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Entry Level Waste Management Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This is an entry level, non-supervisory position focused on hazardous and non-hazardous waste ... Follows Environmental and Quality Management System (ISO 14001/9001) policy, procedures, and ...

This is an entry level, non-supervisory position focused on hazardous and non-hazardous waste ... Follows Environmental and Quality Management System (ISO 14001/9001) policy, procedures, and ...

As an Environmental Specialist you will support our clients by managing their hazardous waste ... * Entry level - recent graduates accepted * Valid driver's license Ability to work as a member of a ...

What We’re Looking For: * 0-2+ years of B2B sales experience (uniform rental, industrial supply, waste management, safety gear, or janitorial services preferred) * Proven track record of ...

What We’re Looking For: * 0-2+ years of B2B sales experience (uniform rental, industrial supply, waste management, safety gear, or janitorial services preferred) * Proven track record of ...

... of dental waste management and sterilization procedures Ability to effectively greet and communicate with patients Entry-level candidates with certification and relevant skills are welcome ...

Facility Technician I

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$14.42 - $28.85/hr

Clean Harbors , in Santa Ana , CA , is currently hiring for entry-level Facility Technicians to ... Prior warehouse, manufacturing, environmental services, waste management, medical waste, or ...

Clean Harbors , in Santa Ana , CA , is currently hiring for entry-level Facility Technicians to ... Prior warehouse, manufacturing, environmental services, waste management, medical waste, or ...

Clean Harbors , in Santa Ana , CA , is currently hiring for entry-level Facility Technicians to ... Prior warehouse, manufacturing, environmental services, waste management, medical waste, or ...

Clean Harbors , in Santa Ana , CA , is currently hiring for entry-level Facility Technicians to ... Prior warehouse, manufacturing, environmental services, waste management, medical waste, or ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Waste Management information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$47.2K

$67.6K

How much do entry level waste management jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level waste management in California is $47,205.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $51,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level waste management job?

Entry level waste management jobs involve collecting, sorting, and disposing of waste materials such as trash, recyclables, and hazardous items. Employees in these positions typically work for municipalities, private companies, or recycling centers, and may operate vehicles, use machinery, or perform manual labor. These roles provide valuable experience in environmental services and often offer on-the-job training, making them suitable for individuals new to the industry. Responsibilities may include following safety protocols, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring proper disposal methods are used.

What does an entry level waste management worker do?

In an entry-level waste management role, your daily tasks often include collecting, sorting, and disposing of waste materials according to company protocols and safety standards. You may also be responsible for operating basic equipment, ensuring that recycling guidelines are followed, and maintaining cleanliness in assigned areas. Teamwork is essential, as you'll frequently collaborate with supervisors and other crew members to complete routes efficiently. Over time, you'll gain exposure to various waste management processes, which can open up opportunities for advancement within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level waste management worker?

To thrive as an Entry Level Waste Management Worker, you need physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with waste collection equipment, basic vehicle operation, and adherence to OSHA regulations are commonly required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient, safe waste handling and contribute to a clean, compliant environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Waste Management vs Entry Level Recycling Coordinator?

AspectEntry Level Waste ManagementEntry Level Recycling Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, some certifications (e.g., OSHA)High school diploma, environmental awareness certifications
Work EnvironmentWaste facilities, landfills, collection sitesRecycling centers, community outreach events
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal waste departments, private waste companiesEnvironmental organizations, municipal recycling programs

Entry Level Waste Management roles focus on waste collection, disposal, and site operations, often requiring safety certifications. Entry Level Recycling Coordinators primarily handle recycling program promotion, community education, and coordination at recycling centers. Both roles serve environmental sustainability but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Waste Management jobs in California?

The most popular types of Waste Management jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Waste Management jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Waste Management jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Waste Management jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Waste Management job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Waste Management job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,205 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Environmental Technician

Waste Management

San Diego, CA • On-site

$25.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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


Waste Management rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 654 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 92 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Job Summary 
Supports WMSS onsite program, including manual labor associated with drum movements within the facility, drum bulking, drum crushing, assisting when extra personnel are needed, and other duties as assigned. This is an entry level, non-supervisory position focused on hazardous and non-hazardous waste related projects. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. 

  • Identify best practices that assist customers in reducing waste volumes, increasing operational efficiencies, identifying optimal equipment usage and generating cost savings. 
  • Segregate, label, mark and package waste materials in a safe and compliant manner. 
  • Collect, pour, transfer, consolidate, repackage and package solid, liquid & sludge material. 
  • Perform labor intensive activities such as container or drum collection, drum bulking, sorting trash for recyclables, and loading of trucks. 
  • Transfer waste into containers of different size. 
  • Provide labor support at 90 Day Hazardous Waste Pad, when applicable. 
  • May provide support or direction to less experienced Technicians. 
  • Wears required personal protective equipment. 
  • Participates and cooperates in safety process, including following written procedures, attending required training and scheduled meetings. 
  • Immediately reports any unsafe conditions, incidents, injuries or property damage to supervisor. 
  • Follows Environmental and Quality Management System (ISO 14001/9001) policy, procedures, and operational controls related to job responsibilities. 
  • Maintains compliance with applicable environmental, safety and transportation regulations (EPA, OSHA, and DOT). 


Qualifications 
Required Qualifications 

  • High School Diploma or G.E.D (accredited)
  • No experience No previous experience (in addition to education requirement)
  • Pre-assignment and/or pre-hire customer-specific drug and/or alcohol testing may be required by certain customer-contract requirements. Upon Hire and
  • Such testing may include urinalysis, oral swab, drug hair follicle testing and/or alcohol testing. Upon Hire
  • Must be clean shaven to wear a respirator. 


Physical Requirements
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
This role is designated as safety sensitive and will require the successful candidate to strictly comply with all safety rules and protocols. As part of the ongoing employment requirements, the successful candidate may be subject to drug and alcohol testing-including preemployment screening, postincident evaluations, reasonable suspicion checks, and random testing-in accordance with government regulations and company policies.
Pay: The expected base pay for this on-site position is $25.50. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific salary offered to a successful candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors  including the candidate's relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location


Benefits 
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site. 

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

What is the value of a WM job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career. We Are WM is what defines the perks of being in the WM family - from benefits, to resources and engagement activities. 

We are People First. We are Committed to Your Growth. We Are Investing in You. We are a Family. We are Stable. We are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

What Waste Management employees say

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About WM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Environmental consulting services and water, sewage, waste, steam, air heating and cooling systems

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US