Sanitation Equipment Operator

Sanitation Equipment Operator (Trainee – Level III)

City of Boca Raton, Florida

Build a Stable Career That Matters — Join the City of Boca Raton

The City of Boca Raton is hiring Sanitation Equipment Operators and Trainees to provide an essential service that keeps our community clean, safe, and beautiful. This is a fulltime, union position (SEIU) offering paid training, strong job security, excellent benefits, and a clear path for advancement .

Whether you’re launching a new career or bringing professional driving experience, this role offers longterm growth, dependable income, and outstanding City benefits.

Why Join the City of Boca Raton?

Career Growth & Advancement

• Structured progression: Trainee → Operator I → Operator II → Operator III
• Promotions based on skill, performance, and safety
• Pay increases at each level

Competitive Pay

• Trainee: $20.40/hour
• Operator I: $21.48/hour
• Operator II: $22.00/hour
• Operator III: $22.56/hour
  Higher placement may be available based on experience.

Exceptional Benefits Package (SEIU)

Paid Time Off

• Annual Leave:



• 8–14 hours per month based on years of service
• Up to 360 hours maximum accrual
• Annual cashout option (up to 40 hours per year)



• Sick Leave:
• 8 hours per month
• Sick leave payouts at termination or retirement (up to 50%)

Paid Holidays

• 15 paid holidays per year
• 12 fixed holidays
• Up to 3 floating holidays

Health Insurance

• 100% Citypaid employee medical (base plan)
• Dental, vision, and dependent coverage available

Retirement & Financial Security

• Defined Contribution Plan:
• No employee contribution required
• City contributes 7% of annual base pay
• 1year vesting



• OR Defined Benefit Pension Plan:
• 2.0% multiplier
• 10year vesting



• Optional 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Service & Incentive Pay

• Annual Continuous Service Bonus:
• $600 (5–10 years)
• $800 (10–15 years)
• $1,000 (15+ years)

Education & Career Development

• Tuition reimbursement for eligible fulltime employees
• Paid training and certifications provided

Additional Paid Leave

• Funeral leave (up to 5 days)
• Military reserve leave (up to 30 paid days per year)

Position Summary

Performs responsible semiskilled work operating refuse collection vehicles to collect and transport solid waste. Work is performed under regular supervision, with limited supervision exercised over assigned crew members. Employees may be designated as essential personnel during emergencies.

Career Path & Hiring Structure

All employees are hired as Sanitation Equipment Operator Trainees .

• Field testing occurs within the first 30 days
• Eligible employees may be promoted to Operator I
• Advancement to Operator II and III is based on skill, experience, and performance
  This structure ensures safety, proper training, and longterm success.

Essential Duties

Depending on classification level, duties include:

• Operate refuse collection vehicles:
• Trainee / Operator I: Rearload and flatbed trucks
• Operator II: Sideload, rearload, flatbed trucks
• Operator III: Frontload, grappleload, sideload, rearload, flatbed trucks





• Collect residential and bulk waste on assigned routes
• Operate hydraulic systems for compacting and dumping refuse
• Transport waste to designated disposal facilities
• Conduct vehicle inspections, cleaning, fueling, and preventative maintenance
• Follow all traffic laws and safety procedures
• Direct assigned crew members
• Maintain awareness of surroundings to ensure safety of the public and coworkers

Minimum Qualifications

Sanitation Equipment Operator Trainee

• Education and experience equivalent to completion of 10th grade
• Valid Florida Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with required endorsements
• High school diploma or GED preferred

Sanitation Equipment Operator I

• Education and experience equivalent to completion of 10th grade
• Valid Florida Class B CDL
• Minimum two (2) years of related experience
• High school diploma or GED preferred

Special Requirement (SEIU Agreement)

Employees must have been tobaccofree for at least one (1) year prior to hire and must remain tobaccofree on and off duty throughout employment.

Physical & Work Environment

• Frequent climbing, standing, walking, bending, and lifting
• Operates heavy vehicles and equipment
• Outdoor work in heat, humidity, noise, and weather conditions
• Occasional lifting of objects up to 100 pounds

PostOffer Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of:

• Criminal background check
• Motor vehicle record (MVR) check
• Employment verification
• Physical examination
• Drug & alcohol screening

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Boca Raton is an Equal Opportunity, Inclusive, Veteran’s Preference Employer and DrugFree Workplace . We value diversity and prohibit discrimination in all employment practices