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Waste Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Waste Treatment Operator

Fort Wayne, IN ยท On-site

$17 - $19/hr

The Waste Treatment Operator ensures that all wastewater generated by APS's plating and finishing processes is treated properly and consistently, so that the company meets all applicable federal ...

Verify chemical compatibility and reference Waste Information Profiles(WIP) or provided chemical ... hazardous waste operator * Minimum one to two years process operations experience preferred

Wastewater Operator Classification: Non-Exempt Department: Waste Water Division: Public Works Job Status: Full Time Days: Sun., Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat. General Statement of Duties Under ...

Positions in this class differ from those in the class of Waste Collector Operator I due to the fact that the equipment operated is heavier and/or more complex. Essential Functions Drives an ...

Waste Water Operator B

Sioux City, IA ยท On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

The Waste Water Operatormust know/understand piping and valves, start, stop and direct the flow of ... Operate systems manually or by remote control and operating mechanical equipment which regulates ...

Positions in this class differ from those in the class of Waste Collector Operator I due to the fact that the equipment operated is heavier and/or more complex. Essential Functions Drives an ...

Waste Water Operator B

Sioux City, IA ยท On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

The Waste Water Operator must know/understand piping and valves, start, stop and direct the flow of all the pumps in Waste Water Treatment System. Will operate three waste treatment clarifiers and ...

Waste Water Operator A

Sioux City, IA ยท On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

The Waste Water Operator must know/understand piping and valves, start, stop and direct the flow of all the pumps in Waste Water Treatment System. Will operate three waste treatment clarifiers and ...

Waste Water Operator A

Sioux City, IA ยท On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

The Waste Water Operatormust know/understand piping and valves, start, stop and direct the flow of ... Operate systems manually or by remote control and operating mechanical equipment which regulates ...

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Waste Operator information

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$10

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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 cities are hiring for Waste Operator jobs?

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What states have the most Waste Operator jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Waste Operator jobs?

For Waste Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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.

Air Pollution Control Operator I

Port Arthur, TX โ€ข On-site

Veolia Environnement SA
10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 hours ago


Job description

Company Description
Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.
Job Description
Position Purpose:
Maintain the air pollution control(APC) train in a safe and efficient manner. Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment to prevent inadequate scrubbing of acid gasses and to maintain the proper residual collections from the APC train. Manage site residual waste and assist the incinerator operator with troubleshooting and repairs. Knows how to properly line up and start centrifugal pumps and how to safely Lock out/ Tag out equipment. Inspects and troubleshoots the Ionizing Wet Scrubber, Wet Electrostatic Precipitator, Clarifiers, and Cooling towers.
Primary Duties/responsibilities:
  • Stage Roll-off boxes for residual collections, monitors collections, samples boxes, labels, tracks, closes out paperwork, and stages residual collection boxes for 3rd party pickup.
  • Perform daily ash clearing of the kiln disengaging chamber by performing Powershots
  • Maintain high level of housekeeping and ownership of the APC train
  • Report any spills or emergency situations to supervision and site Emergency Coordinators immediately and assist with remediation efforts and situational response
  • Operate a variety of rolling stock such as:
    • Forklifts, Manlifts, Scissor Lifts, Roll-Off Truck, Front-end Loader, Backhoe, 80BBL tanker, 130BBL tanker, yard Mule, and Vec-loader

Qualifications
Education / Experience / Background:
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent
  • 0-1 years experience in hazardous waste
  • No unsatisfactory work performance issues and must be qualified in current position (6) months or more
  • Currently holding or previously held a position which by definition of task and/or area required person to be trained to level of hazardous waste operator

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:
  • Must be able to pass a respirator fit test
  • Must be able to perform the job requirements and pass a verbal and/or written skill/proficiency test for the position within a reasonable orientation/training period set by Supervisor.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Good math aptitude.

Required Certification / Licenses / Training:
  • 40-Hour HAZWOPER training

Additional Information
Benefits: Veolia's comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.