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Waste Management Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gana-A'Yoo, Limited - Antarctic Program

$750 - $950/wk

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

Leidos

Waste Management Technician

Sandusky, OH · On-site

$40K - $72K/yr

The Waste Management Technician will support the Waste Management and Environmental teams and spill ... Experience operating lift equipment, such as forklifts, straight trucks with lift gates, pallet ...

Gana-A'Yoo, Limited - Antarctic Program

$750 - $950/wk

Waste Management Specialist SEASON: Winter (April - Oct) LOCATION : Palmer Station, Antarctica ... operating experience Previous management or supervisory experience EDUCATION: College degree (2 ...

Gana-A'Yoo, Limited - Antarctic Program

$700 - $950/wk

... operating experience Valid Driver's License and Passport valid for six months after contract end ... USAP Waste Management experience 1 year of Hazardous Materials shipping/characterization or ...

BWXT

Waste Management Spec Senior

Erwin, TN

$86K - $136K/yr

With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K ... Requisition Number: 55781 Waste Management Specialist Sr Position Overview: This position is ...

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Waste Management Operator information

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How much do waste management operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste management operator in the United States is $25.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Waste Management Operator, you need a solid understanding of waste handling procedures, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with heavy machinery, computerized tracking systems, and regulatory compliance software is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help operators work safely and efficiently in team settings. These skills ensure proper waste processing, compliance with environmental regulations, and the safety of both workers and the community.

What are Waste Management Operators?

Waste Management Operators are professionals responsible for the collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of waste materials. They ensure that waste is managed efficiently, safely, and in compliance with environmental regulations. Their duties may include operating specialized vehicles and equipment, segregating recyclable materials, and monitoring landfill or recycling facility operations. Waste Management Operators play a crucial role in protecting public health and the environment by minimizing pollution and promoting sustainable waste practices.

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

AspectWaste Management OperatorWaste Collection Driver
CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), safety trainingCDL, safety training
Work EnvironmentLandfills, recycling centers, waste processing facilitiesResidential, commercial waste pickup routes
Employer & IndustryWaste management companies, municipalitiesWaste collection companies, municipalities

Waste Management Operators typically work in waste processing facilities and landfills, focusing on waste sorting and disposal. Waste Collection Drivers primarily operate trucks to collect waste from residential and commercial sites. Both roles require CDL licenses and safety training, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by Waste Management Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Waste Management Operators often encounter challenges such as handling hazardous materials safely, maintaining equipment, and adhering to strict environmental regulations. To address these challenges, operators receive thorough safety training, use personal protective equipment, and follow detailed protocols for waste sorting and disposal. Regular equipment maintenance and teamwork with supervisors and environmental specialists help ensure operations run smoothly and safely. Staying updated on industry regulations and best practices is also essential for long-term success in the role.
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Waste Management Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waste Management Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 56% Full Time, 42% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,224 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Equipment Operator III (Waste Management)

York County, VA

Yorktown, VA • On-site

$44K - $51K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Salary : $44,030.00 - $51,388.00 Annually
Location : Yorktown, VA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 17EOIII(WM)-1958
Department: Public Works - Administration
Division: PW-WASTE MANAGEMENT
Opening Date: 03/07/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Performs specialized skilled work in the operation of one or more types of motorized heavy equipment used in facility-site maintenance operations for the Division of Waste Management. Operates heavy equipment such as loaders, excavators and/or motor grader maintain gravel roads; farm tractors and backhoes to dig trenches, spread dirt and gravel, haul dirt and debris, and cut grass and weeds. Serves as Solid Waste Programs Assistant, providing courtesy collection pickups and deliveries of trash toters and recycling carts; maintains in-house inventory of carts and toters. Performs minor preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school, and 2 to 3 years of experience in the operation of heavy motorized equipment.
Supplemental Information
Possession of a Class A Commercial driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Must obtain Forklift certification within 6 months of hire.
Physical Demands
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including tractors, front end loaders, excavators, compactors, bulldozers, etc., and hand tools including shovels, wrenches, carpentry tools, laser and grades rods, torches, etc. Must be able to lift between 50 and 75 pounds, and be able to stand, bend, and stoop for a portion of the day when doing construction or maintenance work.
For a more detailed description:
The County of York offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees to include medical, dental, and vision insurance, health savings accounts, VRS retirement, group life insurance, deferred compensation, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, paid holidays and paid leave.
01
Which best describes your level of education?
  • No Diploma/GED
  • High School/GED
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher

02
How many years of experience do you have experience operating heavy equipment?
  • None
  • Less than 2 years
  • 2 to 4 years
  • 5 years or more

03
Do you have any experience in the operation of backhoes, dump trucks, excavators, or other excavation equipment?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have a current forklift operator license?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have a valid Commercial Driver's License?
  • No
  • Yes, Class A
  • Yes, Class B

06
If you have a valid commercial driver's license, please list the State that issued the license and any endorsements or restrictions attached to the license. If you do not have this type of license, type "N/A".
07
Were you encouraged to apply for this particular position by a current York County government employee? If so, please write their full name and the department or division they work in below. Otherwise, write N/A.
08
Are you a current York County government employee? (This does not include the employment with the Offices of General District Court, York-Poquoson Social Services, Colonial Behavioral Health, or York County Schools)
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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