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Waste Truck Driver Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Saia

Truck Driver

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$92K/yr

... line trucks and training. WHAT YOU'LL DO * As a best-in-class driver, safely and efficiently ... Identify and eliminate waste in all areas of the position ROLE SPECIFICS * Regular physical ...

Augment

Driver Helper

Algodones, NM

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Opportunities for Growth in Waste & Recycling Services What You'll Be Doing: As a Driver Helper, you'll work alongside a professional truck driver on residential or commercial waste and recycling ...

Augment

Driver Helper

Albuquerque, NM

$16/hr

Opportunities for Growth in Waste & Recycling Services What You'll Be Doing: As a Driver Helper, you'll work alongside a professional truck driver on residential or commercial waste and recycling ...

Waste Management

CDL Driver Residential

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

Click Apply to join the WM (formerly Waste Management) team today. I. Job Summary Drivers operate heavy-duty trucks with front, side, or rear-end load lift attachments dependent on the line of ...

Waste Management

CDL Driver Residential

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

Click Apply to join the WM (formerly Waste Management) team today. I. Job Summary Drivers operate heavy-duty trucks with front, side, or rear-end load lift attachments dependent on the line of ...

Veolia

CDL B Driver

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$20.25 - $25.75/hr

The Environmental Driver Specialist CDLB will travel to customer locations on an assigned route and ... Load and secure materials and waste or unload truck at various customer sites or Clean Earth ...

Enviri Corporation

CDL B Driver

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$20.25 - $25.75/hr

The Environmental Driver Specialist CDLB will travel to customer locations on an assigned route and ... Load and secure materials and waste or unload truck at various customer sites or Clean Earth ...

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All JobsWaste Truck Driver JobsWaste Truck Driver Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Waste Truck Driver information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do waste truck driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for waste truck driver in Rio Rancho, NM is $24.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a waste truck driver?

Waste truck drivers are professionals responsible for operating trucks that collect, transport, and dispose of waste materials from residential, commercial, or industrial sites. Their main duties include driving specialized vehicles, safely loading waste, and ensuring proper disposal at designated facilities. They must follow strict safety and environmental regulations, as well as maintain their vehicles and complete necessary paperwork. Waste truck drivers play a critical role in keeping communities clean and supporting public health.

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

To thrive as a Waste Truck Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a good driving record, and knowledge of safe waste handling procedures. Familiarity with hydraulic lift systems, GPS routing devices, and vehicle inspection protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and strong customer service skills help drivers efficiently complete routes and interact professionally with clients. These competencies ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable waste collection services in diverse environments.

What are some common challenges waste truck drivers face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Waste truck drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating tight residential areas, handling heavy traffic, and adhering to strict collection schedules. Weather conditions and unexpected obstructions can also add complexity to daily routes. To manage these challenges, drivers rely on careful route planning, strong communication with dispatch teams, and adherence to safety protocols. Many employers provide regular training and support to help drivers stay efficient and safe on the road.

What is the difference between Waste Truck Driver vs Waste Collection Supervisor?

AspectWaste Truck DriverWaste Collection Supervisor
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL)CDL and supervisory training
Work EnvironmentDriving and operating waste trucksOverseeing collection routes and staff
Industry UsageHands-on waste collectionManagement of collection operations

The Waste Truck Driver primarily operates waste collection trucks, focusing on driving and collecting waste. In contrast, the Waste Collection Supervisor manages and coordinates collection teams and routes. While both roles require a CDL, the supervisor's role involves leadership and planning, whereas the driver role is more hands-on and operational.

Is it hard to be a waste truck driver?

Waste truck driving is physically demanding and requires operating large vehicles, often in varying weather conditions. It involves tasks like loading, unloading, and adhering to safety regulations, which can be challenging but are manageable with proper training and experience.

What are popular job titles related to Waste Truck Driver jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Waste Truck Driver jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Waste Truck Driver jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Waste Truck Driver jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Waste Truck Driver jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Waste Truck Driver job openings:

Waste Truck Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waste Truck Driver job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,820 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Trash Truck Driver (Front or Side Load)

Universal Waste Systems

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$22 - $23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description                                                                                                                                                                                             

 

The primary role of the Driver is to provide timely, efficient, safe and courteous hauling service to customers along an assigned route.

 Essential Responsibilities 
  1. Perform daily pre and post trip inspection of vehicle.
  2. Learn geography of assigned route and surrounding areas.
  3. Service trash, recycling, compost and/or mixed waste bins using various types of collections vehicles.
  4. Clean up spills and overflows and return bins to their proper area.
  5. Operate vehicles with public safety as your primary responsibility.
  6. Utilize in-cab electronic computer systems to follow route and service requirements.
  7. Use radio to effectively communicate with dispatch and route supervisors.
  8. Observe and comply with hazardous waste and material handling and disposal procedures and regulations as set forth by local, state and federal environmental and health agencies.
  9. Report all accidents, injuries or maintenance issues in a timely manner.
  10. Observe and comply with all applicable safety regulations, rules, policies and procedures.
  11. Maintain collaborative working relationship with coworkers and customers.
  12. Participate in external, Department and Company-wide trainings to increase skill sets and improve service.
 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

 

Knowledge of:

  • Principles of waste and recycling collection.
  • Basic truck mechanics and parts.
  • Federal, state and local job site health and safety rules, regulations and best practices.

Ability to:

  • Maintain a positive attitude with coworkers and customers.
  • Proactively establish trust and credibility with coworkers by maintaining accountability.
  • Contribute to the team dynamic by promoting inclusion, support and collaboration amongst coworkers.
  • Take initiative, self-manage time and productivity through multitasking.
  • Effectively and concisely communicate both orally and in writing.
  • Think independently and creatively to problem solve.
  • Read and utilize on-board electronic routing system.
 Education, Training & Experience 

 

  1. Current and valid commercial driver’s license and DOT medical card.
  2. One year of refuse truck driving experience required.
  3. Training available for those with current and clean CDL.
  4. Experience in the resource recovery industry preferred.
  5. High school diploma or GED preferred.
 Supplemental Information 

 

Universal Waste Systems, Inc. celebrates diversity and is 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, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.

This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job.

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