Solid Waste Driver I, II, or III (Leaf and Limb)

Salary: $41,512.00 - $45,766.00 Annually
Location : Solid Waste and Recycling - 725 Hancock Industrial Way, Athens, GA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2025-03641
Department: Solid Waste
Division: Leaf & Limb
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


Purpose & Job Related Requirements
***CDL Positions HIRING INCENTIVE***

Eligible newly hired candidates hired into a position requiring a CDL will receive an incremental hiring incentive upon satisfactory job performance after completion of 3, 6, and 12 months of service.
Class A or Class B CDL: $3,000 one time hiring incentive to be paid in $1,000 increments (not added to base salary).
Continuation of this Recruitment/Hiring Incentive Program is subject to available funding and approval by the Manager.
The selected applicant for this position may come in at either a Driver I, II, or III level based on qualifications and/or assignment.
REPORTS TO: Collection Route Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System; Requires satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period
PAY GRADE : 110 - 112
SAFETY SENSITIVE: CDL Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance

Purpose of Job


The purpose of this job is to operate specialized refuse, recycling, and/or composting vehicles. Vehicles can be one or more of the following: forklift, sidewalk scrubber, pick-up truck, mini-packer/rear loader, front loading, hook lift/roll-off, or automated collection truck with an occasion tractor trailer. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, driving the vehicle along predetermined routes and collecting refuse, recycling, composting, or leaf and limb materials, and performing additional duties as assigned.

Job-Related Requirements
WORK SCHEDULE: Monday - Thursday 6:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. with occasional required Fridays.


May be required to work on religious holidays.


May be required to work a variety of shifts, both day and night.


Regular and predictable attendance is required.


Must work cooperatively with others.


When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness, and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.

Emergency Position
This position is designated as an emergency position that requires your attendance at work under all types of emergency conditions. Some examples of emergencies include inclement weather, utility failure, fire, or other forced evacuations, as determined by the Manager.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

DRIVER I ($37,652)
Must possess a valid Class C Georgia Driver's License.


Six month of Solid Waste collector, pressure washing, and/or sidewalk cleaning or related experience or any combination of education, training, and experience which would provide the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position are preferred.


A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
DRIVER II ($39,535)
High school diploma or equivalent with one year of heavy vehicle driving experience required;
OR

6 months of heavy vehicle driving experience and certificate of completion from a licensed commercial driving school approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services required;

OR
five years of heavy vehicle driving experience in solid waste vehicles, specifically automated side loader, front end loader, rear loader, roll-off, and/or boom truck required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.


Must possess a valid Class B Georgia Commercial Driver's License.


Must be able to meet the current training requirements for this position as set forth in the Solid Waste Certification Program within the required time frame.
DRIVER III ($41,512)
High school diploma or equivalent with two years of heavy vehicle experience required;

OR
Ten years of heavy vehicle driving experience in solid waste vehicles specifically automated side loader, front end loader, rear loader, roll-off, and /or boom truck or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.


Must possess a valid Class A Georgia Commercial Driver's License.


Must be able to meet the current training requirements for this position as set forth in the Solid Waste Certification Program within the required time frame.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.


Performs routine maintenance checks and services on vehicles (e.g., greasing, checking air pressure, oil and other fluid levels, washing, etc.) and determines that vehicle is in proper working condition prior to operation.


Informs appropriate personnel of necessary minor or major repairs to vehicles.


Operates hook lift truck, frontend loader, mini-rear loader, or automated side-loader on predetermined routes to collect commercial and or residential refuse, compostable and/or recyclable materials.


Operates tractor trailer, as needed, at the Center for Hard to Recycle Material (CHaRM) facility, Landfill recycling facility, and/or for the Teacher Reuse Store or other necessary departmental function.


Collects and transports to designated facilities.


Maintains daily route records and reports, including records of contaminated compostables and/or recyclables, Maintains radio contact via two-way radio with dispatcher regarding route changes, work orders, etc.


Maintains recycling drop-off collection sites including minor trash clean-up and/or report major trash or debris at site, repairs needed to fence. screening, roll-off container, signage, and/or other collection containers at site .


Communicates with general public to provide basic customer service information regarding all Solid Waste Department programs.


May be required to work various shifts based on departmental personnel absences.


Operates any Solid Waste Department equipment as required.


Follows all written and verbal instructions.


Washes vehicle on a regular basis.


Performs other related duties as required.


Additional Essential duties and responsibilities, when assigned to the Leaf & Limb Division:

Boom Operator:


Operates a hydraulically powered knuckle boom to load material into a transport trailer on a predetermined route or special pick up.


Drives the pull truck and trailer combo as needed if qualified as specified below.


Pull Truck Driver:


Operates a combination truck and trailer for the purpose of transporting materials to the designated disposal site.


Swaps trailers with the Boom Truck by disconnecting trailers and reconnects trailers while out on the route.


Fills in as boom truck operator and/or boom truck driver as needed if qualified as described above.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities


Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Solid Waste Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Solid Waste Driver III.


Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.


Knowledge of forms, (e.g., vehicle maintenance, special or extra pick-up, etc.), logs (e.g., fuel and mileage logs), equipment operating and maintenance manuals, etc., and procedures and methods as required in the performance of duties.


Knowledge of the use of hook lift trucks, front-end loaders, tractor-trailers, rearloaders, pick-up trucks, etc.


Knowledge of the use of a two-way radio.
Must be proficient in skill and dexterity in the operation of the knuckle boom, while being aware of safety hazards such as vehicles, fences and power lines.


Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, and other staff members.


Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.


Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.


Ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.


Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department.

Supplemental Information
(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED
TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including front-end loaders, tractor-trailers, compactors, Bobcats, forklifts, bulldozers, payloaders, pick-up trucks, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Must be able to exert up to one hundred pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to fifty pounds force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for heavy work.

DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.


INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or directions from supervisors.


LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of logs, forms and manuals, and
informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to
prepare vehicle maintenance forms, route sheets, special or extra pick-up sheets, mileage and fuel logs, using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence.


INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand basic principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.


VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently.


NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; utilize and determine percentages.


FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with mechanical/construction tools (i.e., tape measure, etc.).


MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using front-end loaders, tractor-trailers, Bobcats, payloaders, forklifts, bulldozers, compactors, and other similar equipment. Requires the ability to lift, push, bend and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.


MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as front-end loaders, tractor-trailers, Bobcats, payloaders, forklifts, bulldozers, compactors, and other similar equipment. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.


COLOR DISCRIMINATION: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.


INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency.


PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone, two-way radio.


ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, View phone number on click.appcast.io or
Total compensation at the Unified Government includes a comprehensive set of benefits, a well-established culture of wellness, and a secure retirement that set us apart as a stable Employer of Choice where you can serve and make a difference in the community.


Our Benefits program is designed to support every aspect of our employees' lives, from physical and emotional to social and financial.


Along with their salary, employees receive a variety of comprehensive benefits as part of their total compensation.


As an Employer of Choice, we offer:
Health

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription drug plan

Wellness

• Onsite Employee Wellness Center - free for employees, spouse, and children 18+
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness education and incentive programs
• Annual Wellness Fair
• Annual employee appreciation events
• Free onsite health screenings (to include hearing, skin cancer, biometric screening, flu shots)
• Safety & Risk training and job-related vaccinations

Family and Career

• Training and professional development opportunities through the Organizational Development Department
• Opportunities and Career Development via the Government Wide Learning Management System

Time

• Annual/Sick leave
• 13 paid holidays per calendar year

Money

• Robust Wellness Program - earn up to $175 per quarter for participation
• Health Savings Account for medical and dependent care
• Employer Paid Pension Plan (10 years of service)
• 457 (b) Deferred Compensation Program with employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Employer - Federal Student Aid
• Financial education programs
• Uniforms provided (if applicable)
• Discount Admissions - ACCGov Parks, Georgia Aquarium

Protection

• Group Accident insurance
• Critical Illness insurance
• MASA Medical Transportation Insurance
• Employer paid basic life insurance
• Whole life insurance
• Employer Paid Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Contributory term life insurance
• Pet Insurance

To learn more about the Benefits offered at ACCGov, you may access them below.
BENEFITS
WELLNESS

CAREER DEVELOPMENT
01


Which best describes your highest level of education?

• Some High School
• High School diploma or GED from an institution accredited by SACS
• Some education beyond high school
• Technical or Vocational Degree
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

02


Do you possess a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

03


What type of Driver's License do you possess?

• None
• Class C--Regular
• Class CP--Learner's Permit
• Class D--Regular Provisional
• Class E--Emergency Vehicle Non CDL
• Class F--Emergency Vehicle
• Class EP or FP--Permit
• Class M--Motorcycle
• Class MP--Motorcycle Learner's Permit
• Class A CDL
• Class AP--CDL Permit
• Class B CDL
• Class BP CDL Permit
• Class C CDL
• Other

04


If your driver's license has ever been suspended, provide the date of suspension, reason suspended, and date reinstated. If no, you must write out "N/A"
05


How much heavy vehicle driving experience do you have?

• Less than 6 months
• 6 months or more but less than 1 year
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years
• 2 years or more but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more but less than 4 years
• 4 years or more but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

06


Do you have a certificate of completion from a licensed commercial driving school approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services?

• Yes but I don't have my CDL yet
• No
• Yes

07


Please indicate the amount of experience you have in pressure washing, and/or sidewalk cleaning, any Solid Waste collections, or related experience.

• none
• less than 6 months
• 6 months or more but less than 1 year
• 1 year or more but less than 2 years.
• 2 years or more but less than 3 years.
• 3 years or more but less than 4 years.
• 4 years or more but less than 5 years.
• 5 years or more but less than 6 years.
• 6 years or more but less than 7 years.
• 7 years or more but less than 8 years.
• 8 years or more.

08


Were you referred to this agency by a current Athens Clarke County employee? If so, please provide that employee's name.
Required Question