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Highway Trash Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

City of Albuquerque, NM

Laborer Cart & Bin

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$35K - $36K/yr

Support the maintenance of City open space areas; collect trash and assist in the installation of ... Safe operating procedures in interstate highway zones Preferred Skills and Ability * Learn basic ...

City of Albuquerque

Laborer Cart & Bin

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$35K - $36K/yr

Support the maintenance of City open space areas; collect trash and assist in the installation of ... Highway; operate assigned vehicles as needed, operate equipment and utilize tools common to the ...

City of Albuquerque

Laborer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$35K - $36K/yr

Support the maintenance of City open space areas; collect trash and assist in the installation of ... Highway; operate assigned vehicles as needed, operate equipment and utilize tools common to the ...

City of Albuquerque

Laborer Weed & Litter

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$35K - $36K/yr

Support the maintenance of City open space areas; collect trash and assist in the installation of ... Highway; operate assigned vehicles as needed, operate equipment and utilize tools common to the ...

City of Albuquerque, NM

Laborer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$35K - $36K/yr

Support the maintenance of City open space areas; collect trash and assist in the installation of ... Highway; operate assigned vehicles as needed, operate equipment and utilize tools common to the ...

City of Albuquerque

Laborer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$35K - $36K/yr

Support the maintenance of City open space areas; collect trash and assist in the installation of ... Highway; operate assigned vehicles as needed, operate equipment and utilize tools common to the ...

All JobsHighway Trash JobsHighway Trash Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Highway Trash information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$12

$22

$31

How much do highway trash jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for highway trash in Rio Rancho, NM is $22.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a highway trash worker do?

A Highway Trash worker is responsible for collecting and removing litter and debris from highways, medians, and roadways to maintain cleanliness and safety. Their duties often include picking up trash, emptying roadside bins, and sometimes assisting with minor landscaping tasks. These workers play a crucial role in keeping roadways safe for drivers and preserving the environment. They may work as part of a government agency or for private contractors hired to maintain highways.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a highway trash collector?

To thrive as a Highway Trash Collector, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of safety procedures, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of safety equipment, waste collection tools, and sometimes a valid driver’s license are typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure efficient, safe, and thorough removal of debris, contributing to public safety and environmental cleanliness.

What are common challenges faced by highway trash collectors, and how can they be managed?

Highway trash collectors often face challenges such as exposure to traffic hazards, inclement weather, and handling potentially hazardous materials. To manage these risks, teams typically receive comprehensive safety training, wear high-visibility clothing, and use specialized equipment. Communication and teamwork are essential, as tasks are usually performed in groups with clear roles and protocols to ensure everyone’s safety. Staying alert and following established procedures can help minimize risks and make the work environment safer and more efficient.

What is the difference between Highway Trash vs Road Maintenance Worker?

AspectHighway TrashRoad Maintenance Worker
Required CertificationsNone typically requiredPossibly CDL or safety certifications
Work EnvironmentHighways, roadside areas, outdoorRoadways, construction sites, outdoor
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal, state transportation departmentsPublic works, transportation agencies
Job FocusPicking up litter, debris removalRepair, maintenance, and cleaning of roads

Highway Trash primarily involves litter pickup and debris removal along highways, focusing on cleanliness. Road Maintenance Workers perform broader tasks like repairing roads, fixing signage, and maintaining infrastructure. While both roles work outdoors for transportation agencies, Highway Trash is more about cleanliness, whereas Road Maintenance Workers handle repairs and upkeep.

What are popular job titles related to Highway Trash jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Highway Trash jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Highway Trash jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Highway Trash jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

Highway Trash jobs near you

Laborer Cart & Bin

City of Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$35K - $36K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Salary : $35,360.00 - $36,254.40 Annually
Location : Albuquerque, NM
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2700147
Department: Solid Waste Management
Division: SW-Support Services
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/26/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Bargaining Unit: BL
Position Summary
Perform manual labor tasks in support of assigned area; assist in construction and maintenance of a wide range of City facilities and operations.
Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Essential and Supplemental Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
  1. Perform a wide variety of manual labor tasks in support of assigned function including but not limited to construction and maintenance of City facilities, structures or open space areas, general janitorial and grounds maintenance duties, right of way maintenance of weed and litter on City arterials and interstate highways.
  2. Participate in and assist skilled staff with the construction of a wide variety of City park facilities including shade structures, fencing, and play area equipment in newly developed parks; install forms, shovel and spread concrete; cut and tie re-bar; assist with block laying of walls.
  3. Perform general building janitorial and custodial duties; sweep, mop and buff floors; vacuum and shampoo carpets; clean windows and mirrors; clean rest-rooms, meeting rooms, ballrooms, and exhibit halls.
  4. Assist warehouse staff in receiving, unpacking, storing and distributing supplies; verify description, quantity and condition of material against invoices or purchase requisitions; assist with inventory control.
  5. Support street maintenance operations as assigned; check streets for holes in pavement, prepare holes for liquid asphalt, shovel hot mix into hole and tamp to level the fill; assist with the construction of manholes, sewer inlets and other improvements.
  6. Support the maintenance of City open space areas; collect trash and assist in the installation of gates, fence posts, signs and flags.
  7. Assist in the collection and planting of young trees and shrubs; hand dig, ball, and burlap trees and shrubs; hand water newly planted trees and shrubs; pull weeds from tree wells; assist with spraying of trees to prevent infestations.
  8. Spread organic fertilizers with shovel and assist in distribution of chemical fertilizers in the planting and seeding of parks. Operate herbicide application equipment and apply herbicides to undeveloped medians and right of ways.
  9. Assist with the installation, maintenance and repair of irrigation systems and mainlines including digging trenches.
  10. Assist in the construction of trails, grade control structures and the installation of erosion control devices.
  11. Operate, load and direct solid waste trucks, trailers, and motorized mowing equipment on assigned route; assist clean city operators in commercial and residential collections, guide truck in and out of alleys; pick up hazardous waste as required; sweep and pick up trash as needed. Maintain and mow weed and litter on right of ways of City arterials and interstate highways.
  12. Sweep and clean outside of buildings, pick up trash and maintain open space.
  13. Solid Waste laborer positions will be responsible for labor and manual tasks as assigned in any of the following areas: refuse collections, disposal, weed, litter and graffiti eradication and maintenance of the City's public right of way system and the Interstate Highway; operate assigned vehicles as needed, operate equipment and utilize tools common to the Solid Waste operations; perform a variety of other related duties in support of the Solid Waste Department.
  14. Adhere to safe work practices and procedures.
SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
  2. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements
High school diploma or GED preferred.
One (1) year of general maintenance or construction experience preferred.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.
Preferred Knowledge
  • Principles and procedures of semi-skilled manual labor
  • Traffic laws and safe vehicle operation practices
  • Occupational hazards and standard safety practices
  • Herbicide application and equipment
  • Safe operating procedures in interstate highway zones

Preferred Skills and Ability
  • Learn basic custodial methods and techniques
  • Learn basic tree planting and transplanting techniques
  • Learn methods and techniques of supply receiving
  • Learn basic inventory control methods and techniques
  • Learn solid waste collection techniques
  • Learn routine vehicle maintenance and cleaning practices
  • Learn operational characteristics of street maintenance tools and equipment
  • Learn operational characteristics of Weed and Litter vehicles, tools and equipment, and their preventative maintenance
  • Provide instruction to co-workers, seasonal and alternative labor
  • Learn operational characteristics of custodial maintenance and cleaning tools and equipment
  • Learn basic custodial methods, techniques, and routine maintenance and cleaning procedures
  • Learn to perform basic street maintenance and repair tasks
  • Learn to perform basic maintenance and repair tasks
  • Learn to work independently in the absence of supervision
  • Learn to make minor repairs to irrigation system components and mainlines
  • Perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time
  • Communicate clearly and concisely
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
  • Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation

Working Conditions
Environmental:
Field, construction site and warehouse environment; may travel from site to site; work around traffic and heavy construction equipment; exposure to noise, dust, fumes and inclement weather conditions.
Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing and walking for prolonged periods; moderate to heavy lifting; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.
Total Rewards. Total You.
The City of Albuquerque takes pride in offering our employees one of the most attractive Total Rewards packages in New Mexico. In addition to competitive salaries, the City provides benefit options for health, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, disability, and much more. The City also has pre-tax savings plans for healthcare, childcare, and parking. Employees participate in the state's public retirement system (PERA), with the City paying up to 75 percent of the employee's contribution. That's higher than any other contribution rate in the state of New Mexico!
Paid holidays? Check
Paid parental leave? Check
Paid birthdays off? Check
Vacation and sick leave starting Day 1? Check and check
Our people matter and we prioritize physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. With resources such as onsite and mobile medical clinics, an employee assistance program that encourages work-life balance, and tuition assistance and professional development pathways, the City is committed to equipping our employees with tools to better their lives and grow their careers while serving their community.
01
Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED? (if applicable, attach supporting degree or transcripts)
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you possess at least one (1) year of general maintenance or construction experience?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you possess a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or have the ability to obtain by date of hire (attach a copy of your Driver's License)?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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