Curbside Recycling Driver

Ecology Center; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 47,320 - 52,045; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Generous vacation and sick leave

Employer-matched 401k plan

Job summary

A community-focused environmental organization in Berkeley seeks a full-time Residential Recycling Driver to collect, load, and transport recyclables. Candidates must hold a Commercial Class A or B license and have a clean driving record. Key responsibilities include operating a commercial vehicle, maintaining professionalism with the public, and ensuring regular vehicle inspections. The role starts with a competitive wage and includes benefits after qualifying hours.

Qualifications

• Must have a clean FMCSA clearinghouse report.
• Valid medical certification required.
• 2 years of commercial driving experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collect and load recyclables from residential locations.
• Operate a commercial vehicle safely in residential neighborhoods.
• Maintain accurate reports and logs for operations.

Skills

Commercial Class A or B with Air Brakes Endorsement

Clean driving record

Ability to pass physical fitness evaluation

Customer education and communication skills

Job description

Department: Recycling

Reporting To: Recycling Program Manager

Location: Berkeley CA

FLSA Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt, Hourly

This is a Union Position

The Ecology Center

The Ecology Center's mission is to inspire and build a sustainable, healthy, and just future for the East Bay, California, and beyond. The Ecology Center transforms the ideas of sustainability into everyday practice. We offer information you can act on, infrastructure you can count on, and leadership for lasting change. We are working toward a world of resilient communities, zero waste and toxics, equal access to healthy food, sustainable resource use, and a safe and stable climate.

Founded in the run-up to the first Earth Day in 1970, the Ecology Center has been a regional and national leader on a wide range of issues, turning vision into action and cementing it with advocacy. We operate the nation's first and longest running curbside recycling service, a nationally recognized food and farming programs, model education and engagement activities, and the EcoStore which provides products that encourage environmentally and socially responsible lifestyle practices.

We are a committed, congenial, and diverse staff dedicated to making the world a better place through action. Every employee is integral to the success of our organization. We value vision, collaboration, and creative problem‑solving. If you are passionate and qualified, we encourage you to apply to be part of our team.

Program Description

The Ecology Center has operated Berkeley's Curbside Recycling Program since 1973! We were among the very first recycling programs in the US, and we continue to push toward our goals of Zero Waste and natural resource conservation.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Residential Recycling Drivers are responsible for the collection and loading, and transportation of recyclables to the materials recycling facility. Drivers must constantly lift, carry, push, and pull bins weighing 35 to 125+ pounds. Bending, stooping and lifting from ground level are required constantly. Driver is required to operate a commercial vehicle through challenging residential neighborhoods. Driver must mount and dismount the vehicle for each stop by ascending or descending a step of 21 inch height. Driver is responsible for the inspection, minor adjustment, fueling and cleaning of their collection vehicle and ensuring all environmental controls are followed. Driver must maintain a professional and courteous demeanor with the public and employer. Finally driver is responsible for maintaining daily reports and logs. This role is a union position and will be subject to union membership agreement terms

Primary Responsibilities:

• Arrive on time in uniform, sufficiently rested and prepared for shift start.
• Perform a qualified pre‑trip inspection of their service vehicle.
• Compile route instructions, and carry out collection duties as assigned.
• Collect all assigned recycling set outs, including exemption customers with special needs.
• Provide customer education materials and complete service exception forms as needed throughout workday.
• Refuel vehicle.
• Return to yard and offload vehicle.
• Perform a post‑trip inspection of vehicle at end of shift.
• Complete DVIR and turn in all associated route collection materials & paperwork.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Commercial Class A or B with Air Brakes Endorsement.
• Clean driving record.
• Clean FMCSA clearinghouse report
• Valid medical certification.
• Ability to pass a rigorous pre‑employment physical fitness evaluation and 5‑panel drug screen.
• Background Screening

Preferred Qualifications:

2 Years of commercial driving experience.

Hours

This is a Full‑time non‑bid union position with 40 hrs per week, Monday through Friday

Wage

Wage starts at $34.35 to $37.78 per hour. This position is benefits‑eligible once qualifying hours have been met.

Available Benefits on the Job (post completion of probation period): Medical and dental insurance, dependent medical coverage , optional vision insurance, generous vacation, sick and holiday leave, employer‑matched 401k plan, Employee Assistance Program and AD&D

Open until filled. (Please note that this position posting may close at any time.)

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

We value diversity. People of color, LGBTQIA‑identified people, women, veterans, people with disabilities, victims of violence and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE/AA.