Refuse Equipment Operator, Residential

City of Sarasota; United States; On-site; USD 39,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Sarasota is seeking a dedicated solid waste collection worker to operate heavy refuse vehicles on assigned routes. You will ensure safe operation, accurate weight tickets, and timely disposal of collected waste.

The role requires physical endurance and adherence to safety protocols. Applicants should have at least one year of pressurized solid waste equipment experience and hold a valid Class B CDL.

Qualifications

• One (1) year of experience operating heavy solid waste equipment or equivalent.
• Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Class B CDL.
• Ability to work in varied weather conditions and perform physical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Operate a side- or rear-loading refuse collection vehicle safely and efficiently.
• Follow a regular route schedule and collect waste from authorized stops.
• Handle refuse within weight limits and report equipment faults.
• Transport collected refuse to disposal point and manage weight tickets.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness, fueling, and routine safety procedures.

Skills

Heavy truck operation

Safety awareness

Reading and following orders

Public interaction

Education

Class B CDL

Job description

All current City of Sarasota employees must apply to job postings on the internal career site.

NOTE: The City of Sarasota is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Veteran, E-Verify and Drug Free Workplace employer.

Job Description

Overview To provide reliable efficient, and cost effective Solid Waste collection and disposal for the cart customers of the system, and aid in the health, safety, and welfare of the Citizenry.

Department: Solid Waste Management

Employee Type: Probationary

Time Type: Full time

Salary Range: $22.3371 Hourly / $46,461.17 Annually

Job Posting Period: September 01, 2026 - September 09, 2026 12:00 A.M.

Essential Functions

• Operates safely and efficiently a side, or rear loading refuse collection vehicle equipped with hydraulic cart dumpers, including the regular checking of tires, oil, brakes, hydraulic lines, steering and other specified items and correcting or reporting to the supervisor any faults in the equipment.
• Follows a regular route schedule on a collection route dumping wheeled refuse carts.
• Collects all authorized refuse properly placed at authorized stops along the assigned route.
• Collects refuse that does not exceed 40 pounds in weight.
• Prevent littering due to spillage or scattering of refuse as a result of the performance of duties and must retrieve all litter caused as a result thereof.
• Completes the collection of assigned route before the shift is completed or may be required to return on the off day to complete the collections.
• Prohibited from engaging in any scavenging activities.
• Transports collected refuse to the disposal point as often as required and accounting for weight tickets for each trip.
• Reports any carts requiring service or repair.
• Inventories and maintains all special equipment (fire extinguishers, etc.) placed on vehicles and the proper use and operation of the land mobile communications system.
• Reports any accidents in which his/her vehicle is involved immediately; and for knowing and heeding all factory-prescribed limits for the equipment in his/her use.
• Completes cleaning and fueling of the collection vehicle before it is parked at the end of the shift.
• Performs strenuous work in a variety of weather conditions including high heat conditions.
• May standby for and answer emergency calls on an "on call, 24 hour per day" basis.
• Responsible at all times for the public impression created by his/her appearance and performance, and that of the vehicle.
• The intent of this class description is to provide a representative summary of the types of duties and responsibilities that would be required of classifications given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position.
• Incumbent may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.

Minimum Qualifications

One (1) year of experience operating equipment, in the operation of solid waste equipment having a sophisticated hydraulic system, Or the equivalent in education, training, and experience, which would provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities, Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Class "B" State of Florida Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required.

Job Based Competencies

• Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of heavy trucks with hydraulic refuse packing systems.
• Ability to operates a large truck and operate it efficiently.
• Ability to receive and understand oral and written orders and execute those orders effectively.
• Knowledge of the traffic and highway safety rules and regulations and precautions to be taken to avoid accidents.
• Ability to work overtime and/or be on call.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.

Responsibility

Under the direction of and responsible to the Department Head or designated representative. No supervision exercised.

Physical Requirements

• This position requires the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to fifty (50) pounds of force frequently.
• Work requires considerable physical activity including walking, lifting, reaching, stooping, pulling, grasping, balancing, climbing, kneeling, standing and crouching.
• Incumbent is subject to inside and outside activities with a variety of weather changes or atmospheric conditions.
• Incumbent may be exposed to activities such as noise and jobs with potential hazards that may require special protection and/or special safety precautions.
• Visual acuity is required to inspect work completed by crews for accuracy and quality.
• Incumbent is required to hear sufficiently to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Manual dexterity is required to operate equipment in performance of duties.

Public Contact

Considerable public contact. Must present a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.

Retirement Benefit

The City of Sarasota made the transition to become a Florida Retirement System (FRS) employer effective December 1, 2021. To learn more about what this benefit may mean for you, please visit MyFrs.com. Please note that if you are hired to work for the City of Sarasota as an FRS employer, you will be asked to complete a form to certify your FRS status, as there may be an impact to any FRS benefit you are already receiving.

Contact / ADA

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Jake Brown our ADA Coordinator. Jake can be reached via email at [e-mail] or via phone at 941-263-6299. For questions pertaining to general employment or job application status, please call 941-263-6476, or email [e-mail]

Company Culture

The City of Sarasota believes in customers service, and delivering city service to its approximately 55,000 residents is a commitment we take serious. The City provides many services with the most recognizable ones being water, sewer, street maintenance and police protection. The quality and way these services are delivered have a direct impact on everyday life in our community and that is why the employees of the City serve with Excellence and Pride.