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Septic Tank Driver Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Septic Tank Driver information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$22

$37

How much do septic tank driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for septic tank driver in Tennessee is $22.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.20 and $24.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a septic tank driver?

A Septic Tank Driver is responsible for transporting and disposing of waste from septic systems, grease traps, and other waste storage units. They operate vacuum trucks, follow safety and environmental regulations, and ensure proper disposal at designated facilities. The job requires a commercial driver's license (CDL), knowledge of waste management protocols, and physical stamina. Septic Tank Drivers may also perform minor maintenance on their equipment and interact with customers to provide service.

What does a septic tank driver do?

A typical day for a Septic Tank Driver involves driving specialized service trucks to residential or commercial locations, operating septic pumping equipment to clean and maintain tanks, and responsibly disposing of waste at authorized facilities. You can expect to interact with customers, complete service documentation, perform routine truck maintenance, and adhere to safety and environmental guidelines throughout the day. Most work is performed independently or as part of a small field crew, with scheduled routes that may include some emergency response jobs. Since the role can involve physical labor and varying weather conditions, adaptability and good time management are helpful for success. Over time, experienced drivers may advance to supervisory or dispatch roles within the company.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a septic tank driver?

To thrive as a Septic Tank Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a strong understanding of safe vehicle operation, and basic mechanical knowledge. Familiarity with septic pumping equipment, GPS navigation systems, and compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations is typically required. Strong communication, dependability, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for effectively interacting with customers and maintaining records. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient service delivery and customer satisfaction in this essential field service role.

How to become a septic tank driver?

To become a septic tank driver, you typically need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), especially a Class B license with air brake endorsement. Experience driving large vehicles and knowledge of safety procedures are important, and some employers may require training on septic tank equipment and waste handling regulations.

What job categories do people searching Septic Tank Driver jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Septic Tank Driver jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Septic Tank Driver job openings in Tennessee 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 $46,634 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Wastewater Maintenance Foreman

Murfreesboro, TN • On-site

Consolidated Utility District Of Rutherford County
51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description:

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

Under direction of the Wastewater Manager, perform routine tasks necessary to ensure proper operation and mechanical integrity of Recirculating Sand Filter wastewater treatment systems, septic tank effluent pump systems and effluent disposal drip irrigation fields and complete necessary repairs. Comply with all policies outlined in employee handbook.


LEADERSHIP DUTIES

  • Direct crew members to complete task within established guidelines and timeframe
  • Supports and implements all company safety policies and procedures
  • Act as lead role in absence of department manager regarding Wastewater Maintenance work
  • Troubleshoot and lead Maintenance related repairs
  • Ability to operate RSF program to ensure Repairs are complete
  • Responsible for input of monthly HR logs for respective crew members
  • Responsible for approval of timecards and time off of respective crew members
  • Conforms to guidelines formulated under OSHA, Workman’s Compensation, and company’s insurance carrier as well as State and Federal regulators
  • Maintains a safety attitude among employees
  • Check & monitor all confined space entries
  • Make decisions on sloping, shoring, and benching on all trenches
  • Assists in building positive, productive employee relations
  • Appropriately encourages employee suggestions and constructive criticism
  • Maintains positive, productive customer relations/communications
  • Other duties as assigned

Essential Functions

  • Repair / replace defective pumps, float switches, hydro-tech valve disc, ultraviolet unit bulbs and ballast  
  • Observe and record in log, effluent flow meter totalizer reading
  • Manually operate pumps to test operation of hydro-tech distributing valves
  • Repair wastewater force main leaks/breaks
  • Repair/complete upgrades to existing sand filters
  • Repair/replace drip field solenoid valves, ball valves, drip lines, valve boxes, hydro-tech valves
  • Repair/replace STEP tank pumps, floats, check valves and piping as necessary to maintain service to the customer
  • Respond promptly to service calls and repair "STEP" system pump, floats, valves, piping, and controls as required
  • Other duties as assigned


Requirements:

JOB SPECIFICATIONS: specialized, technical, or practical knowledge, skills, experience, or abilities needed to perform the job. (degrees, certificates, licenses, or other bona fide job qualifications)

A. KNOWLEDGE/EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Knowledge of decentralized Wastewater System components and operation of components
  • State of TN Grade II Biological/Natural Wastewater Certification
  • State of TN Grade 1 Collection System Certification or the ability to immediately obtain within eighteen months.
  • NIMS ICS-100 & NIMS IS-700
  • General knowledge of Rutherford County 
  • Experience working with PVC pipe, pump systems and light electrical
  • Competent Person Training Certification

B. SKILLS REQUIRED:

  • Analyze electrical, mechanical & hydraulic system problems & make corrections
  • Read and comprehend schematics and blueprints
  • Basic tool, equipment, and vehicle maintenance
  • Heavy equipment operation
  • Basic Computer skills 

C. ABILITIES REQUIRED (work characteristics, behaviors, leadership abilities, etc.):

  • Ability to work in potentially hazardous environments.
  • Respond to call-outs / emergencies on a 24 - hour basis
  • Aptitude to follow written and verbal instructions
  • Effective, professional verbal and written communication skills 
  • Must have initiative and be resourceful in problem solving
  • Should be detailed oriented, able to focus on task-at-hand

D. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must meet residential policy requirements a 45-minute response time to Consolidated Utility District’s main office and maintain that residency status as a condition of their employment
  • Valid Tennessee Driver’s License and safe driving record
  • Valid Class “A” CDL with air brakes and safe driving record
  • Minimum two years underground utility experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: physical demands under which the job is performed:

  • Intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping.
  • Typically standing or walking, bending, crouching, or stooping.
  • Frequently entering/exiting vehicle.
  • Frequent lifting of light objects.
  • Frequent lifting of objects weighing up to 60 pounds.
  • Climbing fences/ladders.
  • Use of tools or equipment requiring a high degree of expertise.
  • Need to distinguish between shades of color.


WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed primarily in field settings with exposure to loud noise, outside elements, dust, dirt, grease, etc. Hazards: Exposure to irritating chemicals and hazardous environments.


The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.