Solid Waste Equipment Operator

About This Position

The Public Works Department strives to improve the quality of life in Phoenix through efficient delivery of outstanding solid waste, fleet, facilities, and energy management services. Solid Waste Equipment Operators operate solid waste collection trucks and other heavy equipment used for collecting refuse, recycling, and other waste material. The majority of solid waste collection trucks are right side driven.

• Daily CDL pre-trip and post-trip inspections to include 7-step air brake check.
• Reading and understanding collection route maps and following a designated route.
• Using a GPS system.
• Data entry into on-board computer system.
• Cleaning waste buildup on equipment.
• Identifying needed equipment repairs and making necessary equipment adjustments.

Also Include Routine climbing in and out of equipment, performing light manual labor, providing customer service, and meeting established performance standards. Work will be performed in extreme weather and environmental conditions.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Ideal Candidate Possess Demonstrated commercial driving experience for at least 12 months. The ability to safely maneuver a large truck through tight spaces and turns (i.e. alleyways, narrow streets with parked cars). Basic computer skills.

PAY

SALARY
Pay Range: $26.70 to $35.78 per hour.
Hiring Range: $26.70 to $30.92 per hour.
Pay Range Explanation: Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification. Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

Your job classification can be found in eCHRIS > Personal Details under your name, located in the top left section of the page. The pay grade and classification/unit of your current position may be found by looking up your job title on the job description page.

BENEFITS

A comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes:
Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information.
401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions.
Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans.
Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan.
Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually.
Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
Employer paid long-term disability.
Free Bus/light rail pass.
Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year.
Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days.
Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period.
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi. For more details, visit: Unit 001 Benefits

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of City of Phoenix Solid Waste Equipment Operator Apprenticeship.
• One year experience operating trucks with a gross weight of 26,001 or more pounds.
• Possession of appropriate commercial driver's license (CDL) at time of hire. Must possess a Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) with a Class A Instructional Permit at the time of application OR a Class B CDL (for limited positions).
• Transfer station assignments require a valid Class A Commercial Driver License without a L, Z, or O restriction.
• Must pass an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) medical examination.

All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position. These positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience With Following designated routes with multiple stops and reading grid or route maps.
• Operating a solid waste vehicle.
• Providing customer service.

WORK AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Working irregular hours, second and/or third shifts, weekends, holidays, and evenings. Working outside in a variety of environmental extremes such as heat, cold, rain, air pollution, and dust. For most positions, up-righting overturned containers and cleaning up solid waste spills may be required. For some positions, pushing metal front load bins on wheels weighing over 100 pounds may be required.

RECRUITMENT DATES

Recruitment closes July 24, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date. This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.

How To Apply

Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.

What To Expect Next

Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an outdoor skills assessment and panel interview on Thursday, August 20, 2026. An invitation to select an interview time and location information will be sent to the qualified candidate's primary email address.

Outdoor Skills Assessment And Panel Interview

• Written Assessment - This evaluates CDL general knowledge and map reading.
• 7-Step Air Brake Assessment - Candidates must pass this assessment to proceed to the next exercise.
• Vehicle Walk-Around Assessment.
• Serpentine Assessment - This is a vehicle maneuvering exercise.
• Agility Assessment - This simulates the daily duties of an uncontained ground worker, including entering and exiting a solid waste collection vehicle up to 100 times a day. Candidates must pass this assessment to proceed to the next exercise.
• Panel Interview - Opportunity to talk through your skills and experience and ask questions about the role.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Job interviews may be held by video or audio conference. If you are in need of computer resources, click here for free options. Arizona at Work has frequent classes to help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and general career guidance. Click here for more information. Explore other Employment Opportunities with the City of Phoenix. Subscribe to receive e-mail notifications about new employment opportunities. If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to an accessibility issue, please contact the Human Resources Department by phone at (602) 495-5700 or by text at (800) 367-8939. You may also fill out and submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.

REFERENCE

Solid Waste Equipment Operator, JC:72080, ID# 62336, 7/13/26, USM, AJ, Benefits:001 Building the Phoenix of tomorrow. #DoWorkThatMakesPhoenixWork City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.