Solid Waste- CDL Trainee

CDL Trainee Program For Sanitation Workers

Make a difference in the community you live in! The City of Racine is pleased to welcome applicants for our CDL Trainee program for Sanitation Workers. You will have a direct impact on the lives of your neighbors by helping to build and improve your community. This is entry level work learning the skills necessary for safely and courteously operating a garbage truck. This position reports directly to a designated supervisor and will require several hours of classroom and field work.

This position is open to applicants who currently hold a valid CDL permit and are working toward obtaining their full Commercial Driver's License. Valid CDL Air Brake, Combination, and General Knowledge permits prior to application required.

Essential Duties

• Safely operate a 25-yard rear loading refuse truck
• Safely drive refuse vehicle to and from Transfer station.
• Safely drive refuse vehicle to and from recycling Transfer site.
• Safely remove and dispose of solid waste materials placed out for collection. Some carts and items may be extremely heavy.
• Safely remove and deliver recyclable materials to various collection sites.
• Safely operate equipment and perform tasks associated with snow and ice control, which includes snow plowing, spreading salt, and shoveling sidewalks and crosswalks.
• Acts as a first line customer service representative by maintaining positive relations with citizens in the community.
• Performs pre and post operation vehicle inspection. Records any physical deficiencies on required documents.
• Completes accident, incident, and/or other miscellaneous reports to document unusual occurrences.
• Operates communications equipment in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and department rules and regulations.
• Will be required to respond under emergency conditions.
• Must maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record.
• Perform related tasks as assigned by Supervision

Environmental Conditions of the Position

• Exposure to loud noise, exhaust fumes, traffic, dust, and outdoor weather conditions (including extreme heat and cold).
• Work will require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions. Work may require performance of tasks in extreme road and/or weather conditions.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to read and comprehend written materials, such as, training materials, departmental rules, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handbook, etc.
• Ability to read and understand various street maps and routing associated with these maps.
• Ability to operate various trucks and equipment in a safe and proficient manner.
• Ability to work effectively with coworkers, management and the general public.
• Ability to communicate with the public in a proficient and courteous manner.
• Ability to follow established guidelines, procedures, and policies designed to maintain a safe and efficient work place.
• Ability to maintain continuous professional attitude, appearance and conduct at all times.
• Ability to perform physical tasks as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Valid CDL Air Brake, Combination, and General Knowledge permits prior to application required.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid State of Wisconsin Class "D" driver's license.

Special Requirements

• Successfully complete in-house Entry Level Driver Training Course and pass the Department of Motor Vehicles Road test (CDL Skills Exam) for CDL Class A within 180 Days.
• Once the CDL Class A is obtained, the pay rate will increase to $26.95.

Physical Demands of the Position

• Work will require performing tasks in and around heavy traffic.
• Work will require tasks that involve walking, sitting, standing, twisting, bending, crouching, and/or kneeling and balancing, lifting up to 50 lbs., pushing/pulling up to a maximum of 100 lbs., climbing stairs and overhead work.
• Also may involve the complex operation of gasoline, electric or diesel powered machinery requiring the manipulation skills in performing a variety of tasks with the full range of hand and power tools.
• Must be physically able to safely maneuver and operate a garbage truck that includes hand eye coordination with repetitious head movements, such as, turning the head left and right frequently.
• Work requires normal color vision to distinguish the color and severity of many traffic control and safety devices.
• Must be able to communicate orally, see physical surroundings, listen, hear others, respond, and demonstrate good communication skills.

Equipment Used

• 25 Yard Rear Loading Refuse Truck
• Pick-up Truck

Benefits

City Employee Benefits - 2026

• Health Insurance
• Health Savings Account (H.S.A.)
• Racine Employee Health & Wellness Center
• Life Insurance
• Pension
• Vacation
• Holidays
• Sick Leave
• Casual Days
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Plans
• Short Term Disability Policy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation
• Supplemental Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Wellness Incentive
• Fitness Reimbursement
• City of Racine Residency