Trades Worker (Solid Waste)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Arlington County’s Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking an experienced Trades Worker to join their team in the operations section of the Solid Waste Bureau (SWB). SWB provides recycling, composting, and cleanliness services for the County. Employees will be required to operate various types of equipment and both commercial and non-commercial vehicles to provide services.

Specific duties include:

• Performing litter and illegal dumping control, bus shelter cleaning, graffiti removal, and general cleanliness services in the County;
• Recording time and entering data of daily tasks completed into department tracking software via an electronic tablet;
• Operating a standard pick-up truck (with and without a 6-12 foot trailer), a commercial rear loader trash truck for collecting street cans, and/or other specialized commercial vehicles and equipment;
• Operating small to medium-sized dump trucks for hauling materials;
• Reading a map and operating a GPS unit to navigate to various locations throughout Arlington County;
• Operating a leaf vacuum collection truck during leaf season;
• Operating micro-equipment such as a mini-sweeper and mini-tractor;
• Operating small engine equipment such as a leaf blower, lawn mower, and power washer; and
• Providing support during snow events or other County emergencies.

The ideal candidates will have experience in local government operations, especially in recycling, composting, trash collection, and cleanliness services. Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess strong critical thinking and interpersonal skills for effective problem-solving and communication with customers and team members.

Minimum:

• Six (6) months' experience performing general labor functions; and
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with a valid CDL and experience in one or more of the following:

• Operating a rear loader trash truck; and/or
• Performing landscaping functions.

Special Requirements

1. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record and, if a CDL driver, grant access to the applicant’s record in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.
2. Possession of a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or ability to obtain one within one (1) year of hire date.
3. Prior to the time of appointment, the successful applicant must pass a pre-employment drug screening. The successful applicant will be subject to drug screening, at such times during employment, as required by federal, state, and local standards and policies.
4. Employee will be required to follow all applicable Federal, State, and County safety requirements when performing all duties. The work environment includes exposure to drafts, noise, dust, grease and dirt with extended periods of sitting, bending, and lifting light to very heavy objects and equipment, weighing up to 50 pounds.
5. A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Working Conditions

• The worker performs activities inside and outside.
• The worker is subject to cold (below 32 degrees) for periods of more than one hour and/or temperatures above 90 degrees for periods of more than one hour. Consideration should be given to the effect of other environmental conditions such as snow, rain, hail, wind and humidity.
• The worker is subject to hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals.
• The worker is subject to one more of the following conditions: Fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases or poor ventilation, oils, and other cutting fluids.

Physical Requirements

• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Additional Information

Work Hours: Monday through Friday, with core hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mandatory overtime is required during leaf season to include 10-hour workdays and up to 10 hours on Saturdays, and also during snow emergencies.
Employees must be available for call-back and/or to respond to emergency debris calls and other emergency situations. Employees will be required to work overtime as needed and may also be required to work some holidays and weekends.

NOTE: Arlington County provides a comprehensive leaf collection program to the residents as well as trash and/or recycling services for special events that will require overtime and weekend work. Employees within the Solid Waste Bureau are considered ”essential staff” during snow operations, emergency debris removal, or other County emergencies which may require overtime, weekend work, and/or working holidays or during times when other staff are not required to work.

The official title for this position is Trades Worker III.

Arlington County offers a competitive salary and a great benefits package including a Defined Benefit (pension) plan. For more information on Arlington's family friendly benefits click here. 

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

Your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions.

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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