Solid Waste Operator

Solid Waste Operator

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

One City. One team. One mission.

Build a meaningful career serving your community while enjoying a stable schedule and strong team support.

The City is looking for dependable, safety-focused individuals to join a collaborative Solid Waste team as a Solid Waste Operator, where every member plays a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly. You'll work in a crew-oriented environment that values communication, accountability, and shared successensuring routes are completed efficiently and safely each day.

Work-life balance is a core part of the culture. With a consistent 4-day workweek (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) starting early at 5:30 AM, you'll finish your day well before dinnertimegiving you more time at home while maintaining full-time stability. This role offers more than a jobit's a pathway to long-term growth. Employees gain hands-on experience operating specialized equipment, improving efficiency on collection routes, and working toward key milestones such as earning and managing their own route. For candidates without a CDL, the City provides paid, hands-on training to help you obtain your license and advance your career.

Job Summary This position is responsible for safely operating CDL-required collection trucks on assigned daily routes to collect and dispose of residential waste, recycling, vegetative debris, and bulky household items. Operators work as part of a team, assisting at collection stops, handling materials responsibly, and ensuring all tasks are completed in accordance with safety and environmental standards.

In addition to driving duties, team members support one another in completing routes, assist with special collections and community events, and perform routine equipment checks and maintenance. This hands-on role requires reliability, teamwork, and a strong commitment to safety, offering a clear path for skill development and advancement within the department.

The department is looking to hire for these positions quickly.

Typical Tasks

What You'll Do:

• Operate CDL Required Truck by performing required morning pre-trip and evening post-trip inspections, learning assigned routes, using the cart tipper and packing system, and safely unloading collected materials using the truck ejection system.

• Collect and Dispose of Waste and Recyclables in coordination with crew members, including household trash, recycling, vegetative debris and bulky items. Ensure recycling guidelines are followed and maintain safe practices at all times

• May Need to Assist Crew at Collection Stop by exiting the truck to physically help with loading and ensuring all materials are collected safely and efficiently (if needed).

• Deliver and Remove Carts by receiving and completing work orders, verifying correct cart sizes for new customers, and retrieving carts from vacant addresses.

• Support Special Assignments including working City holidays and festivals, delivering carts or barrels for special events, assisting other drivers as needed, and cleaning the truck weekly.

• Maintain a Clean and Safe Work Environment by following safety protocols and proper equipment operation procedures

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support cleanup and sanitation needs at City-sponsored festivals, events, and community cleanups

• Work is assigned daily and may vary based on route needs and weather conditions

• Expected to work most City holidays and may be required to work before, during, and after inclement weather or natural disaster events (essential position)

• Able to operate handheld route tablets

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent and one year of relative experience in truck driving/operating or trash collection.
• Possession of valid drivers license If candidate does not have a CDL, must be able to obtain within 120 days of hire through on the job training.
• Ability to obtain a FEMA - NIMS 100 and 700 certifications through independent study courses within 90 days of hire.
• Basic computer skills are required for online training and daily work interactions with handheld route tablets

Physical Demands Candidates will be required to complete a simulated physical ability assessment to ensure they are able to perform the essential functions of the job, All candidates must be able to:

• Push and pull over 100 lbs. occasionally - candidate will be asked to push and pull a sled weighing 90 pounds
• Lift and carry 50-100 lbs. frequently - candidate will be asked to climb, lift and walk carrying 80 pounds, 5 times
• Lift or carry 20-50 lbs. constantly - candidate will have to climb, lift and walk carrying 50 pounds, 5 times

Working Conditions: This position generally works in a vehicle but is also required to work outdoors in the elements

Supplemental Information

Our Core Values: INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What we offer:

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
• Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System
• Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
• Free on-site city gym access
• Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
• 6-weeks paid parental leave
• Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
• Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
• Tuition assistance benefits

Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.