CLASS DESCRIPTION We value the time and effort you dedicate as you consider embarking in a career with the City of El Cerrito and we welcome the opportunity to connect with you as we progress through the process of filling the key role of Recycling Operations Driver. THE POSITION The City is looking to fill at least one (1) Temporary/Seasonal, Part-time (non-benefited) Recycling Operations Driver position. Duties include driving a recycling collection truck on designated curbside routes, picking up recycling materials from residential and business customers, putting materials into vehicle, and completing route as scheduled; delivering and unloading materials to designated sites; operating a variety of equipment in the collection and processing of recyclable materials; and providing information to the public on recycling program and procedures.
The work is physically demanding and is performed primarily in an outdoor driving environment. The ideal candidate is a safety-minded and dependable professional who communicates effectively, provides excellent customer service to the community, and takes pride in operating equipment and completing recycling collection activities efficiently. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity where your work directly supports the community and helps improve the quality of life in El Cerrito, this is the position for you.
This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list for both Temporary/Seasonal, Part-Time AND Full-Time opportunities, that may be used to fill future Recycling Operations Driver positions as they become available. This position is subject to D.O.T. pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing
A valid Class B California Driver's license with air brake certification is required. The hourly rate is inclusive of the 3.5% COLA that has been approved for July 2026 Tentative Interviews and practical test will be held the week of August 10th, exact date TBD ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (DUTIES) Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Drives a recycling collection truck on designated curbside routes, picking up recycling materials, putting materials into vehicle, and completing route as scheduled; delivers and unloads materials to designated sites as needed. Collects recyclables from a variety of residential and commercial locations throughout the City; operates equipment at the Recycling Center; performs daily maintenance checks on vehicles and equipment
Maintains the Recycling Center yard, including picking up loose trash, sweeping, rotating empty and full material bins, stacking the materials for distribution and performing routine building/facility maintenance tasks; maintains records relating to inspections, collection activity, material weights, and shipping activity; sorts and manages recyclables by material types, removing contaminants, and processes recyclables accordingly. Provides general customer service functions to Recycling Center patrons; directs patrons in the proper handling and recycling of all materials collected on-site, and provides resources about which items are not accepted and how they may be properly handled, recycled and/or disposed of; addresses questions and/or complaints from the public at the Recycling Center and at the curb. QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.
A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. Experience: One (1) year of responsible experience in driving/operating a commercial vehicle with a Class B License. Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid California Class B Driver's License with air brake endorsement and a satisfactory driving record, to be maintained throughout employment.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within two (2) months of employment, certification as an OSHA-approved forklift operator. Knowledge and abilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Knowledge of: Methods, processes, tools, mechanical equipment and vehicles used in the collection and processing of recyclable materials. Basic vehicle and equipment maintenance.
Safe driving practices and backing, loading, compacting, and lifting procedures. Ability to: Safely and effectively operate specialized power tools, stationary mechanical equipment, and commercial vehicles (including an 8-ton recycling truck, 5-ton dump bed truck, 1-ton utility truck, and forklift). Work independently and effectively in the absence of supervision.
Read maps, charts, route sheets and gauges related to City and County geography, street layout and location. Perform heavy physical labor. OTHER REQUIREMENTS THE COMMUNITY Located near the east shore of the San Francisco Bay, the City of El Cerrito is an ethnically diverse community offering a high quality of life within one of the nation's most sophisticated and beautiful living areas.
With a population of almost 25,000 residents, El Cerrito has the advantage of being centrally located in a major metropolitan area. El Cerrito is an established community with a strong self-identity and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its community members. THE DEPARTMENT The mission of the Public Works Department is to plan, design, construct, operate and maintain public facilities and infrastructure and programs that support the quality of life for the citizens of El Cerrito in a way that ensures an economically and environmentally sustainable future.
The Public Works Department consists of two Divisions: the Engineering Division and the Operations and Environmental Services Division (OESD). OESD operates from the Recycling + Environmental Resource Center (RERC) and the Corporation Yard, and provides services for the maintenance of public facilities, infrastructure, and landscaping; waste management; and environmental sustainability programs and compliance. For those interested in Full-Time opportunities with the City, below are some of the Employee Benefits: City Perks CalPERS Retirement: CalPERS Classic members 2.7% @ 55 and PEPRA members 2% @ 62 retirement formula integrated with Social Security
Medical Insurance: Fully paid health and dental premiums for employees and dependents (up to the Kaiser family rate); cash in lieu option available at $500 per month. Dental: The City contributes full cost of family coverage under the Delta Dental Plan. Life Insurance: The City pays for basic life insurance up to the employee's annual salary with a max of $100,000.
Short-Term/Long-Term Disability Insurance: 2/3rds of salary up to the maximum monthly. Voluntary Benefits: Supplemental life insurance, deferred compensation plans and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Holidays: 13 holidays per year, plus 3 floating holidays and 1 birthday holiday.
Vacation: Vacation ranging from 11 to 33 days per year based on years of service. Sick Leave: Accrued at 8.75 hours per month. Tuition Reimbursement: Cost reimbursement up to the maximum of $3,500/fiscal year for work related studies
Bilingual Pay: The City pays $2,600 per year to employees who are bilingual and who have passed a proficiency test provided by the City. Alternating Work Schedule: This position typically works 37.5 hours per week with every other Friday off. Wellness Program: Access to an array of wellness programs offered by the City such as massage days, fitness and meditation classes, Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
For more information, please visit the City's Human Resources page: Human Resources Salary Schedules Physical Demands