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Septic Pump Truck Driver Technician Job Description [Template]

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ServiceTitan

Septic truck technicians, also known as septic pump truck drivers, drive to homes and businesses with full septic tanks needing emptying. Once on site, the drivers/techs set up heavy hoses to pump waste into a container on the back of the truck.

This article will give you a clear picture of what septic pump technicians do, the skills they need, and the role's responsibilities. We’ll also walk you through a job description template ideal for hiring people in this field. 

You’ll also learn about digital tools that make managing these jobs much easier for the technicians on the ground and their managers.

What Does a Septic Truck Driver Do?

Waste from homes and businesses ends up in underground septic tanks in places without city sewer lines. A septic pump truck driver's job is to safely and hygienically empty these tanks.

A typical day in the life of a septic truck driver means first doing some pre-checks. This means inspecting the truck and equipment closely for faults, paying close attention to hoses and pumps. Once they’re satisfied that everything is in good working order, they hit the road, following a pre-planned schedule. 

When arriving at each location, they hook the pump hoses to the septic tank. The waste is pumped into the truck’s tank. The technician should closely monitor connections to avoid spills during this stage. 

At this time, the customer might ask questions about pricing, the pumping process, and basic septic system maintenance, which the driver should be prepared to answer.

Once the truck tank is full, the driver goes to the treatment facility and unloads the waste. Once the hoses are disconnected, they should clean the equipment, look for wear and tear, and perform basic repairs if needed. 

Common Septic Pump Truck Driver Responsibilities

Septic pumping technicians need to drive large Class B commercial trucks to the site. This might mean driving along rural roads and highways.

The septic pumping technician must handle all the gear carefully and follow safety protocols, such as gloves and eye protection. 

The job is quite physical, with techs lifting heavy hoses and pumping gear. They’ll also need to manually dig out septic tank valves or covers at times and backfill them after the job is done.

Most septic pump truck drivers work on a full-time contract of around 40 hours per week during daylight hours.

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Common Septic Pump Truck Driver Requirements and Skills

Below, you’ll find specific skills and competencies needed to become a septic pump truck driver.

  • Valid driver’s license: Must hold a Class A or Class B CDL to drive septic trucks. Depending on the job type, extra endorsements might be needed, such as a permit to handle hazardous materials.

  • Physical fitness: Must be strong enough to lift heavy items throughout the day. Technicians spend a lot of time on their feet lifting and shifting equipment around.

  • Driving record: Must have a clean driving record with no DUIs or DWIs in the last seven years. Must understand traffic laws and DOT regulations.

  • Problem-solving: No need to be a mechanic, plumber, or septic tank servicer, but knowing the basics of mechanical systems helps. Might need to do minor repairs without assistance and use specialist tools like pipeline inspection cameras.

  • Organization: There are usually several stops to make during the day and technicians should aim to be on time for each one by sticking to the planned route.

ServiceTitan offers a range of handy fleet features to make life easier for both drivers and managers.

For drivers:

  • Safety alerts: If a driver does something risky, e.g., using their phone while in motion, they’ll get an instant in-cabin alert to correct it.

  • GPS routing and timesheets: The built-in GPS syncs with the driver’s schedule to find the quickest routes and avoid traffic. It also automatically tracks driver location and hours worked, which means there are no more manual timesheets.

For managers:

  • Fleet visibility: See exactly where each truck is at any given moment. Use the info to adjust routes, saving time and fuel.

  • Data-driven driver coaching: AI cameras track driver behavior and store the data which you can use to coach drivers on better driving practices.

  • Automated reports: Use these reports to improve maintenance schedules and as evidence in disputes or insurance claims.

Septic Pump Truck Driver Job Description Template

Considering the difficulty of creating a job description, we've designed a template that can be used with minimal alterations.

Click here to download our job description template.

Here's a text-based form of the template.

Septic Pump Truck Driver – Full-Time

We are looking for a reliable Septic Truck Driver to join our team. In this role, you’ll drive a septic pump truck, manage waste collection, operate heavy equipment, and perform basic inspections and maintenance.

Primary responsibilities

  • Operational execution: Safely operate a Class B commercial vehicle, transporting septic waste according to company policies and regulatory guidelines. 

  • Equipment handling: Carry out routine daily checks and maintenance on the truck and pumping equipment 

  • Customer service: Interact with customers, answering questions and advising on septic system maintenance.

  • Compliance and safety: Adhere to health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

  • Technical proficiency: Manage septic tank systems and handle related pumping equipment.

  • Physical fitness: Lift heavy items and sometimes dig out septic tank covers or valves. 

  • Driving skills: Possess a valid Class A or Class B CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) with a clean driving record.

  • Communication skills: Communicate clearly with customers and team members.

  • Problem-solving: Troubleshoot septic systems on the spot and carry out minor adjustments or repairs.

Educational/certification requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED: Foundational education.

  • Commercial driver's license (CDL): Class A or Class B CDL to legally drive a septic truck.

  • Septic system operator certification: Preferred in some states.

  • Safety training: OSHA safety standards certification is desirable but not essential.

Environmental conditions:

  • Outdoor work: Working outdoors in adverse weather, including heat, cold, rain, or snow.

  • Exposure to waste materials: There is a possibility of exposure to sewage and waste materials. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided.

Physical requirements:

  • Heavy lifting: Lift to 50 pounds regularly and sometimes more (up to 65).

  • Physical stamina: Dig, lift, and move around in tight spaces.

  • Manual dexterity: Operate tools and machinery precisely.

  • Visual and auditory acuity: See details at close range and hear safety alarms and signals while working.

ServiceTitan is a versatile software platform for home services businesses like septic tank emptying. ServiceTitan simplifies daily tasks with useful features such as real-time GPS tracking, easy scheduling, and quick dispatching. The platform improves customer service with detailed records and mobile access to job details and invoicing.

ServiceTitan Septic Business Software

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