Equipment Operator I - Solid Waste

City of La Porte; La Porte (TX); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

City of La Porte is seeking an Equipment Operator I - Solid Waste to drive light to moderate waste equipment and support collection operations. The role involves teamwork with a small crew to complete work orders and support recycling and composting activities.

The position is full-time and located in La Porte, TX, with an hourly pay range shown in the posting. A high school diploma or GED is desirable, and safety awareness is essential for performing duties.

Qualifications

• Experience with basic laboring and maintenance work.
• Safety precautions used in refuse collection work.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Responsibilities

• Drive light to moderate solid waste equipment on routine assignments or training.
• Participate with a small solid waste crew to complete work orders.
• Perform tasks related to recycling and composting.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Solid waste tools

Safety procedures

General labor

Education

High School Diploma or GED desirable

Tools

Light construction equipment

Job description

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I - SOLID WASTE

Category: Full-Time

Status: Open

Hourly: Min. $20.759 - Mid. $25.949 effective 10/1/2026

Published: September 25, 2026

Closing: Until Filled

DEFINITION

To drive trucks and light equipment; collection and transportation of solid waste, heavy trash and recyclable.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is in the entry level class in the Equipment Operator class series. Employees in this class normally work under close supervision performing a group of repetitive or closely related duties according to established procedures. Positions assigned to this class can be distinguished from higher level classes by responsibility for operating a limited range of light and moderate equipment and vehicles.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from higher level solid waste maintenance personnel.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Drive, and may operate, light to moderate solid waste equipment on routine assignments or on a training basis, trash truck and rear loading garbage trucks.
• Participate in working with a small solid waste crew in completing work orders.
• Perform tasks as related to recycling and composting.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

For indefinite periods of time - mobility within a field environment; exposure to mechanical, dust/mites, fume, and odor hazards; exposure to extreme cold, heat, and constant noise; walking; twisting body; stooping; standing; squatting; sorting; sitting; seeing; pushing, dragging and pulling up to 50 pounds; lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds; kneeling; climbing; reading; decision making; reaching above shoulder level; using both hands for simple and firm grasping; clarity of hearing; communicating clearly and effectively, in person and by two-way radio; fine finger manipulation; safe operation of shovel, pitch fork, rack, and chain saw; operating a trash truck through city traffic.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Solid waste and trash collection tools and equipment.
• Methods employed in basic laboring and maintenance work.
• Safety precautions used in refuse collection work.

Ability to:

• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Perform heavy physical labor.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Some experience in the operation of light construction equipment and vehicles. A High School Diploma or GED is desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid Texas Driver’s License as well as a valid Texas Class B Commercial Driver's License.

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

*Duties, responsibilities and actions may change at any time with or without notice.

The City of La Porte is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Qualified Individuals.