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Waste Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Muskogee

Solid Waste Operator

Muskogee, OK · On-site

$15.06/hr

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 ...

CookUnity

Zero Waste Operator

Los Angeles, CA

... waste audits, and donation processes, helping maintain clean, compliant, and efficient wastediversion systems. The Sustainability Operator is responsible for carrying out daily walkthroughs ...

CookUnity

Zero Waste Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

About the Role The Sustainability Operator plays a key role in ensuring that daily waste-management procedures are executed correctly across the LA facility. This role supports the operational ...

City of Muskogee

Solid Waste Operator

Muskogee, OK · On-site

$15.06/hr

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 ...

CookUnity

Zero Waste Operator

Los Angeles, CA

$18 - $19/hr

... waste audits, and donation processes, helping maintain clean, compliant, and efficient waste‑diversion systems. The Sustainability Operator is responsible for carrying out daily walkthroughs ...

Purple

Waste Operator II

Mcdonough, GA · On-site

$21.75/hr

The Waste Operator II will also help load waste and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and safety procedures. Waste Operators will also help fill empty propane tanks. Essential Duties ...

City of Atlanta

Solid Waste Operator II

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$42K - $53K/yr

Retrieves scale reports from landfill operators to record and maintain daily records identifying the amount of waste that was transported and dumped. * Tests new equipment as requested. * Reviews and ...

Alachua County

Solid Waste Operator

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$41K/yr

Minimum Qualifications Completion of the eighth grade and two years experience operating heavy and ... Satisfactory completion of a course in hazardous waste identification is required within the first ...

Reworld

Ash & Liquid Waste Operator

Niagara Falls, NY · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

About the role The Ash & Liquid Operator is responsible for operating, inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining ash handling and liquid waste systems to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient facility ...

Hubbard County

Solid Waste Operator I

Park Rapids, MN · On-site

Department Solid Waste Classification Grade 8 Reports to Solid Waste Supervisor Solid Waste Administrator Solid Waste Operator-Lead Unit IUOE Local No. 49-Solid Waste Supervises N/A FLSA Status Non ...

Hubbard County

Solid Waste Operator I

Park Rapids, MN · On-site

Department Solid Waste Classification Grade 8 Reports to Solid Waste Supervisor Solid Waste Administrator Solid Waste Operator-Lead Unit IUOE Local No. 49-Solid Waste Supervises N/A FLSA Status Non ...

Reworld

Ash & Liquid Waste Operator

Niagara Falls, NY

$16.75 - $22/hr

About the role The Ash & Liquid Operator is responsible for operating, inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining ash handling and liquid waste systems to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient facility ...

City of Atlanta

Solid Waste Operator III

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

Retrieves scale reports from landfill operators to record and maintain daily records identifying the amount of waste that was transported and dumped. * Reviews and signs documents such as, work ...

City of Atlanta

Solid Waste Operator I

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$40K - $51K/yr

Retrieves scale reports from landfill/transfer station operators to record and maintain daily records identifying the amount of waste that was transported and dumped. * Reviews and signs documents ...

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Waste Operator information

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How much do waste operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste operator in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a waste operator?

Waste Operators are professionals responsible for managing, processing, and disposing of waste materials in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. Their duties typically include operating machinery at waste treatment facilities, sorting recyclable materials, and ensuring that hazardous waste is handled according to regulations. Waste Operators also monitor equipment, maintain records, and sometimes assist with environmental compliance. This role is essential in reducing environmental impact and supporting public health and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a waste operator?

To thrive as a Waste Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, knowledge of safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with waste management equipment, forklift operation, and sometimes certifications like OSHA safety training are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and good communication skills help Waste Operators work efficiently and safely with team members. These competencies ensure proper handling, processing, and disposal of waste materials while maintaining safety and environmental standards.

What are some common challenges waste operators face in their daily work, and how can they prepare for them?

Waste Operators often encounter challenges such as managing hazardous materials safely, operating heavy machinery efficiently, and maintaining compliance with strict environmental regulations. Staying up-to-date with safety training and proper personal protective equipment is essential. Additionally, Waste Operators frequently work as part of a team, so strong communication and attention to detail are valuable for ensuring safe and efficient operations. Adapting to changing waste disposal technologies and reporting requirements can also be part of the role.

What is the difference between Waste Operator vs Recycling Technician?

AspectWaste OperatorRecycling Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentLandfills, waste collection sitesRecycling plants, sorting facilities
Industry UsageWaste management companies, municipalitiesRecycling centers, environmental services
Job FocusCollecting, transporting, and disposing wasteSorting, processing recyclable materials

Waste Operators and Recycling Technicians often share similar credentials and work environments, but their roles differ in focus. Waste Operators handle waste collection and disposal, while Recycling Technicians focus on sorting and processing recyclable materials. Both roles are essential in waste management and environmental sustainability.

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What states have the most Waste Operator jobs?

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Waste Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waste Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,738 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Solid Waste Operator

Muskogee, OK • On-site

City of Muskogee
Police Protection • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about City of Muskogeeexternal

$15.06/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION:   

Operates a variety of light and medium equipment trucks and specialized equipment in the hauling of residential and commercial refuse.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

  • Operates a residential and/or commercial truck to collect and transport solid waste to the appropriate location.
  • Washes and maintains sanitation vehicles; performs preventative maintenance on refuse vehicles including daily checks of fluid and adding fluid as required, drains air tanks on trucks; checks and replaces light bulbs as needed.  Reports any deficiencies as found and sees that repairs are scheduled.  
  • Collects and completes daily route schedules; reports all daily work to appropriate division staff member.
  • Assembles, issues, pulls and maintains City garbage carts as assigned.
  • Reports damaged containers; performs preventative repairs and maintenance to trash carts. 
  • Maintains work area in a clean and orderly fashion.
  • Communicates with customers on routes.
  • Performs other work as necessary and or as assigned.
  • Must report to work on a regular and timely basis.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

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 Experience:  High School Diploma or equivalent preferred but not required, with two years of experience as a refuse collector or driver of a heavy commercial vehicle desired. 

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:  Knowledge of geography and street locations within the city of Muskogee desired.  Must be able to maintain cooperative working relationships with the general public including consumers and fellow employees.  Ability to work long and sometimes irregular hours including infrequent evenings and weekends under difficult outdoor conditions also required.  Must be able to follow oral and written instructions and maintain route records.  Must have knowledge of traffic ordinances.

Physical Requirements:  The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.  On a case-by-case basis, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Physical requirements include constant walking and standing; frequent lifting and carrying up to eighty (80) pounds; occasional lifting and carrying more than sixty (60) pounds; frequent reaching, handling and twisting; occasional balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling and climbing; vision, speech and hearing sufficient to perform essential tasks.  Punctuality and reasonable attendance is essential.     Must submit to drug screening and fitness to work physical exam.

Licenses and Certificates:  Possession of a valid Oklahoma CDL Class B. 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:  Work in this classification is primarily outdoors.  Will travel within city.  Exposure to wet, hot, cold and/or humid conditions.

Notice:  This classification is a "safety sensitive" position as defined by the United States Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations, the Oklahoma Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Act and/or the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana laws.  As a "safety sensitive" classification, you will be subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing.  Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening.  Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse you from the testing process, or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana.