Sanitation Worker

County of Sacramento; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Sacramento is seeking candidates for continuous filing exams in the refuse collection and disposal division. Under close supervision, incumbents perform heavy manual labor and related duties, including operating vehicles and heavy equipment used in collection and disposal of refuse.

Positions may be temporary or intermittent to meet seasonal workload, with opportunities to learn safety regulations, customer service, and environmental practices related to waste and recycling.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of computers and software used for documents, data and records related to assignment.
• Familiarity with two-way radio communication devices and related equipment.
• Basic arithmetic including decimals, percentages, and ratios.
• Proficiency in English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Understanding proper methods of performing manual labor and safety protocols.
• Awareness of customer service principles and waste disposal/recycling practices.

Responsibilities

• Under close supervision, perform heavy manual labor in collection and disposal of refuse.
• Operate vehicles and heavy equipment used in collection and disposal.
• Develop cooperative relationships with coworkers and the public while following department policies.
• Learn safety methods and regulations for refuse collection and recycling.
• Read, understand, and adhere to policies and procedures.

Skills

Computers & software

Two-way radio

Basic arithmetic

English usage

Customer service

Waste disposal knowledge

Tools

Vehicles & heavy equipment operation

Job description

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 11/7/25, 1/9/26, 3/13/26, 5/8/26, 7/10/26, 9/11/26, 11/13/26.

Under close supervision, positions in this class perform heavy manual labor and other related duties in connection with the collection and disposal of refuse.

Some positions in this classification are temporary and part-time only (intermittent). The positions are intended to facilitate the accomplishment of seasonal workload requirements. Please click here for more information on intermittent employment.

Knowledge of

• Computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases and other specialized applications related to area of assignment
• Two-way radio communication devices and other related equipment
• Basic arithmetic (i.e., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, percentages, ratios, and fractions)
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Proper methods of performing various types of manual labor
• Principles of effective customer service
• Basic principles and practices of waste disposal and recycling

Ability to

• Learn and apply laws, rules, and regulations related to refuse and disposal
• Understand and follow department policies and procedures
• Learn to operate vehicles and heavy equipment, and power and hand tools used in the collection and disposal of refuse
• Develop and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with co-workers and the public
• Learn safety work methods and safety regulations pertaining to refuse and other recyclable material collection and equipment operation
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Understand and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Make arithmetical computations accurately and rapidly
• Effectively organize and prioritize work assignments
• Keep accurate and orderly records
• Maintain confidential information
• Read, understand, and adhere to County and department policies and procedures relating to area of assignment
• Complete and submit department forms when required.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Learn to identify different types of waste and recycling in order to audit residential containers
• Apply customer service skills, including the identification of customer needs and follow up to ensure customer commitments have been met
• Adapt to new technologies, work processes, and equipment
• Use technology for record keeping, training, and communication
• Follow verbal and written instructions

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a valid Driver’s License, Class C or higher.

Note: If the minimum