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Apprentice Solid Waste Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Industrial Electrician III

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$63K - $111K/yr

... of apprentice and journeyman level industrial electrical workers. Participates in the maintenance ... solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land ...

... solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land ... Graduation from a five-year Surveying Apprenticeship Classroom Education Program. Three or more ...

Licensed B Mechanic

Harmans, MD · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

This position requires solid mechanical knowledge, the ability to diagnose common mechanical issues ... apprenticeship program may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

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Apprentice Solid Waste information

What is an apprentice solid waste?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice solid waste worker?

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solid Waste jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Solid Waste jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Apprentice Solid Waste jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Apprentice Solid Waste job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Solid Waste job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Industrial Electrician III

Fairfax County

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$63K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Fairfax County rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 854 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Announcement DPWES is a nationally recognized Utility of the Future responsible for maintaining more than 3,000 miles of sanitary sewers, 60+ pump-stations, and a NACWA Platinum Award winning 67 million gallon per day treatment plant. If you would like to join a creative, collaborative, innovative team doing meaningful work, then the Wastewater Treatment Division is the place for you. Under supervision of industrial electrical supervisor, plans and guides the work of a crew consisting of apprentice and journeyman level industrial electrical workers.

Participates in the maintenance and repair of electrical control panels and electrical circuits, motors, distribution centers, breakers, pumps, motor controls, switch gears, relays, regulators, and other electrical or electronic equipment. Monitors the inventory of repair and replacement parts, supplies and initiates purchase requests as needed. Ensures compliance with safety regulations and procedures; Diagnoses and troubleshoots electrical circuits where a blueprint or schematic may not be available.

Creates schematics and inserts into the plant online O&M manuals. Troubleshoots complex electrical problems on motors up to 1250 HP and generators up to 2500KW. Installs and programs variable frequency drives; performs a variety of highly skilled tasks in the maintenance of 3-phase low and medium voltage up to 4160 volts for industrial electrical equipment.

Participates as an organizer and leader in the maintenance, repair, rebuild, or rehabilitation of the plant electrical equipment and control systems, utilizes wastewater related computer software to maintain work orders, requisition parts, supplies, and online O&M. Makes necessary repairs and replacements, and tests effectiveness of corrective action; installs, modifies, and replaces circuits, controls, motors, and other electrical equipment in accordance with electrical code and safety guidelines. Installs circuits for power, lighting and equipment using all types of wiring methods (rigid metal conduits and conductors).

Responds to routine and emergency service calls after normal working hours, performs related duties as required. Wastewater Management is part of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), please visit us here to learn more about us. DPWES is a diverse, nationally accredited and award-winning public works agency with approximately 1,000 employees providing solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land acquisition management services for the most populous county in Virginia.

Join our team to help us protect the environment and serve the people of Fairfax County by creating and preserving a sustainable community that is an ideal place to live, work, and play for everyone. Fairfax County Government is committed to our employees, and offers comprehensive benefits, including a defined-benefit retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; paid leave; tuition reimbursement; and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Through our LiveWell Program and the County Benefits Division, we endeavor to cultivate a culture of wellbeing that empowers, educates and engages employees and retirees to make life-long choices that promote a holistic approach to their physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual and financial wellness.

Please review our awesome benefits: Benefits Retirement Note: Subject to 24 hour call back must, therefore be able to work emergency overtime. Employment Standards MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to the following: graduation from high school, or a GED issued by a state department of education or equivalent; plus six years of experience as an industrial electrician. CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED: A valid motor vehicle driver's license.

A valid Commonwealth of Virginia Master Electrician's license. Confined Space Certification within 12 months of hire. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a driving record check, and a medical examination to the satisfaction the of employer.

The appointee to this position is subject to emergency callback 24 hours a day/seven days a week (24/7) to respond to snow, flood, and other emergencies requiring division resources. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Four years of experience in the industrial electrical field. At least two years of experience as lead industrial electrician.

Ability to coordinate and collaborate with internal and external clients on the periodization in the repair effort. Extensive experience overseeing or managing preventive, corrective, and emergency repairs to industrial equipment. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to access facility equipment rooms, attics, and roofs.

Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in written form, is crucial for engaging with colleagues and customers through phone calls, or face-to-face meetings. Ability to discern and distinguish colors of electrical conductors, especially for Industrial equipment. Ability to drive County utility trucks and operate hoisting equipment, subject to applicable licensing and safety requirements.

Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. Ability to operate keyboard-driven equipment and other automated technology to input, access, and retrieve information from a laptop or desktop computer. Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitors, including GIS maps and technical drawings.

Ability to physically negotiate rough terrain and uneven ground (e.g., hills, wooded and marshy areas) to make direct observation of work in progress, including the ability to recognize hazards such as sharp objects, warning signs, slippery surfaces, steep depressions, and tripping hazards. Ability to push, pull, lift, bend, stoop, walk, climb, crouch, crawl, stand, and reach to work in demanding and uncomfortable positions for extended periods. This includes manipulating materials with manual dexterity and setting up and performing maintenance access in authorized confined spaces (e.g., entering and exiting catch basins and manholes)

In accordance with safety regulations, individuals who weigh 310 lbs. or more are prohibited from entering confined spaces. Ability to routinely climb ladders and stairs and work from fixed, extension, and step ladders up to two stories in height and scaffolding up to 5 stories in height.

Must be able to perform manual labor in a variety of environments and weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, rain, noise) and to work around and in contact with raw sewage. Ability to work around chemicals such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, lime, ferric chloride, sodium hypochlorite, sodium bisulfite, sodium hydroxide, polymers, and other wastewater treatment chemicals, with appropriate PPE and safety protocols. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations

SELECTION PROCEDURE: Panel interview and may include exercise. Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity. Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov

EEO/AA/TTY. #LI-JT1


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