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Solid Waste Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Solid Waste Equipment Operator information

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

As of Aug 23, 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 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.

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.

More about Solid Waste Equipment Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Solid Waste Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Solid Waste Equipment Operator job openings:

What states have the most Solid Waste Equipment Operator jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Solid Waste Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Roll-Off Services - Equipment Operator I,II - Solid Waste

City of Abilene

Abilene, TX • On-site

$22.46 - $28.39/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


City Of Abilene (Texas) rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

681st of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the general supervision of the Supervisor (I/II) - 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
This position exercises no supervision.
Equipment Operator II
This position may exercise technical supervision over the Equipment Operator I.
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Equipment Operator I
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
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.
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.
Skill to:
Operate and care for a variety of tools, machinery, and equipment used in work assigned.
Safely operate motor vehicles and equipment.
Ability to:
Perform minor equipment maintenance repairs.
Make minor operating adjustments and recognize operating deficiencies in assigned equipment.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Complete assigned route by following written and printed instructions.
Read maps and write reports.
Maintain a safe driving record.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values - Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division's mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Equipment Operator II
Ability to:
Complete service route without direct supervision.
Independently operate assigned solid waste equipment.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:
Equipment Operator I
Experience:
This is an entry-level position.
Previous experience in the safe operation of large commercial equipment is preferred.
Education/Training:
A high school diploma or GED is required.
License or Certificate:
A valid Texas Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required.
Equipment Operator II
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 "X" indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:
___ Sedentary - lifting of no more than 10 pounds
___ Light - lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
_X_ Medium - lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
___ Heavy - lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
___ Very Heavy - team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds
Physical Demand Codes: 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 = No
E = Extensive (100 - 70% of the time)
M = Moderate (60 - 30% of the time)
I = Infrequent (20 - 10% of the time)
A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)
Code / Task
_A_ Standing
_E_ Sitting
_M_ Walking
_M_ Lifting
_M_ Carrying
_M_ Pushing/Pulling
_M_ Overhead Work
_A_ Fine Dexterity
_E_ Kneeling
_E_ Crouching
_I__ Crawling
_E_ Bending
_E_ Twisting
_E_ Climbing
_E_ Balancing
_E_ Vision
_E_ Hearing
_E_ Talking
_E_ Other: __Smell (in case of fire)_______

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