Refuse Collector Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $22.05 Hourly
Location : Municipal Services Building, Boca Raton, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 04746
Department: Public Works and Engineering
Division: Sanitation 44/11501
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 9/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: B
Performs manual work in the collection and disposal of refuse, recyclables, and bulky items from residential and commercial locations. Work includes loading materials into collection vehicles, operating packer equipment, directing traffic as needed, and assisting with unloading at disposal sites. Duties are performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and require physical effort and adherence to established safety procedures. Work is performed under regular supervision.
Essential Functions

• Picks up refuse containers, trash, recyclable's, etc. from residence or business establishments and dumps into truck
• Operates packer equipment
• Replaces lids, cleans area around cans
• Picks up discarded furniture, household appliances, limbs, brush, leaves, and other items placed at curbside
• Directs traffic and guides truck operator in congested areas
• Helps unload truck at disposal site

RELATED TASKS:

• Assists the driver in checking the truck and the packer for proper operation.
• Cleans refuse truck and equipment.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Solid waste and recyclable collection methods and procedures
• Safe work practices related to refuse collection and equipment operation
• Basic traffic safety practices when working on roadways and in congested areas
• Proper lifting techniques and injury prevention practices
• Disposal site procedures and basic sanitation standards

Skilled in:

• Solid waste and recyclable collection methods and procedures
• Safe work practices related to refuse collection and equipment operation
• Basic traffic safety practices when working on roadways and in congested areas
• Proper lifting techniques and injury prevention practices
• Disposal site procedures and basic sanitation standards

Ability to:

• Perform heavy manual labor, including lifting, carrying, and dumping refuse containers
• Work safely around moving vehicles, traffic, and mechanical equipment
• Follow oral instructions and established safety procedures
• Communicate effectively with crew members and the public as needed
• Work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions
• Maintain attention to safety, efficiency, and cleanliness during collection operations

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Six (6) months of experience performing heavy manual labor is required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Abstained from the use of cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products for at least one year prior to their date of hire and shall abstain from the use of tobacco products at all times during the period of their employment with the City while both on and off duty.
• Possession of a valid State of Florida Class "E" driver's license with no more than six (6) points in a three (3) year period.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to lift articles weighing up to 50 lbs. and carry articles up to 30 lbs. Must be able to wear safety glasses, goggles, a safety harness, safety shoes/boots, hearing protectors, a face shield, and gloves. Exposure to extreme temperatures, animals/insects, noise, vibration, dust, vapors, fumes, mist, smoke, toxic metals, and moving mechanical parts.
POST OFFER PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:
Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post-offer, pre-employment screening items:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Physical Examination
• Drug and Alcohol Screening
• Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) Check

Physical and Environmental Demands and Conditions
The environmental conditions and physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Occasionally ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
• Occasionally moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
• Occasionally remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Occasionally moving about within the immediate work area to accomplish tasks.
• Occasionally moving from one worksite to another.
• Occasionally adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
• Occasionally communicating with others to exchange information.
• Occasionally repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Occasionally operating a computer and other equipment using motions requiring manual dexterity or fine motor skills.
• Occasionally operating machinery and/or power tools.
• Occasionally operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Occasionally assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Occasionally having the ability to observe details accurately and identify variances.
• Occasionally lifting or carrying objects 50 pounds or less.
• Occasionally pushing or pulling objects 50 pounds or less.
• Occasionally working in a normal office environment with few physical discomforts.
• Occasionally working in an area that is somewhat uncomfortable due to drafts, noise, temperature variation or the like.
• Occasionally working in an area that is very uncomfortable due to extreme temperature, noise levels, or other environmental conditions.
• Occasionally working in an outdoor area where exposure to animals, reptiles and/or insects may occur.
• Occasionally working with equipment or performing procedures where carelessness would probably result in minor cuts, bruises or muscle pulls.
• Occasionally maintaining regular in office or onsite attendance.

Essential Employee Designation
When normal operations of City departments are suspended or interrupted due to a declaration that a state of emergency exists, any employee may be deemed essential by the City. For the preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail, employees deemed necessary shall be required to work.
The City of Boca Raton is an Equal Opportunity, Inclusive, Veteran-Friendly Employer and Drug-Free Workplace.
The City is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.
Veterans' Preference: The City proudly supports veterans and provides employment preference to eligible veterans and other individuals as required by Florida law. Applicants eligible for Veterans' Preference are encouraged to indicate their eligibility and provide the required documentation during the application process.
CITY OF BOCA RATON - BENEFITS SUMMARY
SEIU Employees
ANNUAL LEAVE: Shall accrue prior to an employee attaining permanent status in the classified service and may be used after six (6) months of employment at the sole discretion of the Department Head, but it shall not be paid out upon resignation or termination unless the employee has attained permanent status (one full year). The maximum accrual is 360 hours.
0 to 5 full years 8 hours per month
5 to 10 full years 10 hours per month
10 to 15 full years 12 hours per month
15 years and over 14 hours per month
CASH OUT OF ANNUAL LEAVE: Employees who have attained permanent status shall be permitted to cash out up to forty (40) hours of accrued and unused Annual Leave, either in a single lump sum payment or two or more partial payments, each fiscal year., each fiscal year.
SICK LEAVE: 8 hours per month. Any hours in excess of 960 will be paid off annually at 50%. Upon retirement, employees with a minimum of 5 years continuous service will receive 50% of sick leave balance. Termination for reasons other than retirement shall be entitled to payment for accrued, but unused sick leave, as follows:
Continuous years of service Percentage
Less than 2 full years 0%
2 to 5 full years 10%
5 to 10 full years 20%
10 full years or more 30%
Retirement (normal, early or disability) 50%
HEALTH INSURANCE (Premiums): Employee Medical (Base Plan) - Paid 100% by City. Employee contributions are required for the buy up employee coverage plans. Employee contributions are required for Employee Dental and Vision Plans, as well as Dependent(s) Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans.
CONTINUOUS SERVICE BENEFIT: Continuous Service is determined on December 1st of each year. Payment is issued during the month of December based upon years of service as follows:
5 to 10 full years $600 annually
10 to 15 full years $800 annually
15 full years and over $1,000 annually
RETIREMENT PLANS: The two pension/retirement options are listed below:

• The option to enroll in a Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. The Defined Contribution Plan will not require a mandatory contribution on your part. The City will contribute seven (7%) percent of your annual base wages to this plan. The vesting period for this plan shall be one (1) year from your date of hire in the classified service, which coincides with your one-year probationary period.
• An option to enroll in a Defined Benefit Plan option available to you that will have a ten (10) year vesting period with a multiplier of 2.00% at normal retirement and a mandatory seven and three-quarters (7.75%) percent contribution.
• The two (2) options will be fully explained to you prior to your selection.

Optional: 457 Deferred Compensation Savings Plan is available.
HOLIDAYS: 15 per year: 12 recognized holidays and 3 floating holidays which are allocated for the fiscal year starting October 1, to all 8 hour per day employees. Employees hired between October 1 and March 31 shall receive 3 floating holidays. Employees hired between April 1 and September 30 shall receive 1 floating holiday. Non-task employees working 10-hour days receive 10, 10-hour paid holidays but do not receive floating holidays.
FUNERAL LEAVE: Up to 3 workdays - In State Up to 5 workdays - Out of State
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: A performance review(s) is given to new hires during the first year of employment and an annual review on their anniversary date. Every employee is evaluated on their anniversary date. The current ratings are: Requires Improvement, Meets Expectations, Exceeds Expectations, and Significantly Exceeds Expectations.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Full-time employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement as outlined in the City's Tuition Reimbursement Policy which is available in Human Resources and subject to the availability of departmental funds.
MILITARY LEAVE: Members in military reserve units who attend annual training are entitled to paid leave not to exceed 30 days each calendar year.
EAP: Employees, spouses, and eligible dependents have access to five (5) face-to-face sessions with a counselor through Cigna's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Services include assistance with legal, financial, parenting, elder care, pet care, and identity theft.
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license - or are you able to obtain within thirty (30) days of hire?

• Yes, I have a valid Florida driver's license
• No, I do not have a Florida driver's license but can obtain within thirty (30) days of hire
• No, I do not have a Florida driver's license and cannot obtain within thirty (30) days of hire

03
Have you used tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff) or electronic cigarettes (according to the CDC electronic cigarette is defined as "e-cigs," "e-hookahs," "mods," "vape pens," "vapes," "vaping", "tank systems," and "electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)" within the last 12 months from the date of application?

• Have used tobacco products in the previous 12 months prior to application.
• Have not used tobacco products in the previous 12 months prior to

04
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

• Less than High School
• High School Diploma or GED
• Trade or Vocational School
• Associates Degree or 60 credits of college courses
• Bachelors Degree

05
How much experience do you have performing heavy manual labor?

• I have no previous experience
• 6 months - 1 year of experience
• 2 years of experience
• 3 years of experience
• 4 years of experience
• 5 years or more

06
Please d