Solid Waste Equipment Operator

City of Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Atlanta is seeking a supervisor to lead Environmental Service Workers on designated refuse collection routes. You will drive, operate rear loader and other trucks, supervise crews, perform vehicle checks, and ensure timely, efficient service.

Requirements include a high school diploma and a valid Georgia CDL with Class B endorsement, plus at least one year of experience operating medium-sized trucks. This is a hands-on role in a municipal environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One year of experience operating medium-sized trucks or equipment.
• Must possess a valid Georgia CDL with Class B endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Environmental Service Workers on a truck route.
• Operate garbage and dump trucks and related equipment as needed.
• Drive assigned route and maintain equipment cleanliness.
• Perform pre/post-route inspections and report mechanical issues.
• Communicate progress and incidents to supervisors.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Judgment

Regulatory knowledge

Truck operation

Education

High school diploma

CDL Class B endorsement

Job description

Job Description

Posting Expires: 9/9/2026

Salary Range: $39,370.24- $49,212.80

General Description and Classification Standards

Performs manual work functions associated with operating environmental equipment in the Bureau of Solid Waste Services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Acts as first line supervisor to Environmental Service Workers assigned to truck.
• Operates environmental equipment such as a conventional rear loader garbage truck and open-body dump truck to remove refuse from residential units and from special events.
• Drives assigned route.
• Performs manual work functions and utilizes various tools including pitchfork, rake, shovel and broom to empty receptacles and pick up yard trimming, bulk rubbish and spillage.
• Performs pre- and post-route vehicle inspections and basic maintenance activities; keeps the interior and exterior of assigned equipment clean.
• Obtains the necessary tools to perform specific tasks so that work can be performed both efficiently and in a timely manner.
• Communicates with supervisors to inform them of progress made on work assignments.
• Reports any mechanical problems associated with vehicle.
• Reports problems or emergency situations.
• Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, the public or other city agencies.
• Uses a two-way radio to communicate with supervisor and to receive instructions.
• Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities.
• Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility.
• Operates a conventional rear loader garbage truck; may operate an open-body dump truck, tandem dump truck, MAD VAC, and mini-truck.
• Provides maintenance to equipment to prevent equipment damage.
• Fuels and dumps vehicle daily at the end of the work shift.
• Cuts grass as required.
• Receives various forms, work orders, reports, and other documents; completes, processes, and forwards as appropriate.
• Completes vehicle maintenance reports to document mileage, fuel, etc.
• Prepares/generates maintenance records, logs, or other documentation as required.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members.
• Ability to use judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
• Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department.
• Ability to work under a minimum degree of stress related to duties that require constant attention to detail and tight deadlines.
• Ability to follow specific oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and withstand exposure to varied climatic conditions.
• Ability to operate large trucks and drive safely as evidenced by an absence of excessive numbers of traffic violations or accidents.
• Ability to pass a performance test on the required equipment and supervise a small crew of collectors; etc.

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience –High school diploma, or equivalent; one (1) year of experience in the operation of medium-sized trucks or equipment such as garbage trucks required; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Licensures and Certifications – Must possess a valid Georgia Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Class B endorsement.

Preferred Requirements – None

Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

Lifting Requirements

Heavy work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.