Solid Waste Operator III

City of Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Atlanta seeks an experienced equipment operator for solid waste duties. Operates knuckle boom trucks, sweepers, and related equipment in a safe and efficient manner, handling waste collection tasks across assigned routes.

Position requires a valid Georgia CDL with Class A or B endorsement and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Heavy lifting and routine inspections are part of the role, with opportunities to advance within the Public Works Department.

Qualifications

• Education – High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–3 years of experience operating light to heavy commercial vehicles.
• Must possess a valid Georgia Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Class A or B endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Operates knuckle boom truck and other equipment safely to minimize risk.
• Performs waste collection duties including household trash and yard trimmings.
• Uses shovels, rakes, brooms as needed for waste collection.
• Evaluates daily schedule to optimize time and resources.
• Conducts vehicle pre/post-trip inspections and reports issues.
• Maintains and secures department vehicles and equipment per policy.

Skills

Safe vehicle operation

Equipment operation

Manual labor

Schedule evaluation

Pre/post-trip inspections

Record keeping

Supervisory duties

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Salary Range: $44,286.17- $55,357.71

General Description and Classification Standards

Operates knuckle boom truck, vehicles and other equipment for an assigned department in a safe and effective manner with valid Georgia Commercial Driver’s License as appropriate to equipment operated. Operates trucks, equipment, performs repairs, and prepares necessary documentation. This is a fully seasoned skilled level capable of independently carrying out most assignments typical of the discipline. This level would be attainable by multiple incumbents in a work group (not necessarily by all), but would not be an "automatic" promotional level.

Job Description

Posting Expires: 9/8/2026

Salary Range: $44,286.17- $55,357.71

General Description and Classification Standards

Operates knuckle boom truck, vehicles and other equipment for an assigned department in a safe and effective manner with valid Georgia Commercial Driver’s License as appropriate to equipment operated. Operates trucks, equipment, performs repairs, and prepares necessary documentation. This is a fully seasoned skilled level capable of independently carrying out most assignments typical of the discipline. This level would be attainable by multiple incumbents in a work group (not necessarily by all), but would not be an "automatic" promotional level.

Supervision Received

Works under minimal supervision; can set own work sequence and pace within process/department limitations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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

• Operates knuckle boom truck, sweeper, container/front end-loader, rubber tire loader, garbage truck, mini truck and other equipment 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.
• 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 time frame 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.
• 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.
• Acts in place of supervisor in his/her absence.
• Effectively communicates and interacts with management, employees, and members of the general public.
• Has supervisory authority over a small work group, frequently with intermediate team or crew leaders or a group of highly specialized employees, to include training, coaching, discipline, performance management, scheduling, training, etc.
• 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

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

• Knowledge of the safe and efficient operations of the various types of large equipment used by the solid waste division of the Public Works Department.
• Skill in operating vehicles, equipment, and tools.
• Ability to physically operate a variety of job-related machines at level requirements 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 topic 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 coordinate body members in using job related equipment.
• 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) to three (3) years of experience in the operation of light to heavy-sized commercial vehicles.

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

Preferred Requirements – Thee (3) or more years of experience in the operation of light to heavy-sized commercial vehicles; HAZMAT certification.

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.