Refuse Collector Assistant (BEACH)

City-of-Norfolk,-V; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Norfolk seeks a Refuse Collector Assistant to support beach and coastal cleanup operations under the BEACH program. You will assist with refuse collection, manage recyclables, operate light-duty utility vehicles, and help with public education at events.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid CDL, and the ability to work daytime and evening shifts, weekends, and holidays. The department emphasizes safety, environmental integrity, and community service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• CDL Driver’s License preferred/required.
• Experience in refuse collection or environmental services preferred.
• Experience with small utility vehicles is a plus.
• Experience supporting public events is beneficial.
• Ability to follow instructions and perform basic documentation.
• Capacity to work daytime/evening shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collection and disposal of refuse, recyclables, and debris in beach, coastal, and public recreation areas.
• Operate light-duty utility vehicles (e.g., Kubota) to transport equipment, waste, and supplies.
• Assist the BEACH strike team in environmental education efforts, including event setup and public interaction.
• Remove dead animals from streets and public areas.
• Participate in special events and community cleanup campaigns.
• Complete basic logs and reports as directed.
• Maintain cleanliness of public access areas, rest areas, and receptacles.
• Assist in collections during BEACH closures or emergencies and storms.

Skills

Public event support

Vehicle operation

Environmental services

Groundskeeping

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Kubota/utility vehicle

Job 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 Assistant that supports the cleanliness, safety, and environmental integrity of coastal and beach areas under our new BEACH (Beautification, Environmental Awareness, and Coastal Health) Program within our Waste Management Division. This position will be responsible for assisting with refuse and recycling collection, community education initiatives, and operational support for special events. Operating utility vehicles (e.g. Kubotas), aiding the BEACH Strike Team in outreach activities, and performing cleanup tasks during daytime and late evening shifts, including weekends and holidays. Refuse Collector Assistant responsibilities also include assisting with the collection and disposal of waste (bulk and dead animals).

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 - $45,760

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Assists with collection and disposal of refuse, recyclables, and debris in beach, coastal, and public recreation areas.
• Operates light-duty utility vehicles (e.g., Kubota) to transport equipment, waste, and supplies safely.
• Assists the BEACH strike team in environmental education efforts, including event setup, public interaction, and information dissemination.
• Removes dead animals from streets and homes throughout the City of Norfolk.
• Participates in special events and community cleanup campaigns, including preparation, execution, and takedown.
• Completes basic logs, reports, and documentation as directed.
• Maintains cleanliness of public access areas, rest areas, and trash/recycling receptacles.
• Assists in Collections when the BEACH area is closed or during emergency situations and storms, snow, ice as determined by the Superintendent.

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

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in refuse collection, environmental services, or groundskeeping.
• Experience with small utility vehicles and public event support.

Preferred License(s) and/or Certification(s):

Valid CDL Driver’s License; Must successfully pass all entry level testing and assessments.

Work Hours:

Saturday – Wednesday 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM through Labor Day then 7:00 AM -3:30 PM through Memorial Day / 40 hours per week

Thursday- Monday 11:30 AM-7:00PM through Labor Day, then 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM through Memorial Day / 40 hours Per week