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Solid Waste Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tucsonaz

Solid Waste Equipment Operator

Price, UT · On-site

In your cover letter, please ensure to include responses to the following: 1. Provide a summary of your experience operating solid waste equipment such as an automatic side loader, front loader, rear ...

Gilchrist County

Solid Waste Equipment Operator

Bell, FL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Experienced Equipment Operator Gilchrist County Solid Waste & Recycling is seeking an experienced Equipment Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience operating heavy ...

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

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for solid waste equipment operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a solid waste equipment operator do?

A Solid Waste Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery, such as garbage trucks, front-end loaders, or compactors, to collect, transport, and dispose of solid waste and recyclables. They ensure proper handling of waste materials, follow safety procedures, and may also perform routine maintenance on their equipment. This role is essential for maintaining public health and cleanliness within communities by ensuring waste is managed efficiently and safely.

What are some common challenges solid waste equipment operators face in the field and how are they addressed?

Solid Waste Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating tight or congested routes, handling heavy or hazardous materials, and maintaining equipment under demanding conditions. These challenges are typically addressed through thorough safety training, adherence to strict operational protocols, and regular equipment maintenance. Operators also collaborate closely with route supervisors and mechanics to resolve issues quickly and keep operations running smoothly, ensuring both personal safety and efficient waste collection.

What is the difference between Solid Waste Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectSolid Waste Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsMay require CDL or specialized waste management certificationsTypically requires CDL and specific equipment certifications
Work EnvironmentWaste collection sites, landfills, recycling centersConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Employer & IndustryMunicipal waste departments, private waste companiesConstruction, mining, forestry industries

While both roles operate large machinery, Solid Waste Equipment Operators focus on waste collection and landfill operations, often requiring waste-specific certifications. Heavy Equipment Operators work across various industries with different machinery types, emphasizing construction and excavation tasks. Both roles demand safety training and licensing, but their work environments and primary functions differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solid waste equipment operator?

To thrive as a Solid Waste Equipment Operator, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), knowledge of safe waste collection procedures, and experience operating heavy equipment such as garbage trucks or loaders. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, route management software, and vehicle inspection protocols is typically required. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication skills help operators work safely and efficiently as part of a team. These competencies ensure the safe, timely, and environmentally responsible collection and disposal of solid waste in communities.
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Solid Waste Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solid Waste Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

SOLID WASTE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

City of Amarillo Texas

Amarillo, TX • On-site

$19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

City Of Amarillo rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

446th of 841 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Job Title: Solid Waste Equipment Operator
Job Class Number: TRD953
Business Unit Name: Solid Waste Collection
Business Unit Number: 1431
Reports To: Solid Waste Route Supervisor and /or Service Coordinator
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
SALARY $19.00 PER HOUR
SUMMARY
Under supervision of a Route Supervisor and/or Service Coordinator, the equipment operator will be responsible for the operation of assigned truck and/or equipment. Trucks that may be assigned to an Equipment Operator may include side loader, front loader, roll-off, brush truck, rear loader, knuckle boom or other trucks as necessary. An Equipment Operator may also be indirectly responsible for up to two other persons as assigned by the route supervisor.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operates solid waste equipment on assigned route. Operators may be required to drive in heavy traffic. Operators may also be required to drive and/or back in narrow alleys or streets. Equipment assignments are subject to change as required for the efficient operation of the department. Equipment operations include automated collection/processing of solid waste. The solid waste collected shall be taken to the transfer station and/or Landfill for unloading.
    • The operator shall inspect, wash, keep clean (interior and exterior), and perform minor repairs to equipment as assigned.
    • The operator shall be required to perform equipment inspections and complete inspection reports.
    • The operator shall complete daily task reports and report all unsafe conditions to their supervisor.
    • The operator shall be required to learn a minimum of three different routes within a specified amount of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The operator must be able to operate solid waste trucks and equipment, year-round, in varied weather and traffic conditions. Walking in mud, snow, heavy dusts and refuse with sharp and potentially household hazardous materials. The operator should have a basic understanding of the hydraulic controls on the solid waste trucks/equipment. Operator shall be using shovels, rakes, brushes, etc. while cleaning the trucks interior and exterior.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Must be able to effectively communicate with co-workers. Regular and punctual attendance is required of this job. Operators may be required to drive in heavy traffic. Operators may also be required to drive and/or back in narrow alleys or streets. The ability to read maps, route printouts or instructions is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
Requires a variety of sitting and or standing while operating solid waste equipment, based upon equipment assignment for long periods of time. Requires occasional lifting materials of at least 25 pounds, pulling at least 94 pounds, and throwing materials overhead into the back of the truck. Must be physically able to climb in and out of the side door to clean the compactor area of the trucks. Operations of the equipment occurs year-round in all types of weather, working on weekends, holidays, and early morning routes. Must have the ability to effectively communicate with co-workers. Regular and punctual attendance is required of this job.
EDUCATION TRAINING, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
High School Diploma and/or GED, a possession of a valid Texas CDL driver's license, Class A or B required. The ability to read maps, route printouts or instructions is required.
ADA PROFILE
Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. This employee is also required to finger, handle, walk, stand, hear, speak, see, and talk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions.
The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.
The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.

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