Solid Waste Equipment Operator - Public Works

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.

Duties also include:

• Performing 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.
• Use of a GPS system.
• Operating a two-way radio.
• Data entry into on-board computer system.
• Cleaning waste buildup on equipment.
• Identifying needed equipment repairs and making necessary equipment adjustments.
• Operators will be required to routinely climb in and out of equipment, perform light manual labor, provide customer service, and meet established performance standards.

Work will be performed in extreme weather and environmental conditions.

Transfer station assignments use the following equipment: semi-tractor trailers with full air brakes, 5th-wheel connection, and a GVW of more than 34,000 lbs.

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 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.

Internal Only: Please understand that this is pay grade 143. If selected, your salary offer will be based on the applicable promotion or demotion worksheet in accordance with the City Pay Ordinance.

• Promotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade increase.
• Demotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade decrease.
• Lateral transfers occur when there is no change to the last two digits of the pay grade.
• When there is a change in the first digit of the pay grade, there may also be a change to your classification or unit.

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.

A comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes:

• 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

• Completion of City of Phoenix Solid Waste Equipment Operator Apprenticeship.
• OR 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. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions,
• .
• The City job description can be found here.

Work and Environmental Conditions Requirements:

• 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.

The minimum qualifications listed above, plus:

Experience with:

• Following designated routes with multiple stops and reading grid or route maps.
• Operating a heavy equipment / solid waste vehicle.
• Providing customer service to internal and external customers.
• Solid Waste operations.

Recruitment closes November 18, 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.

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, December 17, 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.

Outdoor Skills Assessment Attire Requirements:

Wear appropriate work clothes to complete the skills assessment.

• Recommended attire includes jeans, a long-sleeved shirt, and work boots.
• Not permitted - shorts, tank tops, short-sleeved shirts, or open-toed footwear.

Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat, as most activities will take place outdoors.

• Job interviews may be held by video or audio conference.
If you are in need of computer resources,
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• 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.

Solid Waste Equipment Operator, JC:72080, ID# 63476, 11/6/26, 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.