1

Refuse Collection Truck Operator Jobs in California

SOLID WASTE TRUCK OPERATOR

Burbank, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $21.50/hr

Under supervision, to operate various types of solid waste collection trucks; to perform heavy manual labor in the collection, trucking, and disposal of refuse and recyclable materials; and to do ...

Boom Truck Operator

Redding, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Boom Truck Operator Infrastructure Products Group Redding, California, United States Job ID: 527790 ... We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that ...

Boom Truck Operator

Redding, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Load truck with materials * Verify load for accuracy * Unload truck at site - this involves using ... We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that ...

Boom Truck Operator

Redding, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Load truck with materials * Verify load for accuracy * Unload truck at site - this involves using ... We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Refuse Collection Truck Operator information

See California salary details

$12

$17

$22

How much do refuse collection truck operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for refuse collection truck operator in California is $17.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refuse collection truck operator?

Refuse Collection Truck Operators are professionals responsible for collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste and recyclables from residential, commercial, or industrial locations. They operate specialized vehicles designed to pick up garbage, recyclables, or yard debris according to assigned routes and schedules. Their duties often include lifting and loading waste containers, ensuring proper disposal methods, and maintaining safety and cleanliness standards. These operators play a crucial role in keeping communities clean and promoting environmental health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refuse collection truck operator?

To thrive as a Refuse Collection Truck Operator, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), physical stamina, and a solid understanding of safety protocols. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, route management software, and basic vehicle maintenance is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help operators work efficiently and safely with crew members and the public. These abilities are essential for ensuring timely waste collection, public safety, and reliable municipal services.

What are some common challenges faced by refuse collection truck operators, and how can they be managed on the job?

Refuse Collection Truck Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating tight urban streets, dealing with inclement weather, and managing heavy or hazardous loads. To manage these, operators typically receive thorough training in route planning, vehicle safety, and proper lifting techniques. Communication with dispatchers and team members is crucial for handling unexpected obstacles or schedule changes, ensuring the job is completed efficiently and safely. Operators are also encouraged to adhere strictly to safety protocols and use personal protective equipment to mitigate risks.

What is the difference between Refuse Collection Truck Operator vs Waste Management Technician?

AspectRefuse Collection Truck OperatorWaste Management Technician
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL often requiredEnvironmental or waste management certifications
Work EnvironmentDriving and operating trucks in urban or rural areasHandling waste processing, site inspection, or recycling facilities
Industry UsagePublic sanitation services, waste collection companiesWaste treatment plants, recycling centers

The Refuse Collection Truck Operator primarily focuses on driving and operating trucks to collect waste from designated areas, often working outdoors in various weather conditions. In contrast, Waste Management Technicians typically work at waste processing or recycling facilities, handling waste materials directly and performing maintenance or inspection tasks. Both roles are essential in waste management but differ in work environment and specific responsibilities.

How to become a refuse collection truck operator?

To become a refuse collection truck operator, candidates typically need a valid driver's license, often a commercial driver's license (CDL), and a clean driving record. Some employers require a high school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training is usually provided to learn safe driving and waste collection procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Refuse Collection Truck Operator jobs in California?

For Refuse Collection Truck Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refuse Collection Truck Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Refuse Collection Truck Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Refuse Collection Truck Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Refuse Collection Truck Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Refuse Collection Truck Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,362 per year, or $18 per hour.

Senior Refuse Truck Driver

City of Roseville (CA)

Roseville, CA • On-site

$32.99 - $58/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


City Of Roseville (California) rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description ELEVATE YOUR CAREER. Join the City of Roseville Environmental Utilities Department as a SENIOR REFUSE TRUCK DRIVER Step into a leadership role that keeps our community clean, safe and running smoothly as a Senior Refuse Truck Driver. In this role, you will be responsible for organizing, assigning, and reviewing the work of personnel engaged in residential, commercial, and industrial solid waste refuse collection.

Additionally, you will be driving and operating a refuse collection truck. This is your chance to take your career to the next level and make a meaningful impact within the City of Roseville. If you're ready to embrace new challenges, showcase your leadership abilities and have a commitment to high-qualify service, apply today and help keep our community thriving.

The employment list that will be established from this recruitment may be utilized to fill future regular, limited-term and temporary vacancies. The current vacancy is regular, full-time and benefitted. The City of Roseville is committed to an inclusive and supportive workforce and workplace.

We are engaged in understanding the backgrounds and perspectives of our colleagues and those we serve. Our organization is unified in this commitment because we believe this produces the best results for our organization and community. Examples of Duties For a detailed and complete job description, please click HERE.

Minimum Qualifications Experience and Training: Experience: Two years of experience performing work similar to that of a Refuse Truck Driver II in the City of Roseville. Training: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, GED or higher level degree. License or Certificate: Possession of a valid California Class B driver's license, with airbrakes at time of application.

Supplemental Information ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Detailed information on the City of Roseville recruitment practices can be reviewed on the Frequently Asked Questions page. The City of Roseville defines "accredited college or university" as an institution of higher learning and must be listed on the United States Department of Education Database of Accredited Post-Secondary Institutions and Programs website http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation. Credits earned from colleges, universities, and institutions listed as accredited institutions on this website will be considered as part of the educational component of the minimum qualifications for a classification

The following options apply to the evaluation of college degrees from countries outside the United States: Educational background from a foreign country may be evaluated by an accredited United States college or university listed on the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Post-Secondary Institutions and Programs website. Verification of degree equivalency may be obtained from organizations that provide foreign education credential evaluation services

The City of Roseville will accept verification from any of the listed member agencies found at http://www.naces.org or www.aice-eval.org. A copy of the foreign credential evaluation verification can be attached to the employment application. If you are offered a position with the City of Roseville, as a part of the pre-employment steps, applicants must provide a foreign degree credential equivalency certificate from an approved member agency above

Applicants who do not provide verification, will be eliminated from further consideration. SELECTION PROCESS: All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications will have their application scored in a Formula Rate Examination. The applicant's experience and education will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.

Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the Employment List. Supplemental questions will be utilized by the department hiring authority to make interview and selection determinations. Final appointment is contingent upon a check of past employment references, passing a City-paid fingerprint check, and depending on the position applied for, a pre-employment medical exam, drug and alcohol screening test, credit check, license and/or education verification, psychological examination, and/or an extensive Police Department background check process.

Some positions require the clearance of a comprehensive Police Department (PD) background check within 12 months of appointment. The City may appoint candidates to positions prior to clearing the extensive Police Department background check, and in those circumstances the candidate will be advised in advance that security access in the information technology systems will be limited to non-PD related systems until PD clearance is received, and if the candidate ultimately does not clear the PD background it will result in release from City service without appeal rights, in accordance with Personnel Rules 3.04.050. THE CITY OF ROSEVILLE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

IF YOU REQUIRE AN ACCOMMODATION DUE TO A DISABILITY, PLEASE CONTACT THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT AT LEAST 5 WORKING DAYS BEFORE A SCHEDULED INTERVIEW/EXAMINATION PROCESS. MEDICAL DISABILITY VERIFICATION MAY BE REQUIRED PRIOR TO ACCOMMODATION.


What City Of Roseville (California) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom