- Mental acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
- Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
- Repetitive motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
- Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
- Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.