Truck Driver I - Solid Waste

City of Decatur; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Decatur in Alabama seeks a dedicated worker to operate a refuse collection truck with a hydraulic packer on assigned routes. The role emphasizes safety, efficiency, and courteous service while collecting solid waste and performing basic vehicle maintenance.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid Alabama Class B CDL with a clean driving record, and the ability to pass standard tests. Duties include inspections, paperwork, and responsive customer service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Sufficient experience operating trucks and automotive equipment, usually 1–2 years.
• Must have Alabama Class B CDL with clean driving record.
• Ability to pass driving test, pre-employment physical, and drug testing.
• Visual ability to operate vehicles safely and maneuver different sizes.

Responsibilities

• Operate a refuse collection truck with hydraulic packer following routes safely and legally.
• Assist in collecting and loading refuse; empty containers and load trash.
• Unload at landfill or designated disposal site.
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections and minor maintenance.
• Complete daily reports and time sheets; maintain records.
• Address customer service issues tactfully with the public.
• Report violations of waste collection regulations to supervisor.
• Perform related duties including cart maintenance and leaf collection.

Skills

Truck operation

Customer service

Route management

Safety compliance

Vehicle inspection

Written reports

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Packer refuse truck operation

Pre-trip inspections

Job description

Job Summary

This position operates a refuse collection truck equipped with a hydraulic packer along assigned routesto collect solid waste in a safe, efficient, and courteous manner. The role includes vehicle maintenance and inspections, customer service, and related duties.

Job Summary

This position operates a refuse collection truck equipped with a hydraulic packer along assigned routesto collect solid waste in a safe, efficient, and courteous manner. The role includes vehicle maintenance and inspections, customer service, and related duties.

Major Duties

• Operates a refuse collection truck with hydraulic packer and dump in a safe and legal manner on assigned routes.
• Assists in collecting and loading refuse as needed; lifts and dumps refuse containers into the truck; empties garbage cans and loads trash (limbs, leaves, grass, etc.).
• Unloads truck at the landfill or designated disposal site.
• Conducts daily pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections to ensure safety and operability; performs minor maintenance, greasing, cleaning, and reports needed repairs.
• Completes daily reports, time sheets, and maintains accurate records.
• Resolves customer service complaints and deals with citizens in a tactful and diplomatic manner.
• Reports violations of solid waste collection regulations to supervisor.
• Performs related duties such as repairing and maintaining carts, mowing/trimming grass and weeds, assisting with leaf collection, and emergency call-outs as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Sufficient experience in the operation of trucks and related automotive equipment, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having held a similar position for one to two years.
• Must possess and maintain a current and valid Alabama Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a clean driving record.
• Ability to pass a standard driving test, pre-employment physical, and random drug testing.
• Eyesight sufficient to operate vehicles safely; ability to maneuver various sized vehicles.
• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and safety principles of packer-type refuse collection trucks and related equipment.
• Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, and defensive driving practices applicable to commercial vehicles.
• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures related to solid waste collection.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and applicable safety precautions in refuse collection operations.
• Skill in the safe operation of large, heavy-duty trucks and associated hydraulic equipment.
• Skill in planning, organization, decision-making, and route management.
• Skill in providing excellent customer service and maintaining effective working relationships with supervisors, crew members, and the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication, including the ability to read, write, and prepare reports.
• Ability to acquire rapid knowledge of city streets, addresses, and geography.

Guidelines

• Guidelines include city and department policies and procedures, traffic laws, and equipment operation manuals. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The work consists of related vehicle operation, team operations, and manual labor duties. Inclement weather conditions, heavy traffic, and customer interactions contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to collect solid waste efficiently and safely. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of city solid waste management functions.

Contacts

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, crew members, supervisors, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, and ensure safe operations.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The work is typically performed while standing, walking, bending, stooping, crouching, climbing, kneeling, grasping, throwing, and lifting heavy objects. The employee frequently uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• The work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in extreme or inclement weather (heat, cold, rain, etc.). The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, traffic hazards, potential biological/chemical hazards from household garbage, contagious diseases, or irritating chemicals. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.
• Requires physical strength and endurance for heavy manual labor, walking on uneven/rough terrain, and prolonged sitting while driving.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

• None.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

01. Do you have a High School dipolma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02. Do you have a good driving history?

• Yes
• No

03. Have your driver's privileges ever been suspended, canceled, revoked, or disqualified in any city or state?

• Yes
• No

04. Have you ever been disquaified from driving or operating a commercial vehicle?

• Yes
• No

05. Do you have or can you obtain a valid Alabama driver's license?

• Yes
• No

06. Do you have a current/valid Alabama class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL)?

• Yes
• No

07. Are you willing to work early morning shifts (including starting before 6:00 AM)?

• Yes
• No

08. Are you able to work around traffic and in residential areas safely?

• Yes
• No

09. Are you able to perform daily vehicle inspections and basic maintenance checks?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question