Solid Waste Worker I

City of Canyon TX • Canyon, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Solid Waste Worker performs manual labor and operates collection equipment in support of residential, commercial, and municipal solid waste collection services. The position collects, loads, transports, and disposes of refuse, recyclable materials, yard waste, and other approved materials while supporting safe, clean, and efficient operations. The work involves extensive physical activity, compliance with safety standards, and interaction with the public.

Work is performed primarily outdoors, with exposure to varying weather, dust, odors, noise, traffic, potentially hazardous materials, biological waste, moving vehicles, equipment, and machinery. The employee may work independently or as part of a crew. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, with shifts generally starting between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and lasting 8 to 10 hours, depending on route assignments and operational needs. Hours may vary, and overtime, weekends, holidays, extended shifts, and emergency response work may be required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Knowledge of waste collection, recycling, and solid waste procedures.
• Knowledge of occupational safety practices and proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate professionally with coworkers and the public.
• Ability to recognize unsafe conditions and report hazards.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain consistent, reliable attendance.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor throughout the workday.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 75 pounds without assistance; heavier items may require team lifting.
• Ability to walk long distances and repeatedly enter and exit collection vehicles during assigned routes.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, and climb for extended periods.
• Ability to grasp, hold, and manipulate tools, equipment, containers, and waste materials.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, and humidity.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to dust, dirt, odors, noise, insects, and other environmental conditions associated with solid waste collection.
• Ability to maintain balance and coordination around moving vehicles, heavy equipment, and uneven terrain.
• Sufficient visual and hearing acuity to identify hazards, follow safety procedures, communicate effectively, and perform duties safely.
• Ability to work extended hours, overtime, weekends, holidays, and emergency response situations as needed.
• Ability to wear and use required PPE, including safety vests, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, and hearing protection.

Nice To Haves

• Previous solid waste collection, construction, maintenance, or labor experience is preferred.
• Commercial Driver's License may be required for certain assignments.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Collect residential, commercial, and municipal solid waste, recycling, and yard waste along assigned routes.
• Load refuse and recyclable materials into collection vehicles manually or by operating mechanical collection equipment.
• Ride on collection vehicles and safely enter and exit vehicles numerous times throughout the workday.
• Assist drivers with route navigation and collection operations.
• Operate hydraulic controls and collection equipment safely and efficiently.
• Inspect waste materials for prohibited, hazardous, or improperly prepared waste and report violations.
• Pick up litter and debris surrounding collection points as necessary.
• Assist with special event collections, community clean-up projects, and emergency response activities.
• Maintain cleanliness of vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
• Report equipment malfunctions, vehicle defects, accidents, injuries, and safety hazards.
• Respond to customer questions and concerns courteously and professionally.
• Follow departmental policies, safety procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Wear required personal protective equipment and comply with safety requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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