Refuse Collector/Driver

MitchellChamber; Mitchell, Northern (SD, KY); Hybrid; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Mitchell City is seeking a Refuse Truck Operator to operate a garbage truck on assigned routes, collecting solid waste and recyclables while supporting landfill duties. The role requires CDL, a high school diploma, and 1–2 years of experience.

You will perform safety inspections, maintain equipment, and provide customer service on the job site. The position offers an hourly wage starting at $23.846, with the closing date 9/9/2026 or until filled.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–2 years of similar experience recommended.
• Valid CDL issued by the State (SD) within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Operate garbage truck on assigned routes to collect solid waste and recyclables.
• Perform equipment safety inspections and notify maintenance needs.
• Collect litter in city rights-of-way and landfill areas.
• Operate landfill equipment as needed and maintain roads/ditches.
• Sort, transfer, haul, weigh, and handle recyclables; operate payloader and scale equipment.
• Maintain shop cleanliness and perform related duties.

Skills

Customer service

Planning & organization

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CDL license

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for operating a refuse truck to collect and transport solid waste and recyclables.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Operates a garbage truck along an assigned route to collect and transport solid waste.
• Performs equipment safety inspections; performs minor equipment maintenance; notifies supervisors of maintenance or repair needs.
• Collects litter on city right-of-way and in landfill.
• Operates equipment at landfill as needed; maintains landfill roads and ditches.
• Collects, sorts, transfers, hauls, weighs, and halts recyclable materials.
• Operates payloader, mini-loader, and scale equipment.
• Cleans and maintains shop.
• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of city streets and geography.
• Knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance principles.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
• Knowledge of hazardous waste identification principles.
• Knowledge of recyclable materials.
• Skill in planning, organization, and decision making.
• Skill in the operation of solid waste collection equipment.
• Skill in providing customer services.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Solid Waste Manager assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include traffic laws and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied equipment operation duties. Inclement weather conditions contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to operate a truck in the collection and transport of solid waste. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of solid waste collection services.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and must distinguish between shades of color.
• The work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggle, or gloves.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid CDL issued by the State of South Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated within 6 months.

PAY & BENEFITS

** Starting wage is: $23.846 per hour.

** Position closes 9/9/2026 or until filled.

Additional Postings available from City of Mitchell