Foreman

JOB TITLE: SANITATION FOREMAN

DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC SERVICES

DIVISION: SANITATION COLLECTION

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, assists sanitation supervisor and participates in the activities of work crews engaged in the collection, transportation and proper disposal of municipal solid waste, residential waste, recyclables and yard waste. Assist supervisor with work crews through instructing, assigning and reviewing work, ensuring workers are maintaining standards, coordinating activities, allocating personnel and acting on employee problems. Assists supervisor with developing schedules, conducting safety meetings, coordinating daily assignments, inspecting equipment used in the sanitation department such as side loaders, front loaders, knuckle booms, shuttle trucks, rear loaders, street sweeper and leaf vacuum trucks. Reports to the Supervisor of Sanitation Services.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists supervisor and participates in the work of crews engaged in the collection, transportation and proper disposal of municipal solid waste, white goods, recyclables, and yard waste. Duties include instructing, assigning and coordinating work of others.

Assists with collection routes and the delivery of collection containers and bags. Inspects work in progress for compliance with regulations and standards of quality and safety; ensures the timely completion of assignments.

Receives and responds to public inquiries, requests for assistance regarding sanitation services. Assists supervisor with coordinating daily assignments, schedules and/or routes. Gathers and prepares materials, tools and equipment for daily assignments.

Assists supervises and participates in the inspection and maintenance of assigned vehicles, equipment and tools. Assists with work orders, schedules, inspection reports, daily activity reports, and other records and reports as required. Operates various equipment.

Attends training, meetings, workshops, etc., as necessary to enhance job knowledge and skills.

Refers to policy and procedure manuals, safety manual, maps, City ordinances, etc.

Operates various trucks, side loader, front loader, knuckle boom, read loader, pressure washer, street sweeper, etc.

Receives, reviews and/or generates various records and reports including inspection reports, work orders, emails, memos, correspondence, fleet reports, daily inspection reports, work orders, etc.

Refers to inspection reports, operation and maintenance manuals, policy and procedure manuals, regulations, etc.

Utilizes a variety of computer software programs such as Fleet Maintenance, GroupWise, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, etc.

Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals to include the Superintendent of Sanitation, other department supervisors, drivers and operators.

Operates a variety of machinery and equipment such as street sweeper, vacuum truck, automated side-loading collection vehicles, front-loading collection vehicles, rear-loading collection vehicles, knuckle boom loaders, shuttle trucks, etc.

Utilizes a variety of tools to include air wrenches, floor jacks, welder, air compressors, torque wrenches, tires, brake parts, belts and hoses, etc.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides assistance to other departments as needed.

Uses mechanic’s tools, safety gear, various hand and power tools.

Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of three years of experience in sanitation collection services. Requires a valid state Class “A” CDL driver’s license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate, though not constant, physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 60 pounds) and occasionally heavier weight (up to 80 pounds).

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communications: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to subordinates and receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisor.

Language Ability: Requires ability to read a variety of policy and procedure manuals, technical manuals, technical drawings and blueprints, budget documents, etc. Requires the ability to prepare reports, records, financial reports, technical reports, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Requires the ability to apply influence systems in managing a staff; to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give verbal and written instructions; to counsel and teach employees. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical and/or professional languages used in the department.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to utilize mathematical formulas, to determine percentages and decimals and to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion. Must be able to use practical applications of algebra and geometry.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office machinery; to operate motor vehicles and light equipment.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, tools, etc. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination and Visual Acuity: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a moderate degree.

Physical Communications: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Sanitation Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Sanitation Supervisor. Has thorough knowledge of the organization of the Department and of related departments and agencies. Has considerable knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of the City and other governmental agencies. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has knowledge in the area of municipal public works services and methods of operation (including solid waste management, recycling, animal control, and vehicle and equipment maintenance). Is able to make sound, educated decisions. Has the ability to plan and coordinate the most effective use of personnel and resources to achieve division goals. Is able to ensure division compliance with all laws and regulations and control the activities of the division through effective supervision. Knows how to apply supervisory and managerial concepts and principles; has knowledge of administrative principles involved in developing, directing and supervising various programs and related activities. Has the ability to offer instruction and advice to subordinates regarding departmental policies, methods and regulations. Is able to perform employee evaluations and to make recommendations based on results. Has the ability to offer training and assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Is able to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Has knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation. Is able to make required mathematical computations with accuracy and speed. Has knowledge of modern office practices and technology. Has knowledge of the equipment, materials and tools used in division operations and projects, and is able to operate equipment and tools with skill and safety. Has knowledge of and skill in the use of computers for word processing and records management. Has knowledge of applicable occupational hazards and safety precautions. Is able to work safety and effectively despite occasional exposure to adverse weather conditions, extreme heat or cold, wetness, humidity, construction / traffic hazards, machinery hazards, etc. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.

Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Quantity of Work: Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance: Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally.

Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to establish and maintain good will. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.

Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards. Ensures such standards are not violated.

Planning: Plans, coordinates and uses information effectively to enhance activities and production. Knows and understands expectations regarding such activities and works to ensure such expectations are met. Develops and formulates ways, means and timing to achieve established goals and objectives. Effectively and efficiently organizes, arranges and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources to achieve such goals and objectives.

Organizing: Efficiently organizes own work and that of subordinate staff. Ensures that personnel understand what results are expected of them, and that each is regularly and appropriately informed of all matters affecting or of concern to them.

Staffing: Works with upper management, where appropriate, to select and recommend employment of qualified personnel. Personally directs the development and training of personnel under charge, ensuring their proper induction, orientation and training.

Leading: Provides a work environment which encourages clear and open communications. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to personnel under charge concerning their performance. Commends and rewards personnel under charge for outstanding performance, and takes timely and appropriate disciplinary action as necessary. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward achievement of established goals and objectives.

Controlling: Provides a work environment which is orderly and controlled. Coordinates, audits, and controls manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively. Coordinates, audits, and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of established standards, methods and procedures.

Delegating: Assigns duties as necessary and/or appropriate to meet goals, enhance abilities of personnel under charge, build their confidence and assist them in personal growth. Has confidence in personnel under charge to meet new or additional expectations.

Decision Making: Exercises discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting functions under charge. Recognizes when a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not foster the desired result, and moves decisively and explicitly to develop and implement alternatives.

Creativity: Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of functions under charge. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not adverse to change that supports achievement of goals and objectives.

Human Relations: Strives to develop and maintain excellent rapport with personnel under charge. Listens to and considers their suggestions and complaints, and responds appropriately. Establishes a work environment to promote and maintain mutual respect.

Policy Implementation: Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of policies regarding functions under charge and the function of the organization. Adheres to policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities, and ensures the same from personnel under charge.

Policy Formulation: Maintains awareness of changes in operating philosophies and policies, and routinely reviews policies to ensure any changes in philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated into functions under charge. Recognizes and understands the relationship between operating policies and practices and morale and performance. Strives to ensure that established policies enhance same.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.