Waste Equipment Operator - G121 - Solid Waste Collection

Salary: $21.78 Hourly
Location : Columbus, GA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 2026-00000192
Department: Public Works
Division: Solid Waste Collections
Opening Date: 03/20/2026
Closing Date: 4/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Major Duties and Responsibilities
This position is responsible for operating a refuse collection truck or other solid waste equipment. Maintaining the operator level Maintenance as well as the pre operations and post operation checks. Supervises inmates used in the collection process, writing disciplinaries for rule infractions and poor work performance.

• Operates refuse collection truck and secondary equipment controls in the pickup and disposal of refuse.
• Supervises inmates; ensures that inmates follow safety guidelines.
• Performs vehicle maintenance.
• Operates a grab all and a boom.
• Assists other drivers with routes.
• Responds to inquiries; records complaints and informs the appropriate personnel.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of safety rules and regulations.
• Skill in reading maps.
• Skill in the operation of equipment such as grab alls and booms.
• Skill in troubleshooting and maintenance of vehicles.
• Skill in the operation of a refuse collection truck.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic mathematical calculations.

Minimum Educational and Training Requirements
Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the occupational field, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. This position is required to supervise state inmate labor. Employee must pass the Department of Corrections three-day certification within the time frame required by this department, which is normally six (6) months but may be altered. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Physical Requirements
The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Balancing - maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.
• Climbing - ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps, requires body agility.
• Crouching - bending body forward by bending leg, spine.
• Feeling - perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.
• Grasping - applying pressure to object with fingers, palm.
• Handling - picking, holding, or working with whole hand.
• Hearing 1 - perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.
• Hearing 2 - receive detailed information, make discrimination in sound.
• Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees.
• Lifting - raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back.
• Manual Dexterity - picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.
• Mental Acuity - ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.
• Pulling - use upper extremities to exert force, haul or tug.
• Pushing - use upper extremities to press against objects with force, or thrust forward, downward, outward.
• Reaching - extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.
• Speaking - expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.
• Standing - for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping - bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back.
• Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word.
• Talking 2 - shouting to be heard above ambient noise.
• Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading.
• Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.
• Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.
• Visual Acuity 4 - operate motor vehicles/heavy equipment.
• Visual Acuity 5 -close acuity for inspection of small defects, machines, use measurement devices, or fabricate parts.
• Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site.

The work is typically performed outdoors where the employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and cold or inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.
Part Time/Temporary Positions: There are no benefits associated for these positions.

The Columbus Consolidated Government is proud to offer an exceptional compensation and benefits package. Benefits include the following:

• Low-cost Medical Insurance
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Credit Union
• Direct Deposit
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• PERK Time Off
• Retirement Plan
• Supplemental Retirement Plan
• Free and Discounted Services
• Employee Assistance Program

Take advantage of these free and discounted City Services offered to all City Employees.

• Discounted Movie Tickets
• Free Notary Services
• Ride a Metra Bus for Free
• Free Mulch
• Free Fire/Safety Home Inspection
• Driver's Training for Employee Dependents
• Oxbow/Bull Creek Golf Course discounts
• River Center Discounts
• Cell Phone Carrier Discounts

Retirement Plan
The Columbus Consolidated Government offers a defined benefit retirement plan to eligible employees who work in General Government and in Public Safety. Employees in the pension plan must meet both age and years of service requirements to qualify for retirement. The current vesting period is ten years, and the current pension contribution rate is 8% of your gross salary.

Supplemental Retirement Plan
The Columbus Consolidated Government offers a Deferred Compensation Plan or supplemental retirement plan that is tax deferred. This plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary, before federal and state taxes, to a retirement account. Your compensation is more than a paycheck, it allows you to plan for your financial future as well.
01

Which best describes your level of education? (You will be asked to provide documentation)

• No High School Diploma
• GED
• High School Diploma
• Technical College
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate's Degree

02

How many years of experience in this area do you have?

• None
• 0 - 1
• 1 - 3
• 3 - 5
• 5 years or more

03

Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess a valid Commercial Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

05

Which of the following best describes your Commercial Driver's License Endorsement?

• Hazmat
• Passenger
• Tanker
• Combination of Tanker/Hazmat
• Double/Triple Trailers
• Permit Only
• Other
• None of the above

06

Please list and explain any work experience you have with the operation of equipment such as grab all's and booms.
07

Please list and explain any work experience you have with the regulations and policies utilized in the supervision of inmate laborers.
Required Question