SW EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I

SW EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I

Salary

$24.65 - $27.18 Hourly

Location

Transfer Station- Helena, MT

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600015

Department

Public Works

Division

Solid Waste

Opening Date

09/11/2026

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

N/A

• Description
• Benefits

The City of Helena is an equal opportunity employer. Veterans, minorities, members of the LGBTQ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Purpose

As a Solid Waste Equipment Operator, you are the powerhouse behind our community's daily environmental management. You wont just sit behind a desk-you will take command of an advanced, diverse fleet of specialized heavy machinery and high-tech vehicles, including large dump trucks, mechanical arms, and transfer station loaders. In this dynamic, multi-faceted role, you will apply your precision technical skills to master complex equipment operations, lead essential departmental maintenance, and keep our communitys waste infrastructure running smoothly, safely, and efficiently.

Essential Duties

Operate automated solid waste front load commercial truck.

• Operate automated solid waste side load residential trucks.
• Operate solid waste roll-off and rear load trucks.
• Operate large dump truck, transfer station front end wheel loader, and transfer station mechanical arm.
• Operate forklift to load and unload recyclable materials.
• Operate skid steer and automated brooms.
• Operates other heavy equipment as assigned.
• Distribute and/or repair plastic and metal containers.
• Perform manual labor and other duties as assigned.
• Works on tipping floor, directs traffic, monitors public use of facility, and maintains a safe work environment.
• Keep equipment clean inside and out on a regular basis.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections on automated collection trucks including daily greasing,checking fluids, and fueling. Cover other positions within department as assigned.
• Manually pick up and load uncontained and bagged trash.

Duty I: Solid Waste Equipment Operator I

90% Time

Essential

Tasks:

• Operate and follow computerized GPS routing using in-truck tablets in automated solid waste side load residential trucks•Operate hook/cable trucks•Operate a variety of heavy equipment and machinery related to solid waste to include loaders, forklifts, and skid steers.•Communicate with Transfer Station scale/supervisor/administrative staff while on route on a variety of situations.•Performs pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, including daily greasing, checking fluids, and fueling.

Duty 2: Solid Waste Equipment Operator I

10% Time

Secondary

Tasks:

• Perform manual labor and other duties as assigned•Manually picks up and loads uncontained and bagged trash•Perform maintenance tasks•Repair, maintenance and/or replace broken/damaged solid waste containers

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Related to this Position:

Knowledge of:

• Requirements of pre-trip and post trip vehicle inspection.
• Use of designated specialized heavy equipment along with dump trucks, back hoes, mowers, roller, etc.Including specific heavy equipment related to solid waste to include loaders, forklifts, skid steers,automated side-load and front load trucks, and hook/cable trucks.

Skill or ability to:

• Operate pertinent equipment to include heavy equipment related to solid waste to include loaders, forklifts,skid steers, automated side-load and front load trucks, and hook/cable trucks.
• Use a variety of hand and power tools.
• Operate equipment in a safe manner.
• Operate and follow computerized GPS routing using in-truck tablets. Work with and communicate the administrative staff on routing updates to provide and improve customer service.
• Perform routine cleaning of equipment both inside & out.
• Perform maintenance tasks.
• Perform the variety of skills needed to perform major duties.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with City employees, supervisors, and the general public.
• Perform strenuous manual labor under adverse conditions when necessary.
• Maintain positive attitude, be a self-starter, and self-motivated.

Physical Demands:

• This varies based upon major job duties, although this usually involves performing vigorous manual labor.Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, push, pull, lift 75 lbs., and wear protective apparel; exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals,mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, and traffic hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations;availability for shift work, on-call, stand-by, and emergency call.

Safety

• Abide by the City of Helena and department/division work practices established for specific job assignments and occupations. Always wear provided safety equipment, for example, high visual apparel,hard hat, safety glasses, safety toed boots, and gloves.
• Report occupational injuries, illnesses and near misses immediately to their supervisor. Follow supervisor instructions for obtaining first aid and/or medical attention. Participate in accident investigations as requested by the supervisor.
• Participate fully in safety training. Suggest improvements in safety training requirements or programs to the supervisor or the division safety representative.
• Identify unsafe work conditions and unsafe practices. Correct hazards or report them to the supervisor or safety committee as appropriate.
• Conduct business according to all standard operating procedures (SOP).

Supplemental Information

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience and Training):

• High School graduation or equivalent.
• Experience operating heavy equipment related to solid waste to include loaders, forklifts, and skidsteers.
• Experience operating automated side-load and front load trucks, and hook/cable trucks.
• Experience in pertinent maintenance tasks.

License or Certificate:

• Must have a valid State of Montana Commercial Driver's License, minimum Class B and musthave a current and valid DOT physical medical card. Position requires successfully completing apre-employment drug screen. Position is subject to random drug testing.
• Must be willing to work overtime on occasion to accomplish Division goals; and must have theability to be creative and explore new ideas.

The City of Helena offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical Insurance and Prescription Coverage
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance and Hearing Aid Benefits
• Life Insurance
• State of Montana Retirement and Deferred Compensation
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Health Screenings with Paid Incentives
• Supplemental Benefits through Mutual of Omaha
• Paid Holidays, Sick Leave, Vacation Leave, and Parental Leave
• Longevity Pay

Employer Helena, City of (MT)

Address 316 N Park Ave

Room 106

Helena, Montana, 59623

Phone 406-447-8333

Website https://www.helenamt.gov