Refuse Service Inspector

This is field inspection work involving the determination and verification of refuse service as it relates to service delivery and billing.  Bargaining unit position.

An employee in this class is responsible for researching and verifying complaints, requests and questions related to refuse service. Tasks are of average difficulty and include surveying sections of the city to confirm the accuracy and consistency of refuse charges. An important aspect of work in this class is determining assessments (including container size and site location), service and billing retroactively when appropriate to ensure proper revenue collection. Under general supervision, employees perform assignments which require considerable contact with the general public, and may include unfavorable conditions. Employees must monitor Code Enforcement cases through the appropriate software program to ensure violation notices are processed and/or special pickup cases are entered and billed accordingly.  The operation of a lightweight motor vehicle is required in performing fieldwork. Employees must exercise reasonable initiative and independent judgment in determining amounts of charges and credits for utility bills in accordance with guidelines established in the city code. Tact and courtesy are required in responding to customers’ questions or complaints and in collecting on delinquent garbage-only accounts. Work is reviewed while in progress through observation and upon completion through conferences, oral and written reports, and results obtained.

Performs field inspection work in the determination of refuse service assessments; surveys houses, apartments and businesses; surveys the city to regulate charges on refuse accounts, verifies, authorizes and prepares retroactive billing as necessary.

Initiate and monitor collection fees through completion on garbage-only accounts when delinquent.

Monitors a variety of moderately complex refuse collection activities to include residential, commercial, special trash services and recycle routes; investigates vacancies, claims of non-service by customers and coordinates with contractor(s) requests for re-surveys at commercial establishments; determines correct charges for businesses and apartment houses according to volume of refuse or number of units; checks for new expansion in in area as well as for illegal trash piles and special pickups; coordinates with Code Enforcement Inspectors on follow-up required; advises contractor(s) and administration of customers to be contacted for service changes, expansion or general advise.

Responds to customer complaints; checks individual accounts when owners cannot be located by collectors; inspects commercial accounts when container has been removed and account has not been finalized; verifies container is removed and discusses reason for removal with owner or manager.

Collects fees on garbage-only accounts when delinquent and prepares customer receipts.

Performs office work as required to include researching files, billing registers and work orders; maintains records and completes necessary reports.

Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of: city codes, ordinances and field methods relating to collection and inspection responsibilities of municipal refuse services.

Working knowledge of: rules, regulations, procedures, and functions of a municipal sanitation department; refuse collection and disposal methods and equipment; the layout of the city and its geography; computers, tracking and record keeping software, including MS Word and Excel.  

Some knowledge of: business office practices, billing systems, database use and the computer systems utilized by the department; effective customer service practices and techniques, electronic record keeping; business English, basic grammar and composition; familiarity with Accela and MSS software or similar products.  

Ability to: make mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials and the general public; prepare clear and concise written reports and maintain records using a variety of source materials; understand and follow complex oral and written instructions; obtain a working knowledge of municipal laws, rules codes and regulations governing enforcement, inspection, and regulation of solid waste collection and disposal.

Skill in: the operation of a lightweight motor vehicle.

Graduation from an accredited high school and three (3) years of experience in refuse service, inspections, collections, customer service, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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