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Garbage Truck Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waste Pro

Garbage Truck Helper

Cocoa, FL · On-site

Operates packing mechanism to compact waste into the truck. 2. Provides a safe and Distinguishably ... Exhibits a positive attitude towards company, customer and municipal goals. 3. Ensures garbage and ...

Waste Pro

Garbage Truck Helper

Rockledge, FL · On-site

Operates packing mechanism to compact waste into the truck. 2. Provides a safe and Distinguishably ... Exhibits a positive attitude towards company, customer and municipal goals. 3. Ensures garbage and ...

Waste Pro

Garbage Truck Helper

Rockledge, FL · On-site

Operates packing mechanism to compact waste into the truck. 2. Provides a safe and Distinguishably ... Exhibits a positive attitude towards company, customer and municipal goals. 3. Ensures garbage and ...

Waste Pro

Garbage Truck Helper

Sanford, FL · On-site

Operates packing mechanism to compact waste into the truck. 2. Provides a safe and Distinguishably ... Exhibits a positive attitude towards company, customer and municipal goals. 3. Ensures garbage and ...

Express Employment Professionals

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Diesel Mechanic

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$21 - $30/hr

Diesel Mechanic - Garbage Trucks & Street Sweepers Job Type: Full-Time Schedule: Monday-Friday Pay: Based on experience Position Overview We are seeking a dependable Diesel Mechanic to maintain and ...

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Garbage Truck Mechanic information

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How much do garbage truck mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for garbage truck mechanic in the United States is $24.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a garbage truck mechanic do?

A garbage truck mechanic is responsible for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing garbage trucks and related equipment. Their duties include performing routine inspections, troubleshooting mechanical or electrical issues, and replacing worn-out or damaged parts. They work to ensure that the vehicles operate safely and efficiently, minimizing downtime for waste collection services. This role often requires specialized knowledge of hydraulic systems, diesel engines, and refuse collection equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a garbage truck mechanic?

To thrive as a Garbage Truck Mechanic, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of diesel engines, hydraulics, and electrical systems, usually supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and certifications like ASE for heavy trucks are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure vehicles are safely maintained and quickly repaired, minimizing downtime and contributing to efficient waste management operations.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by garbage truck mechanics, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Garbage truck mechanics often encounter challenges such as diagnosing hydraulic system issues, working with specialized refuse collection equipment, and managing repairs within tight schedules to minimize vehicle downtime. Staying updated with the latest diagnostic tools and repair techniques can help tackle these issues efficiently. Additionally, strong communication with drivers and fleet managers is essential for quickly identifying problems and prioritizing repairs, ensuring that trucks remain safe and operational for daily routes.

What is the difference between Garbage Truck Mechanic vs Waste Management Technician?

AspectGarbage Truck MechanicWaste Management Technician
CertificationsASE certifications, diesel mechanic licensesEnvironmental certifications, CDL often required
Work EnvironmentGarages, maintenance yards, on-road repairsFieldwork, waste collection sites, urban areas
Industry UsageMaintenance of garbage trucks and equipmentCollection, disposal, and recycling of waste

Garbage Truck Mechanics focus on repairing and maintaining waste collection vehicles, requiring mechanical skills and certifications. Waste Management Technicians handle waste collection and disposal, often working in the field. While both roles are essential in waste management, their responsibilities, work environments, and certifications differ significantly.

How to become a garbage truck mechanic?

To become a garbage truck mechanic, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and training in diesel or heavy equipment repair. Many mechanics gain experience through apprenticeships or technical programs, and certifications such as ASE certification in diesel engines can improve job prospects. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, tools, and safety procedures is also important in this specialized field.
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Garbage Truck Mechanic jobs near you
Infographic showing various Garbage Truck Mechanic job openings in the United States 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 $51,613 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Garbage Truck Helper

Cocoa, FL • On-site

Waste Pro

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 91 rated recycling and waste

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Good training

Learn more about Waste Proexternal

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Helper is responsible for assisting the refuse truck driver on pre-assigned and special routes to pick up garbage, yard waste, or recycling.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Picks up solid waste and places it in the back of a rear load garbage truck on specified routes often done manually or by pushing toter to tipper. Lifts and carries trash bags, bulk items and containers to the truck for disposal. Climbs onto and off of the rear truck step to load refuse, waste and carts. Operates packing mechanism to compact waste into the truck.
2. Provides a safe and Distinguishably Different level of service through courteous and expeditious customer service in all aspects of refuse operation to the general public and customers. Exhibits a positive attitude towards company, customer and municipal goals.
3. Ensures garbage and recyclables at residences are picked up and transferred properly; pick up may require using back door.
4. Answers questions for residents and directs them to contact Customer Service or appropriate government office for additional information.
5. Must comply with all ANSI (American National Standards Institute), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and company safety polices including Waste Pro Absolute Guidelines.
6. Assists Driver in safely backing up the truck by directing the Driver from the ground.
7. Cleans behind the compactor blade with shovel and hoe when directed. Sprays and cleans the hopper and truck at the end of each shift or as needed.
8. Reports any safety or customer service related issues to driver and supervisor, immediately.
9. Performs a variety of manual duties in the clean-up of scattered refuse; Cleans up the area around accidental waste spills and ensures customers containers are replaced properly.
10. May be required to work during emergency situations.
11. Assists other routes as needed to complete daily work.
12. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Employees in this job classification must attend and participate in corporation sponsored training courses as assigned.
* Employees in this job classification are responsible for keeping up to date on current technology, as job appropriate, being used by Waste Pro .
* Any additional job duties that may be assigned by the Supervisor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Works in a variety of environment conditions, including wide temperature and weather variations including heat, cold, snow, rain, wind; noise and vibrations, fumes, odors and dust.

QUALIFICATIONS:
* Be able to follow safe operating practices.
* Be able to learn and use interpersonal skills relating to good customer service
* Be able and willing to work in a team environment
* Be able to read, write and comprehend reports well enough to complete daily assignments.

Special Considerations/Physical Work Requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
1. Physically able to push or pull independently (unassisted) 50 pounds between 800 and 1000 times a day
2. Physically able to lift independently (unassisted) 50 pounds from the ground to waist height between 800 and 1000 times a day
3. Physically able to get up and down from the cab of a commercial motor vehicle between 800 and 1000 times a day
4. Physically able to bend at the waist and knees between 800 and 1000 times a day
5. Physically able to work 8 to 12 hours in extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain and snow)
6. Ability to ride on the outside of the truck while servicing residential customers in low MPH areas.

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