SANITATION EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

City of Emporia, Virginia; North Carolina; On-site; USD 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Emporia, Virginia is seeking a Sanitation Equipment Operator to perform mid-level duties operating a refuse collection vehicle and maintaining equipment. The role requires a high school diploma and experience in heavy manual work with heavy motorized equipment.

Ideal candidates will have a Virginia CDL, Work Zone and Flagger certifications within six months, plus forklift certification within six months. The position involves time pressure, teamwork, and irregular hours as needed.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent plus substantial experience in heavy manual work and operating heavy equipment.
• Certifications: Virginia CDL upon hire; VDOT Basic Work Zone Traffic Control and Flagger certifications within 6 months; Forklift certification within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Operate a refuse collection vehicle and ensure safe, efficient collection operations.
• Maintain and perform minor maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Follow traffic laws, safety regulations, and company policies; communicate effectively with the crew.

Skills

Communication skills

Reading basic

Writing basic

Math basic

Education

High school diploma

Job description

SANITATION EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Full-Time Sanitation Equipment Operator

Performs intermediate semiskilled work operating a refuse collection vehicle, maintaining and performing minor maintenance on assigned equipment.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school and considerable experience in the performance of heavy manual work and in the operation of heavy motorized equipment. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.
• Certifications/Licenses: Possession of an appropriate commercial driver's license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia upon hire; Possession of VDOT Basic Work Zone Traffic Control and Flagger certifications within 6 months of hire; Obtain Forklift certification within 6 months of hire.
• OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS: Communication Skills: Routine: Requires regular & routine interaction involving exchange and receipt of information. Technical Skills: Skilled: Work requires a comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgement and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities; thorough knowledge of the operation and servicing of automotive equipment; thorough knowledge of traffic laws and regulations governing equipment operation; thorough knowledge of safe driving practices and occupational hazards of the work; skill in the operation of automotive equipment; ability to detect signs of the mechanical failure of the automotive and packing equipment.
• Reading Basic: Ability to recognize meaning of common two- or three-syllable words.
• Writing Basic: Ability to recognize meaning of common two- or three-syllable words.
• Math Basic: Ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).

Other Requirements

Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time. May experience time pressure, emergency situations, and irregular work schedule/overtime. May experience change in tasks, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, and working closely with others as part of a team.

Miscellaneous Information

NONE

Work Environment

Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, and oils.

Job Details

Category: Job Opportunities

Status: Open

Salary: Starting at $34,376.00

Posted: July 24, 2026 8:00 AM

Closing: Open Until Filled

Attached Files: Sanitation Equipment Operator