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Solid Waste Collection Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$100K - $130K/yr

The City is seeking an accomplished operational leader to oversee both its Solid Waste Collection and Solid Waste Disposal divisions while ensuring exceptional customer service, regulatory compliance ...

$100K - $130K/yr

The City is seeking an accomplished operational leader to oversee both its Solid Waste Collection and Solid Waste Disposal divisions while ensuring exceptional customer service, regulatory compliance ...

Solid Waste Superintendent

Amarillo, TX ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The City is seeking an accomplished operational leader to oversee both its Solid Waste Collection and Solid Waste Disposal divisions while ensuring exceptional customer service, regulatory compliance ...

Solid Waste Superintendent

Amarillo, TX ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The City is seeking an accomplished operational leader to oversee both its Solid Waste Collection and Solid Waste Disposal divisions while ensuring exceptional customer service, regulatory compliance ...

Manage commercial above-ground and underground Nord collection services. Administer commercial ... Financial Stewardship Prepare and administer annual operating and capital budgets. Perform rate and ...

$100K - $130K/yr

The City is seeking an accomplished operational leader to oversee both its Solid Waste Collection and Solid Waste Disposal divisions while ensuring exceptional customer service, regulatory compliance ...

Solid Waste Superintendent

Prescott, AZ ยท On-site

$84K - $127K/yr

Key responsibilities include overseeing the collection, transfer, and disposal of solid waste and recyclables for both residential and commercial customers, as well as the ownership and operation of ...

Showing results 21-40

Solid Waste Collection Operator information

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$14

$25

$39

How much do solid waste collection operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for solid waste collection operator in the United States is $25.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Solid Waste Collection Operator vs Recycling Collection Worker?

AspectSolid Waste Collection OperatorRecycling Collection Worker
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL often preferredDriver's license, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentResidential, commercial waste pickupResidential, commercial recycling pickup
Industry UsageMunicipal waste managementMunicipal recycling programs

Both roles involve operating collection trucks and require similar licenses. The main difference is the type of material collected: Solid Waste Collection Operators handle general waste, while Recycling Collection Workers focus on recyclable materials. Their work environments and employer expectations are largely similar, making these roles closely related but distinct in their specific collection focus.

What qualifications do you need to be a solid waste collection operator?

A solid waste collection operator typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license, often for operating collection trucks. Some positions may require completion of safety training or certification in waste management procedures, and physical stamina is important for handling heavy loads and working outdoors.

What cities are hiring for Solid Waste Collection Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Solid Waste Collection Operator job openings:

What states have the most Solid Waste Collection Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Solid Waste Collection Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Solid Waste Collection Operator jobs?

For Solid Waste Collection Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Solid Waste Collection Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,224 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Frontloader Serv - Equipment Operator I, II- Solid Waste

Abilene, TX โ€ข On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

03.12.2026 BS

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor (I/II) โ€“ Solid Waste, performs skilled work in the operation of solid waste collection equipment and vehicles. Safely operates solid waste collection trucks and related equipment on assigned residential, commercial, or special collection routes. Ensures the efficient and timely collection, transport, and disposal of solid waste materials in accordance with established procedures and safety regulations. Conducts routine inspections of equipment and reports maintenance or safety concerns to appropriate personnel. Assists with occasional manual labor related to waste collection, including loading materials, handling containers, and maintaining cleanliness of assigned routes and equipment.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Equipment Operator I

ย 

This position exercises no supervision.

Equipment Operator II

ย 

This position may exercise technical supervision over the Equipment Operator I.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Equipment Operator I

ย 

Operate trash collection or recycling vehicles, and other Solid Waste Service vehicles and equipment.

Pick up trash, brush, litter, bulky items, and recycling materials.

Read street maps and route sheets to locate route destinations.

Perform basic vehicle inspections and preventive maintenance.

Check, service, and clean equipment.

Maintain vehicle records.

Safe completion of the route; and follow all Division safety rules.

Report and complete paperwork for unsafe working conditions, accidents, and injuries to the supervisor.

Dump collected trash or recyclables at designated dump sites/landfills.

Equipment Operator II

ย 

Complete route without assistance and with minimal incidents.

Train Equipment Operator I employees in the proper use of equipment.

Observation of safe practices of untrained employees.ย 

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Operating characteristics and servicing of one or more types of solid waste handling equipment.

Work hazards and applicable safety precautions associated with assigned equipment and division operations.

Applicable traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations involved in the operation of assigned equipment.

Safe driving principles and practices.

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Skill to:

Operate and care for a variety of tools, machinery, and equipment used in work assigned.

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Safely operate motor vehicles and equipment.

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Ability to:

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Perform minor equipment maintenance repairs.ย ย 

Make minor operating adjustments and recognize operating deficiencies in assigned equipment.ย ย 

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.ย ย 

Complete assigned route by following written and printed instructions.ย 

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Read maps andย writeย reports.ย 

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Maintain a safe driving record.ย 

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values โ€“ Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Divisionโ€™s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Equipment Operator II

ย 

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Ability to:

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Complete service route without direct supervision.

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Independently operate assigned solid waste equipment.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels areย required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.ย  Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Equipment Operator I

ย 

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Experience:

ย 

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  This is an entry-level position.

Previous experience in the safe operation of large commercial equipment is preferred.

Education/Training:

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  A high school diploma or GED is required.

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  License or Certificate:

A valid Texas Class A or B Commercial Driverโ€™s License (CDL) is required.

Equipment Operator II

ย 

Experience:

Thirty (30) days of experience with the operation and servicing of City of Abilene Solid Waste equipment and service router or prior equivalent experience is required.

Education/Training:

Completed training on assigned equipment as verified by the assigned training on a Training Completion form is required.

Completion of Solid Waste Equipment Training is required.

Special Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

With or without accommodation, the โ€œXโ€ indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  ยญยญ___ย ย ย ย  Sedentary โ€“ lifting of no more than 10 pounds

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  ___ย ย ย ย  Light โ€“ lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  _X_ย ย ย ย  Medium โ€“ lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  ___ย ย ย ย  Heavy โ€“ lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  ___ย ย ย ย  Very Heavy โ€“ team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes: ย The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  =ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  No

Eย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  =ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Extensive (100 โ€“ 70% of the time)

Mย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  =ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Moderate (60 โ€“ 30% of the time)

Iย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  =ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Infrequent (20 โ€“ 10% of the time)

Aย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  =ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_A_ย ย ย ย  Standing

_E_ย ย ย ย  Sitting

_M_ย ย ย  Walking

_M_ย ย ย  Lifting

_M_ย ย ย  Carrying

_M_ย ย ย  Pushing/Pulling

_M_ย ย ย  Overhead Work

_A_ย ย ย ย  Fine Dexterity

_E_ย ย ย ย  Kneeling

_E_ย ย ย ย  Crouching

_I__ย ย ย  Crawling

_E_ย ย ย ย  Bending

_E_ย ย ย ย  Twisting

_E_ย ย ย ย  Climbing

_E_ย ย ย ย  Balancing

_E_ย ย ย ย  Vision

_E_ย ย ย ย  Hearing

_E_ย ย ย ย  Talking

_E_ย ย ย ย  Other:ย  __Smell (in case of fire)_______