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Waste Management Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Waste Management Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Active DOE Q Clearance Required About the Opportunity We are seeking a Waste Management Engineer to ... Valid REAL ID-compliant driver's license or U.S. passport * Ability to meet all site access ...

New

$750 - $950/wk

Waste Management Specialist SEASON: Winter (February-November) LOCATION : South Pole Station ... Valid Driver's License and passport valid for six months after end of contract. OTHER : US ...

Valid state-issued driver's license * Ability to work independently while maintaining strong ... waste and environmental operations management or a related field. Employment Type: FULL_TIME

$750 - $950/wk

Waste Management Specialist SEASON: Winter (April - Oct) LOCATION : Palmer Station, Antarctica ... Valid Driver's License and passport valid for six months after end of contract. OTHER : US ...

$700 - $950/wk

POSITION: Waste Management Specialist SEASON: Austral Summer (Oct - Feb) LOCATION : South Pole ... Valid Driver's License and passport valid for six months after end of contract. OTHER : US ...

Waste Management CDL driver is responsible for the safe and efficient collection and transport of waste, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and providing excellent customer service. Home ...

$500 - $950/wk

Waste Management Specialist SEASON: Austral Summer (October - April) LOCATION : Palmer Station ... Valid Driver's License and passport valid for six months after end of contract. OTHER : US ...

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Waste Management Driver information

See salary details

$28.5K

$55.6K

$75K

How much do waste management driver jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for waste management driver in the United States is $55,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Waste Management Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), a good driving record, and knowledge of safety regulations and local routes. Familiarity with waste collection vehicles, hydraulic lift systems, and route management software is also essential. Reliability, attention to detail, and strong customer service skills help drivers interact positively with the public and ensure timely service. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in daily waste collection operations.

What does a Waste Management Driver do?

A Waste Management Driver is responsible for operating garbage trucks and other vehicles to collect, transport, and dispose of waste and recyclables from homes, businesses, and other locations. They follow designated routes, ensure safe handling of waste materials, and comply with local regulations. In addition to driving, they may also inspect vehicles, maintain records, and provide customer service during pickups.

Is there a demand for garbage truck drivers?

Waste management driver positions are in steady demand due to ongoing need for waste collection services. The job typically requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) and involves operating large trucks in urban and suburban environments, with employment opportunities often increasing as waste disposal needs grow.

What are some common challenges Waste Management Drivers face on their routes, and how can they effectively manage them?

Waste Management Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating tight residential streets, unpredictable traffic, and varying weather conditions. Additionally, handling large or improperly disposed waste can pose safety risks. To manage these challenges, drivers rely on thorough route planning, regular safety training, and clear communication with dispatchers and team members. Adaptability and attention to safety protocols are essential for ensuring both personal safety and efficient service.

What is the difference between Waste Management Driver vs Recycling Truck Driver?

AspectWaste Management DriverRecycling Truck Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL)Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
Work EnvironmentResidential, commercial waste collectionRecycling collection, often same routes as waste drivers
Employer & IndustryWaste management companies, municipalitiesRecycling facilities, waste management companies

Both Waste Management Drivers and Recycling Truck Drivers require a CDL and operate in waste collection environments. The main difference lies in the type of materials collected: waste drivers handle general waste, while recycling drivers focus on recyclable materials. Their roles often overlap, but their specific routes and materials differ, making each position specialized within the waste management industry.

More about Waste Management Driver jobs
What cities are hiring for Waste Management Driver jobs? Cities with the most Waste Management Driver job openings:
What states have the most Waste Management Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Waste Management Driver jobs include:
Infographic showing various Waste Management Driver job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,621 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Waste Management Engineer

ZARRELLCO

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Apply today or send resume to rob@zarrellco.comWaste Management Engineer

Location: Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Compensation: $110,000 - $120,000 Base Salary + Comprehensive Benefits

Security Clearance: Active DOE Q Clearance Required

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a Waste Management Engineer to support environmental cleanup and waste management operations for critical Department of Energy programs in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

This position plays a key role in ensuring waste materials are properly characterized, documented, tracked, and managed in accordance with federal regulations, DOE requirements, and facility-specific waste acceptance criteria. The successful candidate will work closely with technical teams, waste generators, laboratory personnel, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders to support safe, compliant, and efficient waste disposition activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for an environmental or engineering professional who enjoys solving technical challenges, navigating complex regulatory requirements, and contributing to large-scale environmental cleanup initiatives.

Key Responsibilities
  • Review waste characterization packages, profiles, and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and facility requirements

  • Support waste processing activities by evaluating chemical, physical, and radiological waste information

  • Prepare, review, and approve waste management calculations and technical documentation

  • Maintain waste tracking databases and support data management activities

  • Generate operational, regulatory, and management reports to support project execution and compliance requirements

  • Coordinate waste shipment schedules and support waste disposition activities

  • Monitor waste inventory and lifecycle records to ensure accurate tracking and regulatory compliance

  • Review waste characterization data prior to shipment to verify compliance with applicable Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC)

  • Support waste determinations and ensure waste streams are properly characterized and documented

  • Monitor compliance with DOE Orders, RCRA, TSCA, and other applicable environmental regulations

  • Conduct compliance inspections, surveillance activities, management assessments, and audits as assigned

  • Support interactions with DOE personnel, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders during inspections, technical reviews, and compliance activities

  • Assist with enhancements and modifications to waste tracking systems and databases in accordance with software quality assurance requirements

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, or a related technical discipline

  • Minimum of 4 years of experience in waste management, environmental compliance, remediation, environmental operations, or related technical programs

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

  • Experience reviewing technical data and regulatory documentation

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced technical environment

  • Active DOE Q Clearance Required

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting Department of Energy (DOE) environmental cleanup or nuclear operations programs

  • Knowledge of RCRA, TSCA, CERCLA, and DOE Orders

  • Familiarity with radioactive, mixed, hazardous, and industrial waste management practices

  • Experience with waste characterization and Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) programs

  • Knowledge of radiological and chemical characterization methodologies

  • Experience reviewing laboratory analytical data and technical reports

  • Familiarity with environmental databases and waste tracking systems

  • Strong understanding of environmental compliance requirements and regulatory reporting

Why Join Us?
  • Competitive compensation: $110,000 - $120,000

  • Opportunity to support nationally significant environmental cleanup efforts

  • Exposure to complex waste management, environmental restoration, and compliance programs

  • Collaborative team environment with experienced technical professionals

  • Comprehensive benefits package

  • Long-term career growth opportunities supporting Department of Energy missions

Additional Requirements
  • Active DOE Q Clearance required

  • Valid REAL ID-compliant driver's license or U.S. passport

  • Ability to meet all site access requirements

  • Background check and drug screening