Refuse Collector Apprentice

Salary : $41,600.00 - $47,840.00 Annually

Location : Norfolk, VA

Job Type : Intermittent Temporary

Job Number : 13707

Department : Public Works

Division : Waste Management

Opening Date : 01 / 21 / 2026

Closing Date : 2 / 1 / 2026 11 : 59 PM Eastern

Description

Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself. Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

The City of Norfolk's department of Public Works is seeking a Refuse Collector Apprentice. This position performs all instructional and other requirements in the Refuse Collector Apprentice Program. Collects waste from residential property according to an assigned route. Maintains and monitors the truck for any necessary repairs.

The Department of Public Works builds, maintains, and operates the physical facilities that support and enhance the lives of Norfolk's citizens, businesses, and visitors, including the City's Storm Water System, Street Network, and Waste Management and Recycling Systems. The Department is comprised of 9 divisions that function collectively to make your commute safe and efficient, your neighborhood more attractive, and the streets and sidewalks clean and well-maintained.

Departmental Hiring Salary Range : $41,600

Essential Functions

Essential functions include but are not limited to :

• Acquires knowledge and acclimation necessary to become a Refuse Collector, by obtaining a Commercial Driver's License. Requires in-person attendance for classroom instruction, taking notes, contributing to discussion, taking academic tests, and participating in practical exercises.
• Collects and disposes of waste by operating an automated truck, using the truck to pick up ninety-gallon garbage cans, furniture, tree limbs, etc. from the curb, replacing damaged trash cans as needed, and traveling to the transfer station to empty the truck. Lifts boxes, bags of yard waste, furniture, tree limbs, etc. into collection truck; places waste, furniture, and other refuse into collection trucks.
• Interacts with citizens and customers by explaining waste collection codes and procedures.

Education / Experience

Work requires knowledge necessary to understand written instructions, to understand simple processes and the routine operation of machines. Level of knowledge equivalent to four years of high school or equivalency.

Additional Information & Requirements

If you are hired October 5, 2010, or after to a position with City of Norfolk Retirement System benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.

If you are hired January 1, 2022, or after to a position with Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction.

NOTE :

The benefits described above are broad generalizations. The specific benefits that an employee may be eligible for are governed by City regulations, as applicable to job type.

Non-City

Positions listed with a job type designation of "Non-City" are not subject to the benefits descriptions above. Refer to the content of the job posting for information regarding these positions.

01

The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications for specific experience being sought. Please be specific in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Please note that if you are invited to be interviewed by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification.

02

Are you a current or previous City of Norfolk employee?

03

Please provide an explanation of any periods of unemployment that are 30 days or longer. Indicate N / A if you have not experienced any periods of unemployment.

04

How many years of experience do you have working in a solid waste collections environment or a related field?

05

Please describe your experience in working in a solid waste environment. Please ensure this information is referenced above in your work history. If you do not have any experience, type N / A.

06

Please indicate how many years of experience you have as a team leader?

07

Do you possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL)?

08

Are you CPR certified?

09

Please indicate your veteran status. (A copy of your long form DD-214 may be required)

Required Question