Refuse Collector

Salary : $52,848.00 - $64,236.00 Annually
Location : Public Works 900 S. 10th Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26/27-20
Department: Public Works
Division: Refuse
Opening Date: 09/25/2026
Closing Date: 10/10/2026 4:00 PM Pacific


DESCRIPTION


The City of Hanford is seeking to fill one (1) vacancy in the Public Works Department - Refuse Division. This position is to perform semi-skilled tasks in the collection of residential and commercial refuse; to operate manual or automated refuse collection equipment; and to provide technical support to an assigned supervisor.

A current DMV driver's record (less than one-month-old) MUST be submitted with a completed City application. DMV record request link:

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED


Receives general supervision from the Refuse Supervisor.

EXAMPLE OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES


Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:


Drive an automated or manual refuse collection truck on an assigned route.


Conduct pre- and post-trip Zonar inspections of refuse trucks.


Properly dispose of biohazardous, infectious, and chemical waste or material.


Climb on truck to loosen items blocking mechanism, utilizing appropriate equipment and safety procedures.


Wash, clean, and service truck and equipment as needed.


Report unsatisfactory refuse containers, ordinance infractions, or broken or damaged equipment, log additional charges or fees.


Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.


Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.


Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.


Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

Methods and techniques of manual and automated refuse collection.


Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and rules.


Safe work practices.


Tools and equipment used in basic equipment maintenance.

Ability to:

Operate an automated or manual refuse collection truck on an assigned route.

On a continuous basis, know and understand maintenance activities and observe safety rules. Intermittently, analyze problem equipment; identify safety hazards; locate equipment; interpret work orders; remember how to operate equipment; and explain jobs to other employees.


Intermittently, sit while driving a piece of equipment; stand and walk while performing maintenance activities; bend and twist to adjust equipment; kneel and squat to review work; climb up on to heavy equipment to test or inspect systems; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; lift or carry weight of 50 pounds or less, and occasionally exert up to 100 pounds of force.


Safely operate tools and equipment used in the course of work.


Perform routine maintenance on refuse collection equipment.


Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.


Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software.


Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.


Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.


Communicate effectively orally and in writing.


Relate effectively with people of varied academic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy.


Establish and maintain effective, cooperative, and collaborative working relationships with others.

Experience and Education

Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:


Two years of responsible refuse collection experience.


Education:


Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

License and Certificates

Possession of a current, valid California Class B driver's license with air brake endorsement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A current DMV driver's record (less than one-month-old) MUST be submitted with a completed City application. DMV record request link:

The application screening will involve a competitive evaluation of relevant education, training, and work experience, followed by a written examination and/or an interview before an Oral Board to identify the most qualified candidates. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee applicants an interview, and the screening committee's decision is final. Candidates deemed eligible for appointment to the position will be placed on the City's Certified Eligibility List. Applicants will receive written notification regarding the results of all phases of the recruitment process leading up to the establishment of the Eligibility List, if applicable.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

• EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
  • Retirement: Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). The City provides the PERS retirement program: 3% at 60 for Classic Members.
    • 3% Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance Increase
    • 12-month final compensation period.
    • Sick Leave Credit
  • 2% at 62 for New Members
    • 3% Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance Increase
    • Sick Leave Credit
  • Holidays : Twelve specific holidays, plus two floating holidays.
  • Paid Holiday Closure : City offices (where possible) will be closed Christmas Eve through New Year's Day.
  • Vacation : Vacation leave starts at 11 days annually, increasing to 21 days based on time in service.
  • Sick Leave : Sick leave accrual of 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation. At retirement, unused sick leave may be applied toward retirement for Classic Members.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance : The premiums for medical and dental insurance are split 60/40. The city covers 60% of the premium, and the employee pays 40%. VSP Vision is provided to each employee at no cost. Additionally, vision coverage for family members is available at a 60/40 shared cost.
  • Hanford Employee Care Connection (City-sponsored clinic) : free and available to all insured full-time employees and covered dependents. Medical care offering same-day appointments, little to no copays, and comprehensive healthcare.
  • Life insurance: $50,000 City paid policy.
  • Tuition Reimbursement : A tuition reimbursement plan is available for work-related study for up to $5,000 per fiscal year.
  • Longevity: Employees shall receive a stipend upon completion of the following consecutive years of active service with the City of Hanford. The City Manager shall have the discretion to provide longevity pay based on cumulative years of service at another public entity (State, County, or City municipality) in a management and/or technical level position.
    • Five (5) years of service: 2.5%
    • Ten (10) years of service: an additional 2.5%
    • Fifteen (15) years of service: an additional 2.5%
    • Twenty (20) years of service, an additional 2.5
      Maximum allowance of 10%.
  • Deferred Compensation / Employer Match : Employees are eligible to receive matched employer contributions for deferred compensation up to $75 per pay period.

01


Do you possess a valid Class A or Class B California Driver License?

• Yes
• No

02


Did you submit/upload a DMV driving record less than one month old with your application?*Please note your application will NOT be accepted without a DMV driver history.

• Yes
• No

Required Question