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Garbage Collection Jobs in Manteca, CA (NOW HIRING)

All JobsGarbage Collection JobsGarbage Collection Jobs in Manteca, CA

Garbage Collection information

See Manteca, CA salary details

$5

$17

$30

How much do garbage collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage collection in Manteca, CA is $17.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $15.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job as a garbage collector?

To become a garbage collector, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a physical exam due to the demanding nature of the work. Many positions require a valid driver's license and the ability to operate collection trucks, with some areas offering on-the-job training. Certification or licensing may be required depending on local regulations.

What is the difference between Garbage Collection vs Waste Management Worker?

AspectGarbage CollectionWaste Management Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, CDL license often preferredHigh school diploma, safety training
Work EnvironmentUrban and suburban streets, residential and commercial areasLandfills, recycling centers, waste processing facilities
Industry UsagePublic sanitation services, municipal governmentPrivate waste disposal companies, public agencies

Garbage Collection primarily involves collecting waste from residential and commercial areas using specialized trucks, often requiring a commercial driver's license. Waste Management Worker encompasses a broader role, including handling waste at landfills, recycling centers, and processing facilities. While both roles focus on waste disposal, Garbage Collection is more about curbside pickup, whereas Waste Management Worker involves the entire waste processing cycle.

How hard is it to be a garbage collector?

Being a garbage collector involves physically demanding work, often outdoors in various weather conditions, and requires lifting heavy objects and operating collection trucks. The job typically requires physical fitness, attention to safety protocols, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL). It can be challenging but is generally considered manageable with proper training and experience.

What are garbage collectors and what do they do?

Garbage collectors, also known as sanitation workers or waste collectors, are responsible for collecting, transporting, and disposing of residential and commercial waste and recyclables. They operate garbage trucks, pick up trash and recycling bins, and ensure that waste is properly sorted and delivered to landfills, recycling centers, or other disposal facilities. This job plays a crucial role in keeping communities clean, preventing the spread of disease, and supporting environmental health.

What qualifications do you need to be a garbage collector?

Garbage collectors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must be physically fit to handle lifting and operating equipment. Some positions require a valid driver's license and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions; certifications for operating specialized trucks may also be beneficial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Garbage Collector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Garbage Collector, you need physical stamina, attention to safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with waste management vehicles, hydraulic lift systems, and sometimes a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are typical technical requirements. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are important soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills are crucial to efficiently and safely maintaining public health and cleanliness in communities.

What are some common challenges faced by garbage collectors, and how can new employees prepare for them?

Garbage collectors often face challenges such as physically demanding work, exposure to varying weather conditions, and strict time schedules. New employees can prepare by maintaining good physical fitness, wearing appropriate protective gear, and familiarizing themselves with safety procedures. It’s also helpful to develop strong teamwork skills since the job typically requires close collaboration with a partner or crew to efficiently and safely complete routes.

Is garbage collecting a good job?

Garbage collection is a physically demanding job that involves operating trucks, handling waste, and working outdoors, often with early or irregular hours. It provides steady employment and benefits in many areas, but may involve health risks and limited advancement opportunities. Job satisfaction depends on individual preferences for manual labor and working conditions.
What cities near Manteca, CA are hiring for Garbage Collection jobs? Cities near Manteca, CA with the most Garbage Collection job openings:
Garbage Collection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Collection job openings in Manteca, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,726 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Park Maintenance Worker I-II

Turlock Irrigation District

Turlock, CA

$28.18 - $33.20/hr

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description JOB SUMMARY Under supervision, perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties in the construction, repair, cleaning and maintenance of the Don Pedro Recreation Area. Examples of Duties DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Park Maintenance Worker I is the entry level class in the Park Maintenance Worker series. This class is distinguished from the Park Maintenance Worker II class by the performance of the more routine maintenance tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series.

Employees in this class will work under direct supervision of the Plant Operator learning to operate, monitor and inspect Water facilities. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Park Maintenance Worker II is the full journey level class in the Park Maintenance Worker series.

Employees within this class are distinguished from the Maintenance Worker I by the performance of the full range of maintenance duties including the operation of the full range of tools and mechanical equipment related to a specific assignment under general supervision. Employees in this class will work under general supervision of the Chief Plant Operator operating, monitoring and inspecting Water facilities. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Park Maintenance Worker I class, or when filled from the outside, require prior experience in construction, maintenance and hold the required licenses.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Park Maintenance Worker I Receives immediate supervision from supervisory and management staff. Park Maintenance Worker II Receives general supervision from supervisory and management staff. Exercises functional and technical supervision over lower-level maintenance staff.

Has completed all certification and licensing of the Park Maintenance Worker class. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Perform skilled operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of water and wastewater treatment facilities, lift stations, storage facilities, distribution systems, and associated equipment in compliance with State and Federal regulations, including maintaining required chemical balances. Assist with data collection and entry required for regulatory agency reporting.

Assist in the improvements, maintenance and repair of all buildings, structures, performing general carpentry, plumbing and painting. Perform general electrical repair in buildings, structures and facilities. Assist in facility maintenance, performing sign construction and maintenance, barrier repairs, gardening, planting, cleanup and trash disposal.

Repair and maintain water and sewer lines in structures and throughout the facility. Maintain and use a variety of simple hand and power tools, such as shovels, rakes, drills, paint sprayers, pipe threaders, hand saws, hand trucks, weedeaters, blowers, chainsaws, etc. Operate and maintain a variety of equipment and vehicles including, but not limited to, the solid waste (garbage) truck, man-lift, skid steerer, side-by-side, wood chipper, wood splitter, backhoe, various tractors, mowers, forklift, welder and vessels.

Train and exercise constructive and technical supervision over seasonal staff. Perform other related duties as required or assigned by supervisor. Typical Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required skills and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the skills and abilities would be: Education Equivalent of the completion of the twelfth grade. Experience Two (2) years of maintenance experience in an outdoor recreation area or equivalent, related facility. Skills and Abilities Interpersonal and Communication: Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Technical and Analytical: Knowledge of the techniques, tools, equipment, materials, chemicals, and procedures used to operate, repair, construct and maintain the buildings and recreational facilities including sewage treatment and municipal water plants and collection and distribution systems. Ability to read English and compute simple mathematical problems. Ability to measure and cut materials to specific lengths and dimensions.

Ability to learn and use the proper methods and procedures for collecting water samples and performing routine water treatment tests (chloride and pH levels). Ability to operate a variety of vehicular and stationary mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner; use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, and power tools and equipment required for the work in a safe and efficient manner; and work independently in the absence of supervision. Keep records and prepare reports and estimates of materials and costs.

Supplemental Information Necessary Special Requirements Possession of an appropriate California Driver License. CPR and First Aid certification within six (6) months of hire. Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

Park Maintenance Worker I Must obtain Water Treatment Grade I within 1 year Must obtain Water Distribution Grade I within 1 year Must obtain Operator-in-Training Certificate (OIT) for Wastewater Treatment within 1 year Park Maintenance Worker II Must hold the license for Water Treatment Grade II Must hold the license for Water Distribution Grade II Must pass the Office of Operator Certification Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I Examination Must obtain Wastewater Treatment Operator Grade 1 Certification, within 6 months of fulfilling Operator-in-Training (OIT) qualifying experience hours While the minimum passing score is 70%, candidates who score highest may be considered for advancement in the recruitment process. SELECTION CRITERIA Item Percentage Required to Obtain a Passing Score Written Examination 70% (Section Weight - 25%) Practical Examination 70% (Section Weight - 25%) Oral Interview 70% (Section Weight - 50%) Medical Examination This position may require a medical examination to determine medical fitness for performing the duties assigned to the position or classification. Turlock Irrigation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It does not discriminate on the basis of, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, sex, physical and mental disability, medical condition (cancer related), age (over 40), and marital status. Assistance is available in filling out job applications for disabled individuals. Applicants will be subject to drug testing in accordance with FHWA regulations, when the position requires a Commercial Driver's License.

Turlock Irrigation District's bargaining unit positions are a part of an agency shop. Turlock Irrigation District provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with a disability in accordance with federal and state law. SUBMIT APPLICATION TO: Human Resources Department, via our web site at www.tid.org

POSTING Internal and external applicants may apply beginning Thursday, July 2, 2026 until Friday, July 31, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Internal Candidate Note: Please refer to TIDEA MOU Section 20.2 and/or MSPC Section 26.13 for additional wage information. Written Examination Date(s): To Be Determined after posting closes Human Resources Department (209) 883-8253

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