What Is a Sweeper Driver and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Sweeper drivers operate street sweeping machines to clean roadways, factories, warehouses, exteriors of buildings, and parking lots. In this role, your job duties include maneuvering the street sweeper along the sides of the road or the pathway of the grounds, using controls to operate brushes and a water sprayer, and dumping the piles of debris that are picked up by the machine. You must also be aware of people, vehicles, or other items that may be in your path and avoid collisions. Sweeper drivers commonly work in shopping centers, factories, and industrial plants, as well as with universities and government agencies.

The minimum qualifications for a sweeper driver job include a valid driver’s license and the ability to pass both a Department of Transportation physical test and a drug screening. In some cases, you need a commercial driver's license (CDL). The type of license you need depends on the kind of street sweeper you operate and the regions you clean. Some employers also require you to be at least 21 years old. Your responsibilities include working with route managers and following local, municipal, state, and federal laws regulating the operation of street sweepers. You must also be able to lift more than 25 pounds, work outdoors, and have excellent communication and time management skills.