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Waste Operative Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

SOLID WASTE OPERATOR

Visalia, CA · On-site

$57K - $71K/yr

Description The City of Visalia Public Works Department is recruiting for Solid Waste Operator. This position operates a refuse truck and collects solid waste on an assigned residential or commercial ...

SOLID WASTE OPERATOR

Lawrence, KS

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

The key duties for the Solid Waste Operator position include operating rear load, automated side load, front load, roll-off, hook-lift, and bulk trucks, as well as any other powered equipment used in ...

SOLID WASTE OPERATOR

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$22.26 - $24.54/hr

The key duties for the Solid Waste Operator position include operating rear load, automated side load, front load, roll-off, hook-lift, and bulk trucks, as well as any other powered equipment used in ...

SOLID WASTE OPERATOR

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

The key duties for the Solid Waste Operator position include operating rear load, automated side load, front load, roll-off, hook-lift, and bulk trucks, as well as any other powered equipment used in ...

Job Advertisement The Public Service Department is seeking a Solid Waste Operator 500 to assist with the daily operations within the Public Service Department. This is a wonderful opportunity for ...

Solid Waste Operator I

Leesburg, FL · On-site

$19.55 - $28.62/hr

Nature of Work This is the entry-level class in the Solid Waste Equipment Operator classifications. This class works under general supervision, performs routine tasks, semi-skilled and/or skilled ...

Solid Waste Equipment Operator This is the entry-level class in the Solid Waste Equipment Operator classifications. This class works under general supervision, performs routine tasks, semi-skilled ...

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Solid Waste Operator I

Leesburg, FL · On-site

$19.55 - $28.62/hr

Solid Waste Opening Date: 05/12/2026 FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: N/A Nature of Work This is the entry-level class in the Solid Waste Equipment Operator classifications. This class works under ...

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Waste Operative information

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How much do waste operative jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste operative 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 is the difference between Waste Operative vs Recycling Operative?

AspectWaste OperativeRecycling Operative
CredentialsBasic health & safety training, PPEBasic health & safety training, PPE
Work EnvironmentWaste collection sites, landfillsRecycling centers, sorting facilities
Industry UsageWaste management, disposalRecycling, materials recovery
Job TasksCollecting, loading wasteSorting, processing recyclables

Waste Operatives focus on waste collection and disposal, often working at landfills or collection points. Recycling Operatives specialize in sorting and processing recyclable materials at recycling centers. Both roles require similar safety training but differ mainly in their work environment and specific tasks.

What cities are hiring for Waste Operative jobs? Cities with the most Waste Operative job openings:
What states have the most Waste Operative jobs? States with the most job openings for Waste Operative jobs include:
Infographic showing various Waste Operative job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 75% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,224 per year, or $25.6 per hour.
Solid Waste Operator (Residential)

Solid Waste Operator (Residential)

City of Greensboro

Greensboro, NC • On-site

$43K - $46K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


City Of Greensboro (North Carolina) rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 642 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Solid Waste Operator

Start your career keeping Greensboro clean join our team as a Solid Waste Operator *** Extended Recruitment ***

If you have applied previously for this recruitment, you need "NOT" apply again. All applications are still under consideration.

If you enjoy hands-on work, being outdoors, and making a visible difference in your community, the City of Greensboro invites you to explore a career as a Solid Waste Operator. This entry-level role plays an essential part in keeping our neighborhoods clean, safe, and welcoming. Every day, our Solid Waste team helps maintain the quality of life residents expect while building valuable skills that support long-term career growth in public service.

Compensation and Benefits:

Estimated Hiring Salary Range: $43,452.00 - $46,998.00 Full Salary Range: $43,452.00 - $63,917.00. Annually

Benefits: The City of Greensboro offers an outstanding benefits package that supports your well-being.

Learn more here

Work Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7:00am-5:00pm

About the Department: The Solid Waste Division provides essential collection services that help keep Greensboro running smoothly. From residential waste and recycling to yard debris and bulk item collection, our team works together to protect the environment and serve the community with professionalism, efficiency, and pride.

Why You'll Love Working With Us:

  • Be part of a team that directly supports the health and cleanliness of the community
  • Work outdoors and stay active throughout the day
  • Receive stable employment with consistent bi-weekly pay
  • Gain valuable commercial driving experience and training opportunities
  • Cross-train in multiple areas of Solid Waste operations
  • Build a career in public service with opportunities to grow

About the Role: The Solid Waste Operator performs heavy manual collection of yard waste, bulk items, and other materials while assisting with the safe and efficient operation of a rear-loading solid waste collection truck. This position requires frequent walking, lifting, bending, and working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Collecting refuse, recycling, yard waste, and bulk materials safely and efficiently
  • Operating and driving a rear-loading collection vehicle once licensed
  • Following established collection routes and service schedules
  • Communicating effectively using two-way radios and written documentation
  • Completing daily survey sheets and vehicle inspection forms
  • Providing courteous customer service to residents
  • Assisting teammates and cross-training in other Special Services operations as needed
  • If you take pride in hard work, teamwork, and serving your community, we encourage you to apply and become part of the team that helps keep Greensboro clean and running strong. The City of Greensboro values a diverse workforce and encourages women and minorities to apply . Join us and build a career that makes a difference every day.

This position works a 40-hour schedule, though schedules may adjust during holidays, emergency response, or operational needs and may include early mornings, weekends, or holidays.

The work requires standing, walking on uneven surfaces, bending, kneeling, climbing, shoveling, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Employees work outdoors in all weather conditions and must maintain good attendance and a positive, team-oriented attitude.

Potential Career Path: The Solid Waste Operator role offers an excellent starting point for a long-term career in municipal operations. With experience and training, employees may advance to positions such as:

  • Senior Solid Waste Operator
  • Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Crew Leader
  • Route Supervisor
  • Operations Supervisor

If you take pride in hard work, teamwork, and serving your community, we encourage you to apply and become part of the team that helps keep Greensboro clean and running strong. The City of Greensboro values a diverse workforce and encourages women and minorities to apply . Join us and build a career that makes a difference every day.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School diploma/GED with 1+ years experience operating vehicles that require a commercial driver's license. Or No High School diploma/GED with 5-7 years of experience operating vehicles that require a commercial driver's license
  • Valid Class A or B CDL

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Solid waste collection experience (i.e., refuse, recycling, etc.)

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