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Solid Waste Equipment Operator I

City of PortalesPortales, NM
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Overview

Schedule
Alternate-schedule
Full-time
Career level
Senior-level
Remote
On-site
Benefits
Paid Holidays
Career Development

Job Description

THE CITY OF PORTALES, NEW MEXICOPOSITION POSTING #2026-27POSITION:                     EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I                  DEPARTMENT:             SOLID WASTE                                    STATUS:                        NON-EXEMPT – G02, S6REPORTS TO:              SOLID WASTE SUPERVISOR OR SUPERINTENDANTSHIFT:                            REGULAR - 40 HOURS PER WEEKSALARY:                       $16.88 HOURLY / $ 35,110.40 ANNUALLYThis is a safety sensitive position, subject to random drug and alcohol testing.GENERAL DESCRIPTION:Reporting to the Solid Waste Supervisor or Superintendent, the nature of this job consists mainly of the safe and effective operation of  large gasoline or diesel-powered trucks equipped with compaction units, special hydraulic lifting boom, Roll-off truck or related mechanical systems designed for the collection, loading and unloading of trash debris or refuse. Included in this responsibility is transporting refuse to the landfill and routine maintenance of equipment. This position has a possibility of promotion to other positions with similar duties and responsibilities, depending on openings within the organization.  Employees in this position must be able to sustain periods of time with exposure to the elements and be willing to work irregular hours, weekends, and holidays as necessary. TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Although the following are typical of the tasks and responsibilities routinely performed, additional tasks and/or responsibilities requiring comparable or lesser skills, knowledge, or dexterity may be assigned.
  1. Safe and efficient operation of city vehicles and equipment in strict compliance with all traffic regulations.
  2. Collect garbage in dumpsters, using side loading truck.   Must operate controls for mechanized lifting, collecting, loading, compacting and unloading of trash and rubbish.                          
  3. Collect trash and debris around dumpsters, using grapple truck.
  4. Transport solid waste to the landfill.
  5. Responsible for maintenance of assigned vehicles and equipment, such as changing oil and filters, greasing, and washing of equipment.
  6. Ability to read and understand operating instructions, equipment manuals, and related written material.
  7. Maintain log books and report malfunctions of equipment and vehicles.
  8. Ability to pick up discarded tree limbs, furniture (household goods), bulky items, etc.
  9. Employees are responsible for the timeliness and efficiency of collections.
  10. Must follow instructions, procedures and City safety rules and regulations.
  11. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.
  12. Employee must perform all duties with minimal supervision.
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:
  1. Knowledge of the proper operation of large automotive equipment.
  2. Ability to perform minor welding to repair dumpsters.
  3. High school diploma or GED desired.  
  4. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Commercial driver’s license (CDL), Class B minimum with a satisfactory driving record.
  5. Experience in operation and servicing of public works construction equipment preferred.
  6. Ability to lift and move heavy, bulky items.
  7. Must be at least 18 years of age.
CDL LICENSING PREQUALIFICATION INFORMATION: A driver applicant for a CDL Permit, a first-time Commercial License or a Commercial License renewal must have the following documentation:
  1. State birth certificate or current US passport or other proof of lawful presence in the US.
  2. Social Security Card.
  3. DOT Medical Certification – stored electronically by MVD or hard-copy.
  4. Two verifiable proofs of physical residency in New Mexico, all issuance documents must be within 60 days of the application date.
  5. A valid New Mexico driver’s/CDL license.
Notes on Physical Requirements:Must maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time, driving or riding in vehicles, occasional pushing, pulling, and lifting.  Job requires lifting throughout the working day—usually not more than 100 pounds.  Sometimes requires climbing into garbage truck tank to shovel out trash.  Operation of some equipment requires sustained periods of repetitive motion.  Must be able to climb onto and off of, and crawl about heavy equipment, as needed. Must be able to bend at waist and twist/rotate as necessary.  Must be able to work with arms bent or extended for up to one third of the work day. Must be able to push and pull with arms as needed.  Must be able to use feet and legs in the operation of vehicles and equipment.  Must be able to use hands and fingers to grasp/manipulate equipment and materials needed to perform essential duties.  Must be able to coordinate use of hands, eyes, and fingers in using hand tools and machines and in the operation of equipment. WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  1. Ability to work both inside and outside, primarily outdoors dealing with waste material removal.
  2. Ability to work in all types of weather, extreme cold temperatures, extreme heat temperatures and extreme wet/humid temperatures.
  3. Ability to work with intermittent noise levels.  Noise levels may be moderate to loud in work environment.
  4. Ability to work with fumes, dust, unpleasant odors and poor ventilation.
  5. Ability to work in multiple surfaces; even, flat/hard, inclined/ramps, uneven, stairs, dry, wet, and natural ground.
  6. Worker is exposed to vibration factors.
WORK SCHEDULE:The regular work week is 40 hours, Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Additional time may be required to work after regular hours, on weekends, and holidays.      TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
  1. Limited travel for meetings and training may be required.
  2. Overnight travel may be required.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
  1. Must pass a background investigation including work history, criminal records, driving records and other records deemed necessary.
  2. Must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug screen administered by a City-designated facility.
  3. Must pass a background investigation through the NMDOT Clearinghouse.
CONDITIONS OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT:
  1. Candidates must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and insurability in accordance with the City’s insurance carrier.
  2. Employees must maintain a source of communication for off duty work related communications.
  3. Random drug and alcohol testing is a condition of employment and will be tested under the authority of the FMCSA.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT REQUIRED APPLICATION:  Position to remain open until filled, review bi-weekly starting September 2, 2026.  Applicant must submit required application to Human Resources at City Hall, 1028 West Community Way, Portales, N.M.  88130 or online at www.portalesnm.gov.The City of Portales is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace.I have received the job description posting and I am capable of performing the essential functions for the position.Applicant Signature  Date

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FAQs About Solid Waste Equipment Operator I Jobs at City of Portales

What is the work location for this position at City of Portales?
This job at City of Portales is located in Portales, NM, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.
What pay range can candidates expect for this role at City of Portales?
Employer has not shared pay details for this role.
What employment applies to this position at City of Portales?
City of Portales lists this position under the following employment categories:
  • Alternate-schedule
  • Full-time
What experience level is required for this role at City of Portales?
City of Portales is looking for a candidate with "Senior-level" experience level.
What benefits are offered by City of Portales for this role?
City of Portales offers following benefits: Paid Holidays and Career Development for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.
What is the process to apply for this position at City of Portales?
You can apply for this role at City of Portales either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.