Equipment Operator I – Solid Waste

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

Job summary

City of La Porte, Texas is seeking an Equipment Operator I – Solid Waste to drive trucks and light equipment, and to assist with collection of solid waste, heavy trash and recyclables.

This entry-level position offers training under supervision, requires the ability to perform physical labor, operate light to moderate equipment, and comply with safety procedures; applicants should have a Texas driver’s license and a Class B CDL.

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.

Responsibilities

• Drive and operate light to moderate solid waste equipment on routine assignments or training basis (trash truck and rear loading garbage trucks).
• Participate in working 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 and equipment

Safety precautions in refuse work

Understand and follow instructions

Heavy physical labor capability

Education

High School Diploma or GED desirable

Tools

Light construction equipment operation

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.++