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Garbage Truck Driver Helper Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

CDL Driver

Lower Lake, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Ability to safely operate a garbage truck on specified routes to collect waste or recycle items ... Ability to perform a physically demanding job, loading and unloading, at times with no helpers.

Truck Driver

Windsor, CA · On-site

$21.59 - $27.45/hr

The CDL Class A Driver is responsible for safely operating commercial vehicles to deliver products ... Inspect vehicles before and after trips to help ensure safe and on-time deliveries. * Load, unload ...

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Garbage Truck Driver Helper information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$13

$21

$31

How much do garbage truck driver helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage truck driver helper in Santa Rosa, CA is $21.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a garbage truck driver helper?

A Garbage Truck Driver Helper assists the driver in collecting and disposing of waste and recyclables. Duties include lifting and emptying trash bins into the truck, ensuring items are properly sorted, and maintaining safety procedures. This role requires physical stamina, as it involves heavy lifting and working in various weather conditions. Helpers also assist in navigating routes and may interact with customers to ensure proper waste disposal.

What does a garbage truck driver helper do?

A typical day for a Garbage Truck Driver Helper starts early, often before dawn, as you join the driver to complete assigned collection routes. You'll assist with loading refuse or recyclables into the truck, ensuring bins are emptied safely and quickly, and may also help with directing the driver in tight or busy areas. Helpers frequently work outdoors in various weather conditions and need to maintain a brisk but careful pace to meet schedule demands. Teamwork and attentive communication with the driver are essential, and workdays may finish once all pickup tasks on the route are complete.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the garbage truck driver helper position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Garbage Truck Driver Helper, you need physical stamina, attention to safety, and the ability to follow instructions, with a high school diploma or equivalent often preferred. Familiarity with basic safety equipment and procedures is essential, and some employers may provide on-the-job training regarding waste handling or require OSHA safety certifications. Good teamwork, reliability, and strong communication skills help helpers coordinate efficiently with drivers and fellow crew members. These abilities ensure that waste collection routes are completed safely, effectively, and in compliance with local regulations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Garbage Truck Driver jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Garbage Truck Driver jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Garbage Truck Driver Helper jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Garbage Truck Driver Helper jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Garbage Truck Driver Helper jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Garbage Truck Driver Helper jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Garbage Truck Driver Helper jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Garbage Truck Driver Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Garbage Truck Driver Helper job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,236 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Waste Connections rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 265 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 92 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Clearlake Waste Solutions, a Waste Connections company, has an immediate opening for a CDL Driver to support local routes in Lower Lake, CA!

Schedule is Monday - Friday, 4AM start time. Occasional Saturdays as needed.

Starting pay for this position is $25-$27 per hour, depending on experience.

We also offer great medical, dental, and vision benefits, a 401k match, dollar per dollar up to 5%, vacation days, etc.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Ability to safely operate a garbage truck on specified routes to collect waste or recycle items.

  • Ability to read route sheets and service each customer identified on the sheet or assigned by the dispatcher.

  • Perform routine inspection and maintenance on vehicles such as checking fluids, safety equipment, and tires.

  • Ability to perform a physically demanding job, loading and unloading, at times with no helpers.

  • Courteous interaction with our customers and perform other miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

  • Extensive physical activity. Requires strenuous physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects over 50 pounds.

  • Work environment involves some exposure to physical risks such as moving mechanical parts which require following basic safety precautions.

  • The employee is exposed to outside weather, including frequent wet and/or humid conditions, as well as exposure to fumes and vibration. Noise level is usually moderate.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  • Valid commercial driver's license A or B.

  • Clean driving record.

  • Ability to read, write, comprehend and communicate in English. High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

  • Minimum 1 year of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

To be considered for any of our current openings you must complete an application at www.wasteconnections.com. Application information and additional instructions can be found once you select your position of interest.

We offer excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, long term & short-term disability, life insurance, 401K retirement and unlimited opportunities to "Connect with Your Future".

Waste Connections is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or protected veteran status.

#ACDriver


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