ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Solid Waste Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Muskogee

Solid Waste Operator

Muskogee, OK · On-site

$15.38/hr

The Solid Waste Operator reports directly to the Solid Waste Supervisor I. The Solid Waste Operator does not have any direct reports or supervisory responsibilities. QUALIFICATIONS : Training and ...

City of Muskogee

Solid Waste Operator

Muskogee, OK · On-site

$15.38/hr

The Solid Waste Operator reports directly to the Solid Waste Supervisor I. The Solid Waste Operator does not have any direct reports or supervisory responsibilities. QUALIFICATIONS : Training and ...

Town of Gilbert

Solid Waste Operator I

Gilbert, AZ

$25.08 - $36.36/hr

The Solid Waste Operator I position is part of a job family that includes Solid Waste Operators I, II & III, providing career growth opportunities. The Solid Waste Operator I reports to a Solid Waste ...

City of Tulare

Senior Solid Waste Operator

Tulare, CA

$56K - $68K/yr

As a Senior Solid Waste Operator, you will play a vital role in our city's daily health and infrastructure. This journey-level position offers the perfect balance of independent route operations ...

Leon County, FL

Solid Waste Operator

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$37K - $61K/yr

Landfill Operator's Certification from the Solid Waste Association of North America-University of Florida TREEO Center is preferred. All Leon County employees (regular full-time and part-time, OPS ...

City of Tulare, CA

Senior Solid Waste Operator

Tulare, CA · On-site

$53K - $64K/yr

As a Senior Solid Waste Operator , you will play a vital role in our city's daily health and infrastructure. This journey-level position offers the perfect balance of independent route operations ...

City of Palmer

Solid Waste Operator

Palmer, AK

$22.59 - $27.22/hr

Prior experience in solid waste collection preferred. Knowledge of traffic laws, waste collection procedures, and safety. Prior experience operating light equipment, heavy trucks, and use of hand ...

City of Fort Myers

Solid Waste Operator I

Fort Myers, FL

$22.51 - $34.04/hr

Duties/Responsibilities Operates solid waste vehicle(s) and the collection of trash/recycling along an assigned route. Transports and disposes trash and recycling materials at authorized designated ...

CITY OF HURON

Solid Waste Operator I

Huron, SD

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Solid Waste Operator I- City of Huron Join our team performing a variety of hands-on, skilled and semi-skilled duties supporting the collection and disposal of solid waste, with opportunities to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSolid Waste Operator Jobs

Solid Waste Operator information

See salary details

$12

$25

$30

How much do solid waste operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for solid waste operator in the United States is $25.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most common challenges faced by Solid Waste Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Solid Waste Operators often encounter challenges such as handling hazardous materials, working in varying weather conditions, and managing heavy or bulky loads. These challenges can be addressed through comprehensive safety training, proper use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to established protocols for waste handling. Additionally, teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and other crew members help ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently.

What is the difference between Solid Waste Operator vs Waste Collection Driver?

AspectSolid Waste OperatorWaste Collection Driver
CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), safety trainingCDL, safety training
Work EnvironmentLandfills, transfer stations, recycling centersResidential and commercial routes, streets
Job DutiesOperate heavy equipment, manage waste processingDrive collection trucks, pick up waste

Both roles require a CDL and safety training, often working in similar environments. The main difference is that Solid Waste Operators focus on operating equipment and managing waste processing facilities, while Waste Collection Drivers primarily drive trucks and collect waste from customers' locations.

What are Solid Waste Operators?

Solid Waste Operators are professionals responsible for the collection, transportation, and disposal of municipal solid waste. They operate equipment such as garbage trucks, compactors, and loaders to ensure that waste is handled safely and efficiently. Their role also includes sorting recyclables, maintaining sanitation standards, and complying with local environmental regulations. Solid Waste Operators play a crucial part in keeping communities clean and supporting public health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solid Waste Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solid Waste Operator, you need knowledge of waste management procedures, basic mechanical skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent along with a commercial driver's license (CDL). Familiarity with heavy equipment operation, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like OSHA training are commonly required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help operators work efficiently and safely with team members and the public. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, compliant, and effective waste collection and disposal services.
What cities are hiring for Solid Waste Operator jobs? Cities with the most Solid Waste Operator job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Solid Waste Operator jobs? The top employers for Solid Waste Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Solid Waste Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Solid Waste Operator jobs include:
Solid Waste Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solid Waste Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,934 per year, or $25.4 per hour.
Solid Waste Operator

Solid Waste Operator

City of Muskogee

Muskogee, OK • On-site

$15.38/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION:

Operates a variety of light and medium equipment trucks and specialized equipment in the hauling of residential and commercial refuse.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

  • Operates a residential and/or commercial truck to collect and transport solid waste to the appropriate location.
  • Washes and maintains sanitation vehicles; performs preventative maintenance on refuse vehicles including daily checks of fluid and adding fluid as required, drains air tanks on trucks; checks and replaces light bulbs as needed. Reports any deficiencies as found and sees that repairs are scheduled.
  • Collects and completes daily route schedules; reports all daily work to appropriate division staff member.
  • Assembles, issues, pulls and maintains City garbage carts as assigned.
  • Reports damaged containers; performs preventative repairs and maintenance to trash carts.
  • Maintains work area in a clean and orderly fashion.
  • Communicates with customers on routes.
  • Performs other work as necessary and or as assigned.
  • Must report to work on a regular and timely basis.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

The Solid Waste Operator reports directly to the Solid Waste Supervisor I.

The Solid Waste Operator does not have any direct reports or supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent preferred but not required, with two years of experience as a refuse collector or driver of a heavy commercial vehicle desired.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Knowledge of geography and street locations within the city of Muskogee desired. Must be able to maintain cooperative working relationships with the general public including consumers and fellow employees. Ability to work long and sometimes irregular hours including infrequent evenings and weekends under difficult outdoor conditions also required. Must be able to follow oral and written instructions and maintain route records. Must have knowledge of traffic ordinances.

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. On a case-by-case basis, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical requirements include constant walking and standing; frequent lifting and carrying up to eighty (80) pounds; occasional lifting and carrying more than sixty (60) pounds; frequent reaching, handling and twisting; occasional balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling and climbing; vision, speech and hearing sufficient to perform essential tasks. Punctuality and reasonable attendance is essential. Must submit to drug screening and fitness to work physical exam.

Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid Oklahoma CDL Class B.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work in this classification is primarily outdoors. Will travel within city. Exposure to wet, hot, cold and/or humid conditions.

Notice: This classification is a "safety sensitive" position as defined by the United States Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations, the Oklahoma Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Act and/or the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana laws. As a "safety sensitive" classification, you will be subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing. Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening. Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse you from the testing process, or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana.