Crew Lead - Solid Waste Management

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

1d • $30 - $46 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) is seeking experienced and dependable Crew Leads to join its Solid Waste Management team. This role provides day-to-day field leadership to Waste Service Operators responsible for delivering essential trash collection, recycling, composting, and other waste services to the Denver community. Crew Leads will coordinate daily collection activities, promote safe and efficient operations, provide guidance and support to team members, and help ensure routes and services are completed accurately, safely, and on schedule. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who takes pride in public service, works well in a team environment, and can lead by example while working in the field.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or the possession of a GED, HiSET or TASC Certificate.
• Three (3) years of experience as a member of a crew performing a wide variety of construction, maintenance, waste services, and/or repair work.
• A combination of appropriate education and experience may be substituted for the minimum education and experience requirements.
• Requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application.
• Requires a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL "B") with appropriate endorsements at the time of application.
• Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Strong knowledge of solid waste operations, route management, workforce deployment, and service delivery best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to navigate difficult conversations, resolve conflict, and build collaborative relationships with employees, leadership, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of City, departmental, and operational policies and procedures, with the ability to apply them consistently and effectively.
• Proficiency with technology, operational reporting systems, and emerging tools that support data-driven decision-making and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Provides day-to-day field leadership and direction to Waste Service Operators to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable collection operations.
• Coordinates daily crew activities and helps ensure assigned routes are completed accurately, safely, and within established service expectations.
• Leads by example by following all safety policies, procedures, and operational standards and promoting a strong culture of safety and incident prevention.
• Provides guidance, coaching, and informal training to less experienced Waste Service Operators on equipment operation, collection procedures, safety practices, customer service, and departmental policies.
• Communicates daily assignments, operational expectations, route information, and changes to crew members and provides updates to appropriate leadership as needed.
• Monitors route progress and service delivery and assists with identifying and resolving operational issues, including missed collections, difficult access conditions, equipment concerns, and other service interruptions.
• Ensures crew members properly complete required vehicle inspections, operating reports, route documentation, and other required records.
• Supports the proper use of route management technology, tablets, communication systems, and other technology used to document service and operational activities.
• Assists with addressing customer service issues and escalates complex or sensitive concerns to appropriate leadership.
• Reinforces departmental policies and procedures related to waste, recycling, compost, container suitability, collection practices, and service requirements.
• Observes work practices and provides feedback to crew members to promote consistent application of safety and operational procedures.
• Assists leadership with identifying equipment, vehicle, route, staffing, and other operational needs or concerns.
• Maintains effective communication with other crews, supervisors, and Solid Waste staff to support overall service delivery and operational needs.
• Performs collection and equipment operation duties as needed to support the crew and maintain service delivery.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive pay commensurate with education and experience.
• New hires are typically brought into the organization between $34.00 - $37.00/hour, based experience and education.
• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
• 457B Retirement Plan
• 140 hours of PTO earned within first year
• 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 Wellness Day and 1 volunteer day per year
• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED