Solid Waste Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: See Position Description
Location : PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 15208
Department: (H320)Solid Waste
Opening Date: 09/04/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description/Duties
The current recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies at either the Solid Waste Equipment Operator I (Collections Assignment) or Solid Waste Equipment Operator II level.
First review of all applications will be on Monday, September 21, 2026, and weekly thereafter until all vacancies are filled.
Solid Waste Equipment Operator I ($53,787.34 - $69,388.18 annually)
A Solid Waste Equipment Operator I is the entry-level class in the Solid Waste Equipment Operator series and is responsible for the safe, economical, and efficient operation of a variety of light-to-heavy solid waste equipment. Incumbents will be assigned to perform a variety of tasks involved in one of the following areas: collection, transportation, or disposal of refuse and recyclables. Work requires limited to moderate skills to manipulate equipment associated with each assignment; however, when not operating equipment, an employee in this class is expected to take the initiative in assisting in the manual and technical aspects of the construction, maintenance, and repair activities. These assignments may involve duties such as public contact, prolonged physical exertion, work in close proximity to heavy traffic and overhead utility lines, work may expose the employee to hazards, possible injury as a result of working around trash and debris, and heavy physical exertion under all weather conditions. Duties require initiative and independent judgment in the care and operation of solid waste equipment, as well as mechanical aptitude and skillful coordination of eye, hand, and foot movements. Work is normally performed without immediate supervision and is often checked in terms of the care exercised in driving; the promptness with which assigned routes are completed; and the effectiveness with which loading, transporting, unloading, and related functions are conducted. Employees in this class are required to use appropriate safety equipment, follow safety procedures, and be responsible for the safety of coworkers while equipment operation is being performed. Employees are required to adhere to safety guidelines/regulations, including all personal protective equipment requirements. This class is responsible for performing related work as required.
The Solid Waste Equipment Operator I class is the entry-level position in the Solid Waste Equipment Operator classification series. This position is distinguished from the Solid Waste Equipment Operator II, a journey-level classification with moderately complex experience requiring operation of designated heavy refuse equipment such as front loader, automated side loader, and roll-off. This class may be cross trained in various areas of the Solid Waste Operations and may occasionally be assigned to work at various work locations. Employees in this class may progress by noncompetitive promotion to Solid Waste Equipment Operator II (Collections Assignment) upon meeting the specific criteria-based promotion requirements of experience, performance, and training. This position is supervised by a Solid Waste Foreman who reviews work in progress through on-site observation, quality of work, and through results achieved. This class is FLSA nonexempt.
Solid Waste Equipment Operator II ($56,475.33 - $72,855.12 annually)
A Solid Waste Equipment Operator II is a journey-level classification responsible for the safe, efficient operation and care of moderately complex heavy solid waste equipment. Incumbents perform tasks related to the collection, transportation, and disposal of refuse and recyclables. Incumbents operate various equipment requiring considerable skill and coordination to manipulate such as a front loader, automated side loader, roll-off, and rear loader, in addition to lighter equipment such as the bin truck or other related equipment which may be listed in the Solid Waste Equipment Operator I classification. Solid Waste Equipment Operator II's are expected to operate the assigned equipment using defensive driving techniques in accordance with policy, procedure, and training guidelines; understand the collection schedule; accurately read and follow a route map/list; interact with customers with respect and integrity; accomplish all assigned tasks at a demonstrated level of proficiency; and adhere to safety guidelines/regulations, including all personal protective equipment requirements. Employees have responsibility for the safety of coworkers while equipment operation is being performed. Allocation to this class establishes the operation of moderately complex heavy equipment as the primary function of the position. However, when not operating equipment, an employee in this class is expected to take the initiative in assisting in the manual and technical aspects of the construction, maintenance, and repair activities. These assignments involve public contact, working near traffic and above ground utility lines, exposure to hazardous chemicals, confined space entry, and heavy physical exertion under all weather conditions. This class is subject to call-out and stand-by; and must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as required. This class is responsible for performing related duties as required.
Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.
Qualifications & Requirements
: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Solid Waste Equipment Operator I
Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED. Good (1 - 3 years) experience operating light trucks, construction equipment, and/or manual labor/maintenance tasks related to the assignment area.
Special Requirements. Must possess a valid Arizona Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL)with no air brake restrictions and valid medical examiner's certificate (Collections Assignment). Must possess a valid Arizona Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with no air brake restriction and valid medical examiner's certificate, as well as must meet the qualifications to wear a tight-fitting respirator by passing a medical evaluation in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.134 by hire or promotion date and must maintain certification (Support Services Assignment).
Substance Abuse Testing. This class is subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) drug and alcohol testing as outlined in 49 CFR Part 382.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Experience performing heavy manual labor tasks and welding. Experience operating a bin truck, bin truck with trailer, or rear loader.
Solid Waste Equipment Operator II
Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED. Three years full-time employment operating heavy vehicles and/or construction equipment. One year of full-time employment with the City of Mesa as a Solid Waste Equipment Operator I within the Solid Waste Department may be substituted for three years of full-time employment operating heavy vehicles and/or construction equipment.
Special Requirements. Must possess a valid Arizona Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with no air brake restriction and valid medical examiner's certificate.
Substance Abuse Testing. This class is subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) drug and alcohol testing as outlined in 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 382.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Experience operating solid waste equipment suchas front loader, automated side loader, roll-off, or rear loader.
Link to Job Description
Solid Waste Equipment Operator I
Solid Waste Equipment Operator II
A is linked here.
01
Did you receive a High School Diploma or GED? **You MUST include and detail your education information on your application to receive credit.**

• Yes
• No

02
How many years of experience do you have operating light trucks, construction equipment, and/or manual labor/maintenance tasks related to the assignment area?

• None
• Some but less than 1 year
• 1 year or more

03
Please describe below the types of light trucks and/or construction equipment you have operated below; include employment dates and names of employer(s). If none, type N/A. ** To receive credit, you MUST fully detail this experience on your application. Incomplete applications or responses such as "see resume" will not be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed, detailed application.**
04
Please describe the manual labor/maintenance tasks you have performed related to Solid Waste below; include employment dates and names of employer(s). If none, type N/A. ** To receive credit, you MUST fully detail this experience on your application. Incomplete applications or responses such as "see resume" will not be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed, detailed application.**
05
How many years of full-time experience do you have operating heavy vehicles and/or construction equipment?

• None
• Some but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

06
Please detail the type of heavy vehicles and/or construction equipment you have operated below; include names employment dates and names of employer(s). If none, type N/A. ** To receive credit, you MUST fully detail this experience on your application. Incomplete applications or responses such as "see resume" will not be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed, detailed application.**
07
Do you have one (1) year of full-time employment with the City of Mesa as a Solid Waste Equipment Operator I within the Solid Waste Department? If yes, you MUST detail this experience on your application to receive credit.

• Yes
• No

08
Do you currently possess a valid Arizona Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with no air brake restrictions and valid medical examiner's certificate (for Collections Assignment)?

• Yes
• No

09
Do you currently possess a valid Arizona Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with no air brake restriction and valid medical examiner's certificate (for Support Services Assignment)?

• Yes
• No

10
Do you have any welding experience?

• Yes
• No

11
Do you have experience operating a bin truck, a bin truck with trailer, or rear loader?

• Yes
• No

12
Please detail your experience operating solid waste equipment, such as front loaders, automated side loaders, roll-offs, or rear loaders. Please include years' operating, types of equipment, and all of your employers. If none, type N/A.
Required Question