Eastern Waste Management Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $49,150.40 - $76,190.40 Annually
Location : Cary, NC
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 26-02591
Department: Public Works
Division: Solid Waste Management
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: 6/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Description
Cary, NC believes that employees are one of our most important resources. The Public Works Department has an outstanding opportunity to join our team and proudly support Cary's commitment to providing excellent service to our citizens as an Equipment Operator within our Solid Waste Division. As a Solid Waste/Recycling Equipment Operator, you will have a unique opportunity to change lives through exceptional service.
The equipment operator position is responsible for performing routine work in the operation of a right-hand side-drive fully automated collection truck in the collection of residential refuse and/or recyclable materials. Equipment. Our ideal team member is willing to work hard and displays a passion for customer service. The individual must also have a commitment to teamwork and flexibility in order to complete routes and fulfill operational needs in an efficient manner. They must possess an attention to detail to ensure a safe and clean work environment. Finally, we are seeking an individual who will take pride in their accomplishments and the difference they make in the Cary community.
Work is performed on a four-day work week schedule, which is typically Monday through Thursday, for 10 hours a day under the regular supervision of a Solid Waste Operations Coordinator. Solid Waste Management positions are "critical positions", meaning you are required to report to work during adverse weather or other emergency situations to maintain equipment and/or assist the Solid Waste Management Division in any capacity necessary to continue Town operations.
Typical Tasks
Drives a specialized dual drive, fully automated truck (right hand side drive) on residential routes and collects refuse and/or recyclable materials in sanitation carts at curbside;
Dumps carts into a truck hopper by operating a joy stick, which controls a mechanical arm;
Exercises care and caution to make sure mechanical arm on the truck is in and truck is clear of traffic and people before proceeding;
Operates the packer to pack and dump refuse or recyclable materials;
Exits truck to pick up "red flag" pick-ups for disabled customers;
Drives assigned routes and collects approximately 1,000 homes per day as a one-person crew;
Drives the truck to designated disposal facility and dumps load before returning to the route;
Performs pre and post trip inspections of truck;
Completes daily log sheet of activities;
Performs cleaning and general maintenance of the truck;
Answers questions from citizens regarding department procedures;
Performs other job-related tasks as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
General knowledge of traffic laws and the safe operation of motorized and hydraulic equipment; skill in the operation of a large collection truck; ability to perform continuous heavy manual work at a steady pace and under various weather conditions; ability to understand and follow specific oral instructions; ability to perform routine lubrication procedures; ability to read and understand a map; ability to understand and follow specific oral and written instructions.
Physical Requirements
Work in this class is moderate work but may require periodic moderate to heavy lifting while picking up and carrying items. Although work is performed primarily inside the cab of the vehicle, work may require exposure to various environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and unpleasant surroundings. An employee must have the physical agility to get in and out of the truck and the dexterity to operate the joystick. The ability to see is necessary to operate controls and the vehicle. An employee must also be able to hear in order to listen to the operation of the truck. An employee must be able to ride 8 to 10 hours in truck.
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and 3 years of experience in operation of motorized and hydraulic equipment.
Requires possession of a valid class "B" commercial driver's license with an acceptable driving record and an air brake endorsement.
Preferred Requirements
3 years of experience operating a right-hand side-drive fully automated collection truck in the collection of residential refuse and/or recyclable materials.
Special Requirements
Requires National Incident Management System (NIMS) training (provided)
Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, motor vehicle records check, education verification and credit history review) and satisfactory reference checks prior to employment.
Cary ensures equal employment opportunities (EEO) are provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.
Regular Full-Time Employees
Cary is pleased to provide excellent, competitive, and comprehensive benefits to serve the needs of our employees and their families.
Because Cary believes that employees are one of our most important resources, significant dollars (averaging about 40% of annual salary per employee) are spent each year on employee benefits.
All regular full-time employees of Cary are eligible, and benefits coverage for new employees and family members is effective upon an employee's hire date.
01
Do you possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you possess a current Class "B" (or higher) Commercial Driver's License with an acceptable driving history?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you possess an air brake endorsement to accompany your Class "B" (or higher) CDL?

• Yes
• No

04
How many years of experience do you have operating right-hand side-drive fully automated trucks in the collection of solid waste and recycling?

• No experience
• Less than 3 years experience
• 3 to 5 years experience
• More than 5 years experience

05
How many years experience do you have driving vehicles requiring a commercial driver's license (CDL). NOTE: Any experience must be listed in your work history.

• Less than 2 years experience
• Between 2 and 5 years experience
• More than 5 years experience

Required Question