Job Description
Salary: See Position Description
Location : Clearwater, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-00078
Department: Solid Waste & Recycling
Opening Date: 12/17/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
THE CITY OF CLEARWATER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. City of Clearwater will not sponsor employment visas (e.g., H-1B, or any other work authorization status).
Position Description ENTRY SALARY: $44,148.12 RECRUITMENT OPEN UNTIL FILLED Under general direction, the Solid Waste Equipment Operator drives, operates, and assists in the maintenance of all rear, side-loading, and front-loading, grapple truck, roll-off and tractor trailer solid waste collection trucks and other heavy equipment on assigned routes and in all weather conditions.
Duties and Responsibilities Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Drives, operates, and assists in the maintenance of all front, rear and/or side loading solid waste trucks, "jaws" trucks, and transfer tractor trailer trucks used for the collection, transfer, and disposal of waste, trash, or recycling on assigned routes; navigates streets and City geography, maintains safe driving practices, and makes all collections stops.
- Checks, evaluates, and reviews the condition of trucks and equipment; identifies, reports, and communicates needed repairs and servicing; directs and assists one or more workers in assigned tasks; performs pre and post trip inspections on equipment daily prior to use.
- Lines up the solid waste vehicle to refuse container bins and activates controls to raise and dump bin in vehicle body; lowers container bins and ensures placement to prevent bins from being damaged by traffic flow and to prevent interference with right-of-way.
- Learns and applies skills in the operation of roll-offs; performs manual labor in conjunction with the pickup of refuse bins at all residential and commercial facilities, parks, and on beaches.
- Performs and participates in minor field repairs and adjustments to vehicles and equipment; monitors routine maintenance and other repairs necessary to keep equipment fully functional and operational.
- Answers and responds to questions and complaints and refers major problems to superior; maintains professional composure and provides excellent customer service; responds to service orders and requests.
- Dumps waste at City's transfer station or other location as assigned; cleans and washes truck regularly.
- Prepares daily truck report and keeps incidental records of collection activities; tracks daily collections and issues or concerns that were addressed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Licenses , Certifications , and Equipment : A valid State driver's license is required.
Type: Possession and maintenance of Class A CDL (for tractor/trailer) or Class B CDL (for all other) is required.
This position is required to operate the below equipment, machines, tools, and other work aides:
Specialized automotive equipment, heavy-duty equipment, and other equipment as assigned.
Education and Experience: High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate AND two (2) years of experience driving heavy-duty automotive equipment or one (1) year as Solid Waste Worker with CDL training through the City of Clearwater third party trainers; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Supplemental Information Knowledge of -
- Automotive and heavy equipment and related hazards
- Occupational hazards associated with the operation of heavy-duty automotive equipment and of precautions for the safety of assigned workers and the public
- Solid waste collections, disposal, and recycling
- Operation of heavy-duty equipment and driving in accordance with State and local laws and ordinances
- City geography and following assigned routes
- Safety and hazard precautions
- Power tools and equipment
- Department policies and protocols
- Equipment maintenance practices and methods
Skill in -
- Operating various equipment and heavy-duty solid waste collection equipment
- Working collaboratively with other staff over engine noises and adverse weather
- Determining recycling from contamination
- Lifting and moving large objects
- Operating control levers or steering devices
- Understanding the geography of the City
- Understanding and complying with oral and written instructions
- Using tact and independent judgment within established guidelines
FULL TIME EMPLOYEES ONLY RECEIVE: Health and Wellness initiatives • 100% employee health care coverage • Option for dependent health care • Life Insurance • Optional Dental, Vision, AFLAC • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Retirement -General Employee Pension Plan • Voluntary Tax-deferred 457 Plan • Paid holiday, vacation, sick leave plans • Competitive Salaries • Tuition assistance • Training and development opportunities • Travel compensation • Military leave • Bereavement leave • Discount coupons • Service and employee recognition awards
PART TIME EMPLOYEES ONLY RECEIVE: Paid holiday, vacation, sick leave plans • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Competitive hourly rates • Flexible schedules • Training and development opportunities • Discount coupons • Service and employee recognition awards
SEASONAL, VARIABLE, TEMPORARY, EMERGENCY EMPLOYEES RECEIVE NO BENEFITS. 01
What level of Driver's License do you currently possess?
- CDL A
- CDL B
- Regular (E)
- ID Only
- Out of State
- None of the above
02
What is your highest level of education?
- Masters Degree or higher
- Bachelors Degree
- Associates Degree
- High School Diploma or GED Certificate
- Completion of 10th grade
- Less than 10th grade education
03
How many years of experience do you have driving heavy-duty automotive equipment?
- No experience
- 6 months - 1 year experience
- 1-2 years experience
- 2-3 years experience
- 3-4 years experience
- 4 or more years experience
04
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
05
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?"
Required Question
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Seasonal work, H1b, Local area, Visa sponsorship, Work visa, Flexible hours,