Solid Waste Collector

Salary: $46,995.00 - $65,772.00 Annually
Location : Solid Waste Services 630 Beacon Lake Drive, Raleigh, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00609
Department: Solid Waste Core Services
Opening Date: 09/29/2026
Closing Date: 10/6/2026 12:00 AM Eastern
Work Hours: Tuesday - Friday; 6:00 am - 4:30 pm
Hiring Range: $46,995.00 - $56,333.00


Job Description
Would you like an opportunity to join one of the many teams dedicated to maintaining high-quality public services within a city that has been ranked as one of the best places to live year over year? If so, the City of Raleigh Solid Waste Services Department is seeking a highly resourceful, adaptable, multi-tasker with solid critical thinking and communications skills for our Solid Waste Collector position.


This Solid Waste Collector position supports the Core and Special Services divisions within the Solid Waste Services Department. Depending on the assignment, this position provides labor required to load garbage, recycling and yard waste materials into vehicles for disposal.
About Us:

Solid Waste Services collects and processes residential garbage, recycling, yard waste materials, and several specialized collection services. Our department is committed to providing high-quality waste management, disposal, and recycling services for all our valued customers. As an essential and critical service, we take great pride in preserving and protecting the community's natural resources and sustainable growth.

Duties and Responsibilities


The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Loads waste on daily routes into the back of a collection truck; loads recyclable materials into recycling truck; and loads yard waste into rear loader vehicles
• Assist equipment operator with backing up the vehicle, provides route support for directions and turns, and communicates any spotted hazards or obstacles
• Delivers, repairs, assembles and removes collection carts as needed
• Communicates with residents as needed regarding questions about collection dates and acceptable materials that can be collected. Properly tags any waste items left curbside that are not acceptable for pick-up
• Assist in preventative maintenance, cleaning, and upkeep of vehicles
• Collects waste from backdoor service locations and curbside containers for loading into rear loader trucks
• May be asked to operate non-CDL vehicles such as pup trucks and alley trucks

Typical Qualifications
Education and Experience:
High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalency; Less than 1 year experience in construction, maintenance or related work

OR

Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted

Licensing and Certifications:

• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire

Additional Information
Knowledge Of:

• Acceptable materials that can be collected
• Standard practices, methods and materials of assigned work
• Occupational hazards and applicable safety principles and practices
• Uses and properties of supplies and equipment

Skill In:

• Customer Service
• Following directions and meeting standards
• Providing attention to detail in assignments

Ability To:

• Communicate with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work directions
• Operate assigned tools and equipment
• Comprehend maps and directions

ADA and Other Requirements:

Work Environment and Physical Effort:
Heavy: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Work Environment:
Work is typically performed in an outdoor or street environment (near moving traffic), at a construction site and in or around vehicles. Employees may occasionally work in an office or similar indoor environment.

Work Exposures:
There is frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles and loud noises. Employees may occasionally be exposed to individuals who are hostile or irate, individuals with known violent backgrounds, extreme cold (below 32 degrees), extreme heat (above 100 degrees), communicable diseases, and toxic or caustic chemicals or substances.

City of Raleigh is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
When you join the City of Raleigh's work family as a full-time employee, your benefits are an important part of your "total rewards". Your benefits impact many aspects of your life including your health, your finances, and the protection of your family. The City provides a comprehensive benefits package as part of our total rewards program to support you through important events in your life, to enhance your life outside work, and to help you plan and prepare for the future.


To find out about the City's benefits package, and other programs, please visit our Employee Benefits page:

The City employs temporary and seasonal employees who generally are scheduled to work on a short-term basis. However, if you are hired as a temporary or seasonal employee, or as an intern, you are not eligible for the City of Raleigh's benefits.
01


Please select your highest level of education completed.

• Some high school
• High school diploma (or GED)
• Some college
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• PhD or other professional degree

02


How much relevant or comparable work experience do you have in construction, maintenance or a related field?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to less than 2 years
• 2 to less than 3 years
• 3 to less than 4 years
• 4 to less than 5 years
• 5 to less than 6 years
• 6 to less than 7 years
• 7 to less than 8 years
• 8 to less than 9 years
• 9 to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

03


Do you have a valid North Carolina Driver's License Class C or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire?

• Yes, I currently have a valid NC Driver's License.
• I do not currently have a valid NC Driver's License, but I can obtain one within 60 days of hire.
• No, I do not currently have a valid NC Driver's License and NO, I cannot obtain one within 60 days of hire.

04


Are you willing to work weekends, holidays, and other irregular work schedules as needed?

• Yes
• No

05


How many years of experience do you have in waste management, recycling or yard waste collection?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

06


This is a field work position that involves exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, inclement weather conditions, and working around heavy equipment. How many years of field work experience do you have?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

07


Have you ever been terminated or forced to resign from a position?

• Yes
• No

08


If you answered "yes" to being terminated or forced to resign, please provide an explanation and the date.
Required Question