Garbage Collector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $46,794.34 - $78,396.85 Annually
Location : 1176 Pineridge Road, Norfolk, VA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 14258
Department: Public Works
Division: Waste Management
Opening Date: 08/27/2026
Closing Date: 9/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself. Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.
The City of Norfolk's department of Public Works is seeking a Refuse Collector I for our Waste Management Division. This position is responsible for collecting waste from residential property according to an assigned route. Maintains and monitors the truck for any necessary repairs.
The Department of Public Works builds, maintains, and operates the physical facilities that support and enhance the lives of Norfolk's citizens, businesses, and visitors, including the City's Storm Water System, Street Network and Waste Management and Recycling Systems. The Department is comprised of 9 divisions that function collectively to make your commute safe and efficient, your neighborhood more attractive, and the streets and sidewalks clean and well-maintained.
Departmental Hiring Salary Range: $46,794-$51,473
Essential Functions
Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Collects and disposes of waste by operating an automated truck, using the truck to pick up ninety gallon garbage cans, furniture, tree limbs, etc. from the curb, replacing damaged trash cans as needed and traveling to the transfer station to empty the truck. Lifts boxes, bags of yard waste, furniture, tree limbs, etc. into collection truck; places waste, furniture and other refuse into collection trucks.
• Maintains the truck by filling the vehicle with fuel, washing and sweeping it out, and ensuring that the brake and back up lights are functioning properly.
• Conducts CDL Pre-rip and Post-Trip Inspections.
• Interacts daily with citizens and customers by explaining refuse collection codes and procedures.

Education/Experience
Work requires the ability to read and understand written instructions, to understand simple processes and the routine operation of machines. Level of knowledge equivalent to less than high school or equivalency.
Six (6) months refuse collection experience or commercial driving experience desired.
Additional Information & Requirements

• Valid CDL Driver's License.
• Must successfully pass all entry level testing and assessments.

• Regular full-time and permanent part-time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, employer paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long-term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union and employer provided parking.
  
• Special project/grant employees are generally eligible for the same benefits of regular full-time employees; however, retirement, life insurance and participation in health plans vary depending upon funding and authorization.
  
• Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided parking and access to membership in credit union.
  
• Retirement

If you are hired October 5, 2010, or after to a position with City of Norfolk Retirement System benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.
If you are hired January 1, 2022, or after to a position with Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.

• The Tuition Assistance Program is established to encourage employees toward continued self-development and education. Permanent full-time and permanent part-time classified, unclassified permanent, full-time special projects, and constitutional employees who have completed six months continuous service will be eligible to apply. The applicant's school of enrollment must be an accredited institution.

NOTE:
The benefits described above are broad generalizations. The specific benefits that an employee may be eligible for are governed by City regulations, as applicable to job type.
Non-City
Positions listed with a job type designation of "Non-City" are not subject to the benefits descriptions above. Refer to the content of the job posting for information regarding these positions.
01
The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications for specific experience being sought. Please be specific in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Please note that if you are invited to be interviewed by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification.

• I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly.

02
Are you a current or previous City of Norfolk employee?

• Yes - I am a current City of Norfolk Employee
• Yes - I am a previous City of Norfolk Employee
• No - I am not a previous or current City of Norfolk employee

03
If you were referred for this position by a current City of Norfolk employee, please provide the employee's full name, department, and job title, and your relationship to the employee. If not, please indicate by typing "N/A."
04
Please provide an explanation of any periods of unemployment that are 30 days or longer. Indicate N/A if you have not experienced any periods of unemployment.
05
How many years of experience do you have working in a solid waste collections environment or a related field?

• No experience
• Less than a year
• 1-3 years
• 3-5 years
• More than 5 years

06
This Job requires the ability to lift (up to 75 lbs.) bending and repetitive motion. Are you able to meet these requirements?

• Yes
• No

07
Please indicate how many years of experience you have working in environmental services?

• No experience
• Less than a year
• 1-3 years
• 3-5 years
• More than 5 years

08
Do you possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL)?

• Yes
• No

09
Are you CPR certified?

• Yes
• No

10
This position is classified as Essential and will be required to be available to work flexible hours, including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events during periods of inclement weather or other emergencies. Are you able to accept this scheduling requirement?

• Yes
• No

11
Please indicate your veteran status. (A copy of your long form DD-214 may be required)

• I am not a Veteran
• I am a Veteran
• I am a Disabled Veteran

Required Question