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Apprentice Solid Waste Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waste Connections Inc

Mechanic Apprentice

Robert, LA · On-site

$25/hr

... Apprentice to the team in Glenmont. Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 4:00pm / 50-55 Hours ... We are Waste Connections, an integrated services company that provides solid waste collection ...

Resource Renew

Operator Apprentice

Duluth, MN · On-site

$28.72 - $32.72/hr

As an Operator Apprentice, you will work under the guidance of licensed operators, lead operators ... Louis River Basin, Resource Renew provides wastewater and solid waste services and oversight for a ...

Resource Renew

Operator Apprentice

Duluth, MN · On-site

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

As an Operator Apprentice, you will work under the guidance of licensed operators, lead operators ... Louis River Basin, Resource Renew provides wastewater and solid waste services and oversight for a ...

Resource Renew

Operator Apprentice

Duluth, MN · On-site

$28.72 - $32.72/hr

As an Operator Apprentice, you will work under the guidance of licensed operators, lead operators ... Louis River Basin, Resource Renew provides wastewater and solid waste services and oversight for a ...

City of Acworth

Sanitation Crew Member

Acworth, GA · On-site

$11 - $13.25/hr

Position Summary This position is responsible accompanies a solid waste collection truck on an ... apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. * Possession of or ...

CITY OF VALDOSTA

Refuse Collection Driver

Valdosta, GA · On-site

$18.86/hr

Drives a refuse collection truck along an assigned route to collect solid waste, commercial waste ... apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Possession of or ...

City of Decatur, AL

Truck Driver I

Decatur, AL

$38K - $62K/yr

Major Duties Operates a truck along an assigned route to collect solid waste. Unloads truck at ... apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Must possess a ...

City of Decatur, AL

Truck Driver I

Decatur, AL · On-site

$38K - $62K/yr

Solid Waste Department Opening Date: 04/09/2026 Closing Date: 7/27/2026 11:59 PM Central Job ... of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. * Must ...

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Apprentice Solid Waste information

See salary details

$12

$22

$37

How much do apprentice solid waste jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice solid waste in the United States is $22.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Apprentice Solid Waste workers?

Apprentice Solid Waste workers are individuals who are in the early stages of training to become solid waste professionals. They typically assist with the collection, sorting, and disposal of garbage, recyclables, and other waste materials under the guidance of experienced staff. Apprentices learn how to operate various equipment, follow safety protocols, and understand environmental regulations related to waste management. This role provides hands-on experience and knowledge needed for advancement within the solid waste industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Apprentice Solid Waste workers, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Apprentice Solid Waste workers often encounter challenges such as handling physically demanding tasks, adapting to early or irregular work hours, and ensuring safety while working around heavy equipment and hazardous materials. To effectively overcome these challenges, it’s important to maintain proper lifting techniques, make use of provided safety gear, and communicate regularly with your team members. Additionally, staying attentive during training sessions and asking questions can help apprentices quickly adapt and perform their duties efficiently in a supportive team environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Solid Waste Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Solid Waste Worker, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic math and literacy skills, and the physical ability to perform manual labor. Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, safety equipment, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL) are commonly required. Dependability, teamwork, and strong communication are important soft skills that help ensure efficient and safe operations. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining public health and environmental standards while supporting effective waste management services.

What is the difference between Apprentice Solid Waste vs Waste Management Technician?

AspectApprentice Solid WasteWaste Management Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or GED; may require certifications like CDL or waste management licenses
Work EnvironmentFieldwork involving collection, disposal, and recycling activitiesField and some office work related to waste collection, processing, and environmental compliance
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level role in waste management companies, municipalitiesFull-time role in waste collection, disposal, and environmental services

In summary, an Apprentice Solid Waste is an entry-level position focusing on learning waste collection and disposal, often requiring on-the-job training. A Waste Management Technician is a more experienced role with similar work environments but may require additional certifications and responsibilities. Both roles are essential in the waste management industry, with the apprentice position serving as a stepping stone to a technician role.

More about Apprentice Solid Waste jobs
What cities are hiring for Apprentice Solid Waste jobs? Cities with the most Apprentice Solid Waste job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Solid Waste jobs? The most popular types of Solid Waste jobs are:
What states have the most Apprentice Solid Waste jobs? States with the most job openings for Apprentice Solid Waste jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Solid Waste jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Solid Waste jobs are:
Apprentice Solid Waste jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Solid Waste job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $45,806 per year, or $22 per hour.
Solid Waste Equipment Operator

Solid Waste Equipment Operator

Phoenix Police Department

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$26.70 - $30.92/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

City Of Phoenix rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

207th of 700 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

ABOUT THIS POSITION
The Public Works Department strives to improve the quality of life in Phoenix through efficient delivery of outstanding solid waste, fleet, facilities, and energy management services.
Solid Waste Equipment Operators operate solid waste collection trucks and other heavy equipment used for collecting refuse, recycling, and other waste material. The majority of solid waste collection trucks are right side driven.
Duties also include:
  • Performing daily CDL pre-trip and post-trip inspections to include 7-step air brake check.
  • Reading and understanding collection route maps and following a designated route.
  • Use of a GPS system.
  • Operating a two-way radio.
  • Data entry into on-board computer system.
  • Cleaning waste buildup on equipment.
  • Identifying needed equipment repairs and making necessary equipment adjustments.
  • Operators will be required to routinely climb in and out of equipment, perform light manual labor, provide customer service, and meet established performance standards.
Work will be performed in extreme weather and environmental conditions.
Transfer station assignments use the following equipment: semi-tractor trailers with full air brakes, 5th-wheel connection, and a GVW of more than 34,000 lbs.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate possess:
  • Demonstrated commercial driving experience for at least 12 months.
  • The ability to safely maneuver a large truck through tight spaces and turns (i.e. alleyways, narrow streets with parked cars).
  • Basic computer skills.

SALARY
Pay Range: $26.70 to $35.78 per hour.
Hiring Range: $26.70 to $30.92 per hour.
Pay Range Explanation:
  • Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
  • Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
Internal Only: Please understand that this is pay grade 143. If selected, your salary offer will be based on the applicable promotion or demotion worksheet in accordance with the City Pay Ordinance.
  • Promotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade increase.
  • Demotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade decrease.
  • Lateral transfers occur when there is no change to the last two digits of the pay grade.
  • When there is a change in the first digit of the pay grade, there may also be a change to your classification or unit.
Your job classification can be found in eCHRIS > Personal Details under your name, located in the top left section of the page.
The pay grade and classification/unit of your current position may be found by looking up your job title on the job description page .
BENEFITS
A comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes:
  • Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information .
  • 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions.
  • Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans.
  • Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan.
  • Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually.
  • Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
  • Employer paid long-term disability.
  • Free Bus/light rail pass.
  • Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year.
  • Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days.
  • Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period.
  • Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi .
For more details, visit: Unit 001 Benefits
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Completion of City of Phoenix Solid Waste Equipment Operator Apprenticeship.
  • OR One year experience operating trucks with a gross weight of 26,001 or more pounds.
  • Possession of appropriate commercial driver's license (CDL) at time of hire. Must possess a Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) with a Class A Instructional Permit at the time of application OR a Class B CDL (for limited positions).
  • Transfer station assignments require a valid Class A Commercial Driver License without a L, Z, or O restriction.
  • Must pass an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) medical examination.
  • All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
  • These positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
  • For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here .
  • The City job description can be found here .
Work and Environmental Conditions Requirements:
  • Working irregular hours, second and/or third shifts, weekends, holidays, and evenings.
  • Working outside in a variety of environmental extremes such as heat, cold, rain, air pollution, and dust.
  • For most positions, up-righting overturned containers and cleaning up solid waste spills may be required.
  • For some positions, pushing metal front load bins on wheels weighing over 100 pounds may be required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The minimum qualifications listed above, plus:
Experience with:
  • Following designated routes with multiple stops and reading grid or route maps.
  • Operating a solid waste vehicle.
  • Providing customer service.

RECRUITMENT DATES
Recruitment closes July 24, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.
This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT
Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an outdoor skills assessment and panel interview on Thursday, August 20, 2026. An invitation to select an interview time and location information will be sent to the qualified candidate's primary email address.
Outdoor Skills Assessment and Panel Interview:
  • Written Assessment - This evaluates CDL general knowledge and map reading.
  • 7-Step Air Brake Assessment - Candidates must pass this assessment to proceed to the next exercise.
  • Vehicle Walk-Around Assessment.
  • Serpentine Assessment - This is a vehicle maneuvering exercise.
  • Agility Assessment - This simulates the daily duties of an uncontained ground worker, including entering and exiting a solid waste collection vehicle up to 100 times a day. Candidates must pass this assessment to proceed to the next exercise.
  • Panel Interview - Opportunity to talk through your skills and experience and ask questions about the role.
Outdoor Skills Assessment Attire Requirements:
Wear appropriate work clothes to complete the skills assessment.
  • Recommended attire includes jeans, a long-sleeved shirt, and work boots.
  • Not permitted - shorts, tank tops, short-sleeved shirts, or open-toed footwear.
Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat, as most activities will take place outdoors.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
  • Job interviews may be held by video or audio conference.
  • If you are in need of computer resources, click here for free options.
  • Arizona at Work has frequent classes to help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and general career guidance. Click here for more information.
  • Explore other Employment Opportunities with the City of Phoenix .
  • Subscribe to receive e-mail notifications about new employment opportunities.
  • If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to an accessibility issue, please contact the Human Resources Department by phone at (602) 495-5700 or by text at (800) 367-8939 . You may also fill out and submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form .

REFERENCE
Solid Waste Equipment Operator, JC:72080, ID# 62336, 7/13/26, USM, AJ, Benefits:001
Building the Phoenix of tomorrow.
#DoWorkThatMakesPhoenixWork
City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.

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