Route Specialist I, 204, Sanitation

Job Posting

Employer: City of Laredo

Salary: $17.37 Hourly

Location: Laredo, TX

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: A262550-8

Department: Environmental and Solid Waste Services (25/38)

Division: Sanitation

Opening Date: 05/19/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

Job Description

Operates truck for collections on assigned route and back to the landfill to empty. Completes assigned routes in a timely basis. Handles customers concerns in a polite and courteous manner. Assists in supervising assigned refuse collectors.

Essential Functions/Job Competencies/Physical Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for learning and memorizing five routes consisting of 1,500 residents.
• Operates a rear loading packer truck for refuse collection and is responsible for the safety of the two collectors riding in the back.
• Must be vigilant of surrounding areas such as schools, residents, cars, mailboxes, unleashed dogs, overhead power lines/wires, and hazardous scenarios in order to assure that operations are conducted in a safe manner.
• Operates rear loader truck with hydraulic system.
• Responsible to do pre-trip and post-trip safety inspection of assigned truck on a daily basis and report all truck deficiency to the supervisor, this includes inside and outside basic cleaning and greasing of the truck.
• Must be able to plan routes and instruct Refuse Collectors in route safety work procedures.
• Responsible for detecting and identifying improper performance to avoid risking the safety of two Refuse Collectors. If collectors neglect safety procedures, issues must be addressed to the supervisor immediately.
• Must keep an updated log of daily responses to 311 customer service complaints, reports, and recycle collections.
• Responsible for safely driving the rear loader truck in varied weather conditions to designated routes from landfill compound to the dumping site.
• Attends bi-weekly safety meetings and complies with the local and state policies and ordinances.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor including, but not limited to driving a City vehicle for City business use.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Hazards and safety rules and precautions of operating heavy equipment.
• Hydraulics pistons and compact to be able to operate tippers for refuse collections.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read and follow route maps.
• Ability to work safely without presenting a direct threat to the incumbent of others.
• Ability to make independent decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Commercial Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

• Never: Office or similar indoor environment
• Seldom: Confined space
• Sometimes: Warehouse environment
• Often: Outdoor environment, Street environment (near moving traffic), Construction site, Vehicles

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

• Seldom: Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Sometimes: Individuals who are hostile or irate, Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Frequently: Communicable diseases, Fumes or airborne particles, Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Often: Extreme heat (above 100 degrees), Moving mechanical parts, Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

• Never: Local travel, Regional travel, National travel, International travel

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• At least two (2) years of truck driving experience.

Valid Licenses and Certifications

Valid Licenses or Certifications

• Must possess a Valid Texas Commercial Driver License (C.D.L.) class A or B and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment. Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment. Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing. A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.

Benefits

The City of Laredo provides a benefit compensation package that includes the following for all Full-time regular employees:

• 10 days of paid vacation per year
• 6 1/2 days sick leave per year
• Pension plan
• 16 paid Holidays
• Paid health
• Dental plan
• Life insurance

*30 day waiting period. For a full description of our benefits, please visit our website at: under Employee Benefits.