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Waste Management Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$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 ...

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Valid Driver's License Preferred Qualifications * Entry-level experience in waste management * Effective time management skills * Strong communication abilities * Customer service experience

$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 ...

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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 Aug 18, 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 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.

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 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.

How much does a waste management driver make?

The average waste management driver salary in the United States is around $40,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and company. In Florida, salaries typically range from $35,000 to $45,000 annually, with some positions offering additional benefits such as overtime pay and health insurance.

Is driving for waste management worth it?

Driving for waste management involves operating large trucks, often requiring a commercial driver's license (CDL), and working in outdoor environments with physical demands. The job offers steady employment, benefits, and the opportunity to work in a vital industry, but it also includes long hours and safety risks associated with heavy vehicle operation.
More about Waste Management Driver jobs

What cities are hiring for Waste Management Driver jobs?

Cities with the most Waste Management Driver job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Waste Management Driver jobs?

The top employers for Waste Management Driver jobs are:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,621 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Waste Management Operator I/II

City of Virginia Beach

Plentywood, MT • On-site

$42K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


City Of Virginia Beach rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

484th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Department:

PUBLIC WORKS

Compensation Grade:

G17

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

Waste Management Operator I G17
Pay Range: $38,792.00 - $60,465.60
Waste Management Operator II G19
Pay Range: $42,764.80 - $66,643.20
Starting Salary - Minimum of the Pay Range.

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

No

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

About Us:

Recognized as one of America's Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

Duties:

The City of Virginia Beach Public Works-Waste Management Division is currently hiring for aWaste Management Operators.

Come join our team if you are interested in a challenging career working with a dedicated team of professionals serving our beautiful city of Virginia Beach! This position will be filled as a Waste Management Operator I(G.17- $38,792.00 - $60,465.60)or Waste Management Operator II(G.19, $42,764.80 - $66,643.20) depending on qualifications.

As aWaste Management Operator I,you will:

  • Work as a ground person on a two or three person crew operating rear loader waste collection vehicle collecting refuse.
  • Ride standing on tailgate or rear loader collection vehicle, climbing off and on and/or climbing in and out repetitively during work shift.
  • Perform daily inspection of equipment to detect present or potential maintenance problems.
  • Perform preventative maintenance as per manufacturer's operations manual and Automotive Services policies.
  • Must be able to perform heavy manual labor at a rapid pace.
  • Lift heavy objects in excess of 50 pounds on a repetitive basis during work shift.
  • Must be knowledgeable of safety precautions for waste management activities, including procedures for lifting heavy objects and guidelines when working around heavy equipment and in traffic.
  • Must be able to follow directions.

All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel-toed shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, or other safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk.

Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee's supervisor based on position assigned

Successful completion of a pre-employment physical.

This position is physically demanding and involves manual loading material into the truck, as well as repetitively getting in and out the truck.

Preferences:

Prefer applicant posses a valid Virginia Drivers License or CDL Permit

Waste Collection Experience

Manual labor experience

Ability to work in a team environment

As aWaste Management Operator II,you will:

This position requiresa valid Commercial Drivers License to operate rear loader vehicles as a driver/ground person.Clickto watch a 60-Second 'Day in the life of a Waste Management Operator'.

  • Work primarily as the driver/operator on a two or three-person crew, operating the rear loader waste collection vehicle, and may also undertake other duties as assigned.
  • Ride standing on tailgate or rear loader collection vehicle, climbing off and on and/or climbing in and out repetitively during work shift.
  • Perform daily inspection of equipment to detect present or potential maintenance problems.
  • Perform preventative maintenance as per manufacturer's operations manual and Automotive Services policies.
  • Must be able to perform heavy manual labor at a rapid pace.
  • Lift heavy objects in excess of 50 pounds on a repetitive basis during work shift.
  • Must be knowledgeable of safety precautions for waste management activities, including procedures for lifting heavy objects and guidelines when working around heavy equipment and in traffic.
  • Must be able to follow directions.
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment physical.
  • Perform other job duties requiring skills, knowledge and physical requirements as demanded by those duties described or less. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on then current workloads and department needs.

All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel-toed shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, or other safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk.

Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee's supervisor based on position assigned

Successful completion of a pre-employment physical.

This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to mandatory drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination.

This position is physically demanding and involves manual loading material into the truck, as well as repetitively getting in and out the truck.

CDL Hiring Bonus:

Newly hired employees with a valid Class A or B CDL will be eligible for a $4,000 hiring bonus paid in three increments during the first year of employment:

  • $1,000 with first paycheck
  • $1,000 first pay period following six-month interim evaluation (with "meets expectation" performance rating)
  • $2,000 at conclusion of probationary period (with "meets expectation performance rating)

Non probationary employees with a Class A or Class B commercial driver's license will be eligible for a $4,000 stipend (paid over 26 pay periods).

Applicants hired as a Waste Management Operator II in Public Works will be required to sign a repayment contract. This hiring bonus agreement requires a minimum of one (1) year of service with the City of Virginia Beach starting from the date of hire.

The City of Virginia Beach complies with all federal mandates related to positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The City will verify that all employees and prospective employees are registered in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. For more information on this program and how to register as a CDL driver, please use this link: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/

This posting will be open on an ongoing basis and review of candidates will be done on a bi-monthly basis.

In addition to the minimum requirements, the ideal candidate for these positions will have experience listed in the preferences below. Candidates with the preferred experience should ensure the information is provided in the application.

Preferences:

Waste Collection Experience

6 months or more of CDL driving experience

Experience operating a rear loader as a driver

Manual labor experience

Ability to work in a team environment

Minimum Requirements:

Waste Management Operator I Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED and one (1) year of experience in heavy manual labor; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.


Waste Management Operator II Minimum Qualifications: High school or GED or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must have a current and valid Commercial Driver's License.
Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, or other safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee's supervisor based on position assigned. This position may be designated as a safety sensitive position and be subject to mandatory drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination.

Skills:

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City's business.
The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.
https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/P3489.pdf
https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/P3505.pdf

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.


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