Solid Waste Operator II

City of Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Atlanta is seeking an experienced Public Works equipment operator to safely operate garbage trucks and related vehicles in our department. A valid Georgia CDL with Class A or B endorsement is required for the equipment operated.

The role involves waste collection, vehicle inspections, and documentation. It includes supporting daily schedules, maintaining equipment, and training new staff as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, or equivalent.
• One year experience operating rear loader garbage truck, tandem dump truck, mechanical street sweeper, knuckleboom, front-end loader, rubber tire loader, or similar equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operates various garbage trucks and equipment per safety standards.
• Performs manual waste collection including household garbage, yard trimmings, and related items.
• Delivers bins as requested and cuts grass as needed.
• Performs pre/post-trip inspections and documents maintenance.
• Retrieves scale reports and maintains daily records of waste transported.

Skills

Safe operating procedures

Operating vehicles

Physical stamina

Written and verbal communication

Independent judgment

Learning new material

Math skills

Item inspection

People interaction

Perform under stress

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Salary Range: $42,582.85-$53,228.56

General Description and Classification Standards:

Operates garbage trucks, vehicles and other equipment for the Public Works 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. Operates trucks, equipment, performs repairs, and prepares necessary documentation. This is an experienced, skilled or technical level capable of carrying out most assignments typical of the position or specialty with limited guidance or review. This level would be considered a promotional level and attainable by any incumbents in a work group who demonstrate the necessary knowledge, ability, and performance. Could be the only position in this specialty in a work group.

Job Description

Posting Expires: 9/8/2026

Salary Range: $42,582.85-$53,228.56

General Description and Classification Standards: Operates garbage trucks, vehicles and other equipment for the Public Works 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. Operates trucks, equipment, performs repairs, and prepares necessary documentation. This is an experienced, skilled or technical level capable of carrying out most assignments typical of the position or specialty with limited guidance or review. This level would be considered a promotional level and attainable by any incumbents in a work group who demonstrate the necessary knowledge, ability, and performance. Could be the only position in this specialty in a work group.

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 specialized work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

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

• Operates dual-drive garbage truck, conventional rear loader garbage truck, MAD VAC, mini- garbage truck, tandem dump truck or open body dump truck in a safe and effective manner in order to minimize the risk of injury, property damage or loss of life.
• Performs manual work associated with the collection of waste which may include household garbage, trash, yard trimmings, furniture, bedding, animal waste, tires, etc.
• Performs manual work associated with the collection of waste which may include the use of shovels, rakes, brooms, or pitchforks to empty receptacles and pick up yard trimmings.
• Ensures all items for bulk collection are picked up.
• Delivers bins as requested.
• Cuts grass as requested.
• 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 may include duties such as checking oil, tires, and fluid levels of vehicle.
• 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 timeframe allowing operations of daily work details to continue.
• Retrieves scale reports from landfill operators to record and maintain daily records identifying the amount of waste that was transported and dumped.
• Tests new equipment as requested.
• 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 warranties.
• Effectively communicates and interacts with management, employees, and members of the general public.
• Provides training to new-hires, temporary or contract workers which may include safety rules, equipment operation, standard operating procedures, etc., as requested.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

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:

• Knowledge of safe operating procedures for the various trucks and other rolling stock that may have to be operated in completing daily assignments.
• Skill in operating vehicles, equipment, and tools.
• Ability to physically operate a variety of job-related trucks and machines at a satisfactory level required for active work.
• Ability to perform physical labor as well as move or carry related objects or materials.
• Ability to effectively use written and verbal communication to convey or exchange professional information.
• Ability to learn and understand subject matter principles and techniques.
• Ability to make independent judgments in absence of supervision.
• Ability to acquire and expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.
• Ability to use simple mathematical formulas; add and subtract; multiply and divide; determine percentages; and determine or interpret time and weight.
• Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape.
• Ability to interact with people beyond giving/receiving instructions.
• Ability to adapt to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience –

• High school diploma, or equivalent.
• One (1) year experience operating Rear Loader Garbage Truck, Tandem Dump Truck, Mechanical Street Sweeper, Knuckleboom, Front-End Loader, Rubber Tire Loader, or other equipment that would prepare applicant to operate Public Works equipment utilized by the position.

Licensures and Certifications – Valid Class “A” or “B” CDL State of Georgia Drivers license.

Preferred Requirements – Two (2) years’ experience operating commercial trucks or other equipment that would prepare applicant to operate Public Works equipment utilized by the position.

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.