Solid Waste & Recycling Collections CDL Driver

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

North Carolina State University is hiring a Solid Waste & Recycling Collections CDL Driver to operate collection trucks and maintain campus cleanliness. This role involves completing collection routes, transporting materials, and performing basic equipment maintenance.

Ideal candidates should have a valid Class A or B CDL, experience with heavy equipment, and strong problem-solving skills. The position requires effective communication and the ability to work independently in varied outdoor environments.

Qualifications

• Valid NC Driver’s License required.
• Experience operating commercial collection vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of DOT regulations and safe driving practices.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate front-end loading collection trucks to service dumpsters.
• Complete assigned collection routes servicing an average of 50 locations.
• Transport collected materials to designated facilities.

Skills

Commercial driving

Basic vehicle maintenance

Time management

Problem-solving

Education

Valid Commercial Driver’s License Class A or B

Tools

Front-end loaders

Container carriers

Forklifts

Job description

Solid Waste & Recycling Collections CDL Driver

Join NC State Facilities as a Solid Waste & Recycling Collections CDL Driver and help keep our campus clean, safe, and sustainable. In this role, you will operate front‑end loading collection trucks to service landfill, recycling, and compost containers across campus while ensuring safe and efficient operations.

As part of a skilled team of professional drivers, you will transport materials to disposal and recycling facilities, perform basic equipment maintenance, and support the University’s goal of diverting 70% of waste from landfills. This is a great opportunity for a safety‑focused CDL professional who enjoys working independently, operating heavy equipment, and making a meaningful impact on the NC State community.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Safely operate front‑end loading collection trucks and container carrier vehicles to service campus dumpsters.
• Complete assigned collection routes, servicing an average of 50 locations per day.
• Transport collected materials to designated disposal, recycling, or compost facilities.
• Adapt to unplanned service needs, route changes, and emergency operations.
• Conduct daily pre‑ and post‑trip vehicle inspections and complete required documentation.
• Utilize onboard technologies such as electronic routing systems, vehicle scales, and cameras.
• Identify and report safety concerns, service issues, equipment damage, or incidents.
• Operate vehicles safely in high‑traffic and confined campus environments.
• Perform basic vehicle and equipment maintenance—including greasing components, checking fluids, and replacing lights or filters.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members and maintain positive customer relationships.
• Possess technical knowledge of collection equipment such as front‑end loaders, container carriers, rear loaders, dumpsters, and compactors. May operate other equipment such as forklifts, backhoes, and snow removal equipment as needed.
• Lift and transport materials weighing up to 60 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations and perform a wide range of physically demanding tasks in varied outdoor environments, ensuring safe handling practices and maintaining productivity in varying weather and terrain conditions.

Other Responsibilities

• Operate snow plows, apply brine solution to streets, and use other snow removal equipment as needed during adverse weather events.
• Work rotating schedules, early morning shifts, holidays, weekends, overtime, and emergency call‑outs as required.
• Respond to emergency situations as needed, including working non‑standard, odd, or split shifts to support operational continuity.
• All of the above activities may require overtime work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Minimum Experience/Education

Requires appropriate licenses or certifications to operate assigned types of vehicles or equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating commercial collection vehicles or heavy equipment in a safety‑regulated environment.
• Knowledge of DOT regulations, safe driving practices, and vehicle inspection procedures.
• Ability to perform basic equipment and vehicle maintenance and identify mechanical issues.
• Strong time management, reliability, and ability to work independently while adapting to changing routes or priorities.

Required License or Certification

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License, Class A or B, and must be maintained.

Valid NC Driver’s License required.

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 for assistance.