Solid Waste Collection Operator - Residential

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Employment Type

Job Summary

CDL Driver – Residential Solid Waste Collection Operator
City of Olathe | $24.23–$32.42 per hour, depending on qualifications

The City of Olathe is seeking a dependable, full-time Residential Solid Waste Collection Operator to perform residential collection services for Olathe residents.

The Residential Solid Waste Collection Operator operates solid waste collection vehicles and related equipment to collect, transport, and unload household trash and other approved residential waste materials. Responsibilities include completing assigned collection routes safely and efficiently; conducting routine vehicle inspections; reporting equipment, route, and safety concerns; and providing professional customer service to residents.

Join a team that delivers reliable, essential public services to the Olathe community. This position offers local routes, the opportunity to be home daily, and meaningful work that helps keep Olathe neighborhoods clean, safe, and well maintained.

Typical Duties

• Operates automated, semi-automated, or rear-load refuse collection vehicles and related equipment on assigned residential routes.

• Collects, transports, and unloads household trash and other approved residential waste materials.

• Safely operates vehicle controls, lifting devices, compactors, and collection equipment around residents, parked vehicles, traffic, and narrow residential streets.

• Conducts pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, performs basic cleaning and routine maintenance, and reports vehicle or equipment concerns.

• Follows traffic laws, safe-driving practices, departmental procedures, and applicable safety requirements.

• Services containers, returns them to an appropriate location when feasible, and leaves collection areas orderly.

• Identifies and reports unsafe conditions, prohibited materials, damaged containers, missed collections, route obstructions, accidents, and service issues.

• Uses radios, mobile devices, and work-order systems to communicate route status, missed pickups, access issues, and other operational concerns.

• Completes route logs, inspection reports, work orders, incident reports, and other required documentation.

• Provides professional, courteous customer service to residents regarding collection schedules, set-out requirements, and service concerns.

• Assists with special collections, storm debris response, seasonal programs, crew coverage, and other Public Works assignments as needed.

What We’re Looking For

• Valid Kansas Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and a favorable driving record.

• Dependability, punctuality, and the ability to consistently complete assigned routes and duties.

• Ability to follow safety procedures, work independently, and make sound decisions in the field.

• Commitment to reliable public service, teamwork, and respectful interactions with residents and coworkers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous commercial vehicle operating experience.

• Experience in sanitation, public works, commercial driving, construction hauling, or other heavy-truck operations.

Work Schedule

• Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., or until all assigned routes are completed.

• Holidays off: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

• Other holidays: Work is required on all other City-observed holidays, as scheduled.

Compensation and Benefits

This position offers competitive pay, comprehensive City benefits, local routes, and a $4,000 new-hire bonus .

The bonus is paid in three installments:

1. $1,000 after 30 days of continuous employment

2, $1,000 after six months of continuous employment

3. $2,000 after one year of continuous employment

To receive each installment, employees must be actively employed on the payout date and successfully meeting introductory-period requirements. Current City of Olathe employees are not eligible for the new-hire bonus.

For information about City benefits, click here.

If you are a safety-focused CDL driver who wants to serve the community, work local routes, and be home daily, we encourage you to apply.

For more details, review the full job details and requirements below.

The Solid Waste Collection Operator performs the activities and operations of the assigned solid waste collection work group by the collection of residential, commercial, curbside recycling and bulky item refuse. The pick-up of material may be by automated, semi-automated or manual. This position performs skilled refuse equipment operation and routine maintenance of equipment and adheres to all safe work practices, safety procedures and safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepares refuse collection equipment for daily operations by conducting pre-operations inspection, routine maintenance and cleaning of the equipment, ensuring proper working condition; ensures that the equipment and vehicles associated with the division are operated in compliance with Federal, State and local codes, ordinances and regulations.

• Completes daily route assignments and transports refuse to the Solid Waste Transfer Station or approved disposal, recycling, or composting facility as directed.

• Completes daily reports and related documentation and correspondence for operations within the area of responsibility.

• Cooperates with immediate supervisors to ensure customer service requests are resolved, responding to public inquiries in a courteous manner, providing information within the area of assignment and resolving complaints in an efficient and timely manner.

• Takes a role in implementing the safety culture of the division; ensures adherence to safe work practices, procedures and compliance with Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Qualifications

Experience : One year of related experience is preferred.

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Licenses & Certifications : A class B commercial driver’s license with air-brake endorsement and favorable driving record are required.