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Apprentice Solid Waste Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Survey Instrument Technician

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$48K - $84K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Survey Instrument Technician

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$48K - $84K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

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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 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?

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Apprentice Solid Waste jobs in Washington? For Apprentice Solid Waste jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Solid Waste jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice 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.

Survey Instrument Technician

Fairfax County Government

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Fairfax County rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 845 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Announcement

This job opportunity is being re-announced. Applicants who have already applied remain under consideration and are not required to submit another application. However, applicants who wish to update or revise their original application are encouraged to reapply with the revised information.
Grab your hard hat, plan set, and your data collector! Don't let this party pass you by!
This position serves in the completion of various types of field surveys such as design, geodetic, construction, property, and as-builts. Reports to the Chief of Survey Parties. The ideal candidate has knowledge of the principles of land surveying, and basic principles of civil engineering specifically relating to construction processes. This job puts you where the action is happening! Join a dynamic team for a career opportunity to build Fairfax!
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
Utilities Design and Construction Division manages the bid advertisement, contract award processes, and overseeing all aspects of construction contract management for transportation projects and stormwater projects including inspection, testing, code compliance, warranty, and project closeout. The Land Survey Branch provides professional surveying services for the construction, land acquisition, and design of capital projects. Illustrative Duties
  • Operates various surveying instruments including GPS & RTK equipment, and electronic data stations to collect data for pre-engineering design surveys, establish and re-establish lines for construction stakeout surveys and easement and property lines;
  • Recovers property corners and sets traverse control points for boundary surveys;
  • Sets and marks stakes for construction stakeout projects;
  • Directs the survey party during the absence of the party chief and when acting for the Survey Crew Chief;
  • Maintains survey equipment and survey vehicle and ensures vehicle is well stocked with supplies.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of survey field work;
  • Working knowledge of mathematics, engineering formulas and techniques including trigonometric functions and the ability to compute curves;
  • Working knowledge of applicable County, State and Federal laws, codes, and regulations;
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD and the GIS system;
  • Ability to properly use and correctly adjust survey equipment;
  • Ability to conduct research and evaluate data;
  • Ability to understand and interpret legal descriptions, engineering plans, maps, and field data;
  • Ability to apply basic surveying principles to the solution of problems.
Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to high school graduation or a GED issued by a state department of education; plus two years of survey field work.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Valid motor vehicle operator's license.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Graduation from a five-year Surveying Apprenticeship Classroom Education Program.
  2. Three or more years of experience with use of all current field equipment within the last five years including Trimble total stations, scanners, data collectors, and Trimble GPS equipment.
  3. Three or more years of experience collecting and recording field data, codes data for accurate mapping, and interpreting data for design and construction surveys.
  4. Knowledge of mathematics and techniques including trigonometric functions and the ability to compute curves.
  5. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to endure variable and extreme weather conditions, possible exposure to snakes, insects, and poisonous plants. Ability to lift and carry 75 pounds over uneven natural terrain and over rough project sites including traversing up and down steep slopes. This position requires the ability to perform physical labor, position equipment as directed and drive stakes and other marking material (using a mallet or sledgehammer) for construction purposes. Ability to measure, handle supplies, pull manhole covers with hook, operate tools such as machete and bush-hook to clear underbrush, and use a shovel. Ability to physically maneuver around wooded areas, construction sites, uneven terrain, access structures, ascend/descend slopes, climb fencing, cross creeks, or creek beds. Ability to read, understand, and produce written and typed documents proficiently. Ability to use computers/computer software for communication, report generation, electronic file-keeping, project metrics analysis, and project tracking purposes. Hearing acuity necessary for safety and communication in noisy roadway work zones and construction sites. Manual dexterity and fine motor skills required for handling of equipment and data entry. Specific vision abilities required by this job include reading vision, ability to adjust focus, distinguish shapes, sizes, distance, and colors. 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.
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