Solid Waste Operator I

City of Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Atlanta is seeking a skilled Driver/Operator for heavy trucks and equipment in the Solid Waste division. This role requires a Georgia CDL with Class A or B endorsement, a valid DOT card, and the ability to perform physical labor and daily route work.

You will operate garbage trucks, perform inspections, and document daily activities while ensuring safety and efficiency. The position is not entry-level and expects prior experience with waste collection and route knowledge.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Six months of experience operating heavy trucks or other large equipment.
• Preferred: 1 year of equipment operating experience in the Solid Waste Environment.

Responsibilities

• Operates a Conventional Rear Loader garbage truck, mini-garbage truck, Tandem Dump Truck, Open Body truck, Automated Side Loader (Dual Drive), Street Sweeper, Tractor & Loader safely and efficiently.
• Frequently operates ASL and Rear Loader trucks and functions as driver/collector.
• Performs manual waste collection including garbage, recycling, yard trimmings, furniture, bedding, animal waste, tires, etc.
• Uses tools to empty receptacles and collect yard trimmings as needed.
• Reviews daily schedule to optimize time and resources; may adjust to landfill trips as needed.
• Performs vehicle pre/post-trip inspections and reports maintenance needs.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety procedures

Route knowledge

Communication

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma

GED

Job description

Job Description

Posting Expires: 9/8/2026

Salary Range: $40,945.05- $51,181.31

General Description And Classification Standards

This position operates collection trucks, vehicles and other equipment for an assigned department in a safe and effective manner with a valid Georgia Commercial Driver’s License with Class A or B endorsement as appropriate to equipment operated. Duties include, but are not limited to; operating trucks, equipment, performing basic repairs, and preparing necessary documentation. This is not an entry level position. Individuals entering this level must already possess the basic knowledge of the work and the required motor skills and physical capabilities to carry out basic tasks. Typically performs essential tasks, assists higher level workers in more complex jobs, prepares or puts away tools.

Supervision Received

Works under direct supervision and follows standard procedures and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks; may work independently or with other workers with responsibility for completion of assigned tasks.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Operates a Conventional Rear Loader garbage truck, mini-garbage truck, Tandem Dump Truck, Open Body truck, Automated Side Loader (Dual Drive), Street Sweeper, Tractor & Loader in a safe and effective manner in order to minimize the risk of injury, property damage or loss of life.
• Has the ability to frequently operate an Automated Side Loader (ASL) and Rear Loader truck and function as a driver/collector simultaneously.
• Performs manual work associated with the collection of waste which includes garbage, recycling, yard trimmings, furniture, bedding, animal waste, tires, etc.
• Performs manual work associated with the collection of waste which may require the use of shovels, rakes, brooms, or pitchforks to empty receptacles and pick up yard trimmings.
• Evaluates daily schedule to determine if a midday trip to the landfill is necessary based on the number of houses on the route ensuring the efficient use of time and resources.
• Performs vehicle pre/post-trip inspections which includes duties such as checking oil, tires, and fluid levels of vehicle along with the listed vehicle components on the inspection list.
• Maintains and secures all departmental vehicles and equipment as directed by legislation, policies and procedures which may include cleaning, performing minor repairs and/or reporting damages to supervision to ensure equipment is operable in an efficient time frame allowing for operations of daily work details to continue.
• Utilizes assigned tablet device for route completion and performance metric tracking.
• Retrieves scale reports from landfill/transfer station operators to record and maintain daily records identifying the amount of waste that was transported and dumped.
• Reviews and signs documents such as, work orders, service request forms, attendance records, daily or weekly work reports, employee records, and preventive maintenance records necessary for scheduled maintenance or for warranties.
• Effectively communicates and interacts with management, employees, and members of the general public.

Decision Making

Works under general supervision. Depending on the objective, may work within team or independently with responsibility for an assigned task or project, providing direction to crew members. Follows standardized procedures and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks. Makes independent judgments in absence of supervision.

Leadership Provided

May provide training to new-hires, temporary or contract workers which may include safety rules, equipment operation, standard operating procedures, etc. Acts as a front-line leader among other Operators, collection staff and assigned crew members.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of the safe operating procedures and user maintenance on all equipment operated.

Knowledge of the routes and schedules of operation to meet daily goals for collection.

Skill in operating vehicles, equipment, and tools.

Requires the ability to effectively use written and verbal communication to convey or exchange professional information.

Requires the ability to learn and understand subject matter principles and techniques.

Must have the physically ability to operate a variety of job related machines at efficiency level requirements.

Must be able to perform physical labor as well as move or carry related objects or materials.

Requires the ability to use simple mathematical formulas; add and subtract; multiply and divide; determine percentages; and determine or interpret time and weight.

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, shape and shade of color.

Requires the ability to interact with supervisors and customers beyond giving the receiving instructions. Requires the ability to operate a communication device.

Minimum Qualifications – Education And Experience

High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

Six months of experience operating heavy trucks or other large equipment.

Preferred Education & Experience

High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

1 year of equipment operating experience in the Solid Waste Environment.

Licensures and Certifications

Must possess a valid Georgia Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Class A or B endorsement.

Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT card).

Must posses the ability to obtain Defensive Driving Certification upon onboarding.

HAZ MAT certification (desired).

Essential Capabilities And Work Environment

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