Job Description

: Hooklift Truck Driver

Position Title: Hooklift Truck Driver
Department: Operations
Reporting To: Operations Manager / Service Coordinator / Fleet Manager
Location: Waste Carriers Depots - Cape Town and Surrounds
Employment Type: Full-Time (7-Day Week, Shift Work Applicable)

1. Role Purpose

To safely and efficiently operate a heavy-duty hooklift truck, including collection, transport, and offloading of waste bins ranging from 6m to 30m. The driver must have hands-on experience operating both manual and automatic transmission vehicles, and must be technically competent in pulling drawbar trailers (3-axle and 4-axle). The role supports municipal and private sector waste logistics in demanding environments, requiring precision, discipline, and professionalism.

2. Technical Key ResponsibilitiesA. Hooklift Operations

- Operate hooklift vehicles with precision to collect and offload bins at designated sites.

- Perform hook/unhook and tipping operations using the hydraulic control system.

- Secure loads according to legal and safety standards using chains, straps, or bin locks.

- Conduct load balancing and positioning to avoid overloading axles or tipping.

B. Trailer Haulage

- Competently pull 3-axle and 4-axle drawbar trailers, ensuring proper articulation and control.

- Conduct trailer coupling, air-brake connection, and safety checks before movement.

- Reverse and maneuver trailers in tight areas (transfer stations, landfills, depots).

C. Vehicle Handling

- Operate manual and automatic transmission trucks, including hill starts, downshifting, and engine braking.

- Perform defensive driving techniques under full payload conditions on urban and rural routes.

- Maintain control in high-traffic, wet, or unstable terrain.

D. Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance

- Complete full pre-trip and post-trip inspections daily.

- Identify and report faults immediately via the defect log process.

- Ensure proper use of vehicle logbooks, fuel slips, and route sheets.

3. Documentation & Reporting

- Complete accurate disposal coupons, weighbridge slips, delivery notes, and vehicle inspection checklists.

- Submit daily production and fuel usage records to the Service Coordinator.

- Record trip distances, bin types collected, disposal sites, and fuel stops.

4. Minimum RequirementsA. Qualifications

- Grade 10 (minimum); Matric (advantageous).

- Valid Code 14 (EC) Driver's Licence with a valid PrDP.

B. Experience

- Minimum 3-5 years hands-on experience operating hooklift vehicles.

- Proven experience driving both manual and automatic heavy-duty vehicles.

- Proficiency in pulling and maneuvering drawbar trailers (3-axle and 4-axle).

- Advantageous: Experience with landfill sites, transfer stations, or industrial waste removal.

C. Technical Skills

- Understanding of load distribution and axle weight limits.

- Strong trailer handling and reversing skills.

- Familiar with hydraulic systems (hooklift arm operation).

- Knowledge of road safety regulations and permit requirements.

5. Behavioral Competencies

- Reliability: Reports on time, consistently delivers on tasks, maintains equipment standards.

- Attention to Detail: Ensures bin types, locations, paperwork, and offloading procedures are accurate.

- Communication: Maintains contact with service coordinators and responds to operational instructions.

- Safety Awareness: Practices risk avoidance, complies with PPE and vehicle safety standards.

- Discipline: Follows company protocols, adheres to routes, and avoids unauthorized stops or misuse of vehicles.

6. Working Environment

- Shift-based work, 6 days per week, early morning start times.

- Operations may extend to weekends and public holidays on rotational basis.

- Exposure to heavy traffic, hazardous waste, dust, wet weather, and difficult terrain.

- Regular work with hydraulic bins, heavy loads, and tight urban sites.

7. Performance Indicators

- Bin Turnaround Efficiency: Number of bins collected/delivered per shift.

- Fuel Efficiency: Adherence to fuel-saving protocols.

- Vehicle Care: Frequency of unreported faults or breakdowns.

- Compliance Rate: Checklist completion, PrDP validity, clean driving record.

- Client Satisfaction: Clean record of complaints and positive client site interactions.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person