Entry Level Animals Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $37,682.93 Annually
Location : Prattville Sanitation Department, AL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-A SSMWI SAN/06 (7/2026)
Department: SANITATION
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
JOB SUMMARY
The purpose of this position is to assist in the collection of solid waste. Job duties consist of related refuse collection duties. Successful performance contributes to the provision of efficient and effective services to customers. FLSA status is Non-Exempt.
This position starts as an entry-level position in the Sanitation Department and has some growth opportunity.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or logical assignments for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions in this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for this particular position.
REFUSE COLLECTION DUTIES (70%)
Collects containerized, bagged, or spilled garbage or recyclables on an assigned route; places into packer truck and returns permanent containers to the original location.
Removes spilled garbage, trash, or debris from curbs, streets, storm drains, and rights-of-way.
Operates packing device on the truck to compress garbage; rides rear platform of the truck.
Unloads trash or garbage from the truck at landfill or transfer station.
Assists drivers in backing or turning.
Handles garbage can, trash receptacles, and trash bags to prevent damage to customer property; rakes or sweeps debris from sidewalks, gutters, and related areas.
Operates Parkan and boom truck as assigned.
Assists with recycling center operations as needed.
Prepares required reports.
Travels to the landfill and transfer station to dispose of loaded trucks multiple times per day.
Ensures garbage cans are emptied safely and in accordance with the City of Prattville policies and procedures.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE DUTIES (10%)
Performs pre- and post-trip equipment inspections.
Cleans equipment interior and exterior.
Performs minor maintenance and repair duties.
Reports major repair needs to supervisor.
Keeps trucks fueled as needed.
CUSTOMER SERVICE DUTIES (10%)
Posts notices as required regarding collection policies.
Refers customer complaints and concerns to appropriate supervisor.
Ensures that all trash is collected and that each site is clean.
OTHER RELATED DUTIES (10%)
Assists in the removal of dead animals from the rights of way.
Assists other departments as needed or requested.
Performs other related duties as needed or assigned.
Communicates with co-workers and management over the radio.
Participates in the training of new employees.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
Must be able to lift fifty (50) pounds repeatedly.
One (1) year of experience in performing heavy manual labor preferred.
One (1) year of experience in the operation of trucks and other light-duty automotive equipment preferred.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position. The following list was developed through job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned.
Job duties are typically performed while sitting, standing, bending, crouching, or stooping. Employees frequently lift light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and utilizes the sense of smell.
Job duties are typically performed outdoors, occasionally in extreme or inclement weather. Employees are exposed to dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts.
Job duties require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
Job duties require the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Job duties require the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive the nature of sounds by ear.
Job candidates must be able to adapt to and perform under moderate stress.
Job duties require regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
City of Prattville employees are required to obtain knowledge of the City of Prattville Policies and Procedures, and knowledge of their specific department rules, policies, and procedures. This job description does not necessarily include all the duties which may be required of individual employees in the classification. Job descriptions may be revised as needed.
Knowledge of department and city policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of work safety principles.
Knowledge of the techniques, equipment, and supplies used in the collection and transport of solid waste.
Knowledge of the geography of the city, including street names and locations.
Knowledge of traffic safety.
Knowledge and skill in the operation and maintenance of lawn care equipment.
Skill in the operation of assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment.
Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.
Skill in the use of hand and power tools.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Ability to perform manual labor for an extended period, under various weather conditions.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Must provide proof of your legal right to work in the United States.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
High School Diploma/GED preferred.
Willing to work overtime.
Willing to cooperate with the workload of the department.
Willing to comply with City of Prattville rules and regulations.
Must submit to drug screenings for this safety sensitive position.
Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
EEOC COMMITMENT:
The City of Prattville is committed to maintaining equal employment opportunity by considering job applicants and employees for hiring and advancement on the basis of job-pertinent individual differences and not on the basis of extraneous factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, status as current or former uniformed service member, or any other classifications protected by law.
The City of Prattville offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, sick, and holiday leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and short term disability insurance.
Benefits coverage is effective on the first day of the month following a 30 day waiting period for new hires. Late enrollees are subject to approval by the insurance company.
Group Medical Benefits-Through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, benefits provide members with hospitalization, office visits, and Prescription drugs (Administered through Express Scripts). Family, 2 person and individual plans are available. Complete benefits information is available in the plan document.
City of Prattville Health & Wellness Center-The City of Prattville offers an on-site wellness center to employees covered under the group health insurance plan. The Wellness Center offers convenient, co-pay free medical and prescription drug coverage for employees and their dependents.
Group Life Insurance-all regular employees receive a life insurance policy. Employees with less than 10 years of service receive a $10,000 policy and employees with 10 years of service or more receive a $20,000 policy.
Retirement-Through the Retirement Systems of Alabama, this benefit requires mandatory enrollment for all regular employees as of the first day of employment. Employees are classified as Tier I or Tier I (A) with the Retirement Systems of Alabama. The employee pays a percentage of all gross income specified by RSA. The City provides a matching amount determined by RSA.
A Tier I employee is an employee who was a member of the Retirement Systems of Alabama prior to January 1, 2013. A Tier I employee may retire if he/she has 25 years of retirement service, or is age 60 with 10 years of service with the Retirement Systems of Alabama. (Regular Members 5% of earnable compensation; Full time, Certified Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers 6% of earnable compensation.)
A Tier I (A) employee is an employee who became a member of the Retirement Systems of Alabama after January 1, 2013, and by local resolution and Act 2019-32 by the Alabama Legislature became a Tier 1 employee. A Tier I (A) employee may retire if he/she has 25 years of retirement service, or is age 60 with 10 years of service with the Retirement Systems of Alabama. (Regular Members 7.5% of earnable compensation; Full time, Certified Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers 8.5% of earnable compensation.)
Deferred Compensation (457 Plans)-Voluntary participation allows the employee to lower taxable income, and pay tax on the deferred income in the year of distribution. The City has 457 Plans through Nationwide Retirement, AIG Valic Financial Advisors, RSA-1, and Alabama Deferred Compensation. The employee may contribute up to the current allowable limits. All regular employees are eligible on the first day of employment.
Supplemental Insurance-Employees may obtain coverage for Dental, Cancer, Disability, Accident, and Life Insurance. The City of Prattville offers payroll deduction for supplemental insurance. The employee pays for all supplemental insurance coverage. You are eligible upon purchasing coverage and meeting eligibility requirements.
Flexible Spending Account-Allows employees to lower their taxable income by placing certain insurance premiums under this plan. Also, offers unreimbursed medical/dental expense benefits, as well as daycare expense benefits.
Vacation Leave-
8 Hour Employees
Vacation leave is earned at the following accrual rates for regular full-time employees.
Completed 6 months - 40 hours (5 days)
Completed 1 year - 40 hours (5 days)
Completed 2nd year through 9th year accrues 80 hours (10 days) per year
10 years through 15 years accrues 120 hours (15 days) per year
16 years and over accrues 160 hours (20 days) per year
The maximum vacation leave that may be accrued is 360 hours for 8-hour shift employees. The City administers the time and pays for accrued leave time.
12Hour Employees (Watewater)
Vacation leave is earned at the following accrual rates for regular full-time employees.
Completed 6 months - 42 hours (3.5 days)
Completed 1 year - 42 hours (3.5 days)
Completed 2nd year through 9th year accrues 84 hours (7 days) per year
10 years through 15 years accrues 124 hours (10 days) per year
16 years and over accrues 168 hours (14 days) per year
The maximum vacation leave that may be accrued is 378 hours for 12-hour shift employees. The City administers the time and pays for accrued leave time.
24 Hour Employees (Fire)
Vacation leave is earned at the following accrual rates for regular full-time employees.
Completed 6 months - 60 hours (2.5 days)
Completed 1 year - 60 hours (2.5 days)
Completed 2nd year through 9th year accrues 120 hours (5 days) per year
10 years through 15 years accrues 180 hours (7.5 days) per year
16 years and over accrues 240 hours (10 days) per year
The maximum vacation leave that may be accrued is 504 hours for 24-hour shift employees. The City administers the time and pays for accrued leave time.
Sick Leave-
8 Hour Employees
Sick leave is earned at the rate of 80 hours per year with no accrual limit. Retiring employees have the option of receiving payment for the accrued sick leave (up to 360 hours) or converting the leave to service time. The City administers the time and pays for accrued sick leave. You are eligible upon completion of the first full pay period after your hire date.
12 Hour Employees (Wastewater)
Sick leave is earned at the rate of 84 hours per year with no accrual limit. Retiring employees have the option of receiving payment for the accrued sick leave (up to 378 hours) or converting the leave to service time. The City administers the time and pays for accrued sick leave. You are eligible upon completion of the first full pay period after your hire date.
24 Hour Employees (Fire)
Sick leave is earned at the rate of 120 hours per year with no accrual limit. Retiring employees have the option of receiving payment for the accrued sick leave (up to 504 hours) or converting the leave to service time. The City administers the time and pays for accrued sick leave. You are eligible upon completion of the first full pay period af