Solid Waste Collector

City of Lakeland; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lakeland seeks a Solid Waste Collector for outdoor, heavy manual labor in a crew environment. You will handle receptacles, operate compaction, and assist on the collection vehicle while working in various weather and conditions.

Qualification includes eighth grade completion and up to three months’ experience in heavy outdoor work. CDL training may be offered after six months with licensure progress in the program.

Qualifications

• Completion of eighth grade from an accredited school.
• Three months of experience in heavy outdoor manual work.

Responsibilities

• Handles, carries, and empties receptacles containing solid waste.
• Operates the vehicle's compaction mechanism.
• Rides on an external platform on the collection vehicle.
• Provides hand signals to the collection vehicle driver as needed for safe backing.
• Identifies biohazardous waste/materials to the driver/supervisor.

Skills

Outdoor heavy labor

Physical strength

Teamwork

Education

Eight grade completion

Job description

General Description Of Class

This is an outdoor, heavy manual labor position in the collection and disposal of solid waste. Employees in this classification perform routine, repetitive work as members of a crew collecting various types of solid waste and depositing it into a solid waste collection vehicle. The work requires considerable physical exertion, daily contact with unpleasant materials, and outdoor work regardless of the weather. The vehicle driver supervises the crew.

Please note this posting is "Continuous" and can close at ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

Essential Functions

• Handles, carries, and empties receptacles containing solid waste.
• Handles and carries yard trash, such as bagged yard waste, tree limbs, and other uncontained solid waste items.
• Deposits waste into the collection vehicle and returns cans or other receptacles to the pickup point with their lids intact.
• Operates the vehicle's compaction mechanism.
• Rides on an external platform on the collection vehicle between collection stops.
• Provides hand signals to the collection vehicle driver as needed to ensure safe backing of the vehicle.
• Reports all leaks (i.e., Hydraulic oil, water, etc.) and/or mechanical problems to the driver immediately.
• Identifies biohazardous waste, medical waste, and all other hazardous waste/materials, such as asbestos, batteries, acids, gas, flammable chemicals/materials, etc., to the driver/supervisor.
• Performs cleaning maintenance work on the division premises when not assigned to a collection vehicle.
• May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• Position is designated as Mission Critical.

Additional Functions

• Cleans collection vehicles and may help in the container maintenance shop.
• May be assigned to remove and dispose of deceased animals.
• Provides training assistance to new and/or temporary employees and route directions to replacement drivers.
• May be required to help/assist other City divisions or departments under special circumstances.
• May be required to operate light-duty vehicles with a valid driver's license.

Qualifications (education, Training And Experience)

• Completion of eighth grade from an accredited school.
• Three months of experience in heavy outdoor manual work.

Special Requirements

• A valid driver's license is preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid telephone number.
• After six months of employment as a Solid Waste Collector with a valid driver's license and a CDL training permit, the employee can begin training to obtain a CDL license through the Solid Waste CDL training program.
• Hiring preference will be given to current team members working through a contract temporary staff agency.

Abilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Work consistently with unpleasant waste materials.
• Perform outdoor manual work requiring physical strength for lengthy periods.
• Perform duties in adverse weather conditions.
• Work effectively, safely, and harmoniously with other crew members.
• Handle privately owned cans, containers, and lids without incurring damage.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Use a map to locate addresses.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements

• Heavy physical work that involves constantly lifting, pushing, or raising objects, exerting 35 to 50 pounds regularly, and exerting 100 pounds of force frequently.
• Risks routine and frequent exposure to significant environmental hazards, including bright/dim light, dust and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, animals/wildlife, vibration, disease/pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, and moving machinery.
• Normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as needed.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e‑mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

The City of Lakeland is a drug free workplace. This position is considered a mandatory testing position, which is subject to pre‑employment and random drug testing. All City of Lakeland positions are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing. As a condition of employment you will be required to pass the pre‑employment drug test in accordance with Florida Statute 440.102.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.

City of Lakeland 2026 Summary Sheet

Annual leave is accumulated bi‑weekly and based upon years of service as follows:

Annual leave may be taken as earned by employees hired after January 1, 1989. Employees hired prior to that date use annual leave within the calendar year following the year the leave is earned. All employees may carry over up to a maximum of twenty (20) days at the end of the calendar year. Regular part‑time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue annual leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.

NOTE: REGULAR employees with a working day other than eight (8) hours, please contact your supervisor regarding these policies.

Sick rate is accrued biweekly based upon years of service and standard hour classification. Eligible for use as soon as earned. Regular part‑time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue sick leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.

Allows employees to receive sick leave benefits in cases involving catastrophic or long‑term illnesses or injuries after all personal leave time has been depleted. Regular full‑time employees contribute eight (8) hours and Regular part‑time employees contribute four (4) hours on an annual basis. Employees must have completed one full year of service on or before December 31st of the calendar year enrollment; and have accumulated at least forty (40) hours of sick time (twenty (20) hours for Regular part‑time employees). Participation in this program is voluntary.

For more information contact Amanda Kaiser at 834‑8768.

Federal legislation guarantees up to twelve (12) weeks per year off work under certain circumstances outlined in the policy manual. The employees must have been employed by the City for at least twelve (12) months and have at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12‑month period before the requested leave. The City will continue its group life and health insurance for an employee on leave at the same level and under the same conditions that existed while the employee was working.

For more information contact Dawn Justice at 834‑