Solid Waste - Heavy Equipment Operator

Qualifications

SOLID WASTE - HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

This recruitment is open until the position is filled.

First review of applications will occur on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

The successful candidate's placement in the salary range will depend upon previous experience in a similar role.

Pay Grade: 105 & 107

Hourly Salary Range

Heavy Equip Operator: $22.06 - $32.54

Senior Heavy Equip Operator: $24.32 - $35.86

This position is part of a flexible classification. Qualified candidates may be hired at either level based on their experience, education and training as determined by the hiring authority.

The City of Tempe offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 13 Paid Holidays and 1 Personal Day
• Vacation Accrual starts at 9.33 hours/month. Higher monthly vacation accrual rates may be available with prior ASRS service.
• Sick Leave Accrual; 8 hours/month
• Uniform Credit, Jeans and Safety Boot Allowance
• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Wellness Program Discount on health premiums
• Medical Reimbursement Program; $61.16/month
• Tuition Reimbursement; $6,500/year
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Defined benefit plan with mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 12% which includes a Long-Term Disability benefit
• Supplemental Retirement Plans through Nationwide; 457, 401K, and Employer contribution
• Position is eligible for up to 24 hours of floating holiday leave

To view the employee benefit summary, please visit:

Employee Benefit Summary

Department / Division:

Public Works / Solid Waste

Job Type:

Full-Time Regular

This position is classified as safety sensitive. Employees in safety sensitive positions are prohibited from all marijuana usage whether medical or recreational.

Schedule:

5:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. either Monday - Thursday OR Wednesday - Saturday,

4/10 schedule

Job Number:

RC# 902467

DESCRIPTION / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This position operates solid waste heavy equipment including front-loaders, roll-offs, side-loaders, rear-loaders in the solid waste areas (residential, commercial and bulk).

Duties include, but are not limited to the following,

• Performs daily routine inspection of the heavy equipment prior to and at the conclusion of use.
• Operate a large mechanized solid waste collection truck and other equipment in the performance of commercial or residential routes, uncontained solid waste collection, and support services requirements;
• Provide support as needed during special events and activities involving the delivery, setup, and removal of sanitation containers from field locations;
• Complete routes in a timely manner;
• Maintain assigned vehicle and equipment in clean and mechanical working order, expediently reporting malfunctions to Fleet Services for repair;
• Respond to routine customer inquiries concerning the pick-up schedules or other routine matters related to the collection and disposal of residential or commercial solid waste pick-up;
• May perform responsibilities of a similar nature and level as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience:

Heavy Equipment Operator (Solid Waste Operator)

One (1) year of experience in heavy equipment operation.

Senior Heavy Equipment Operator (Senior Solid Waste Operator)

One (1) year of experience in solid waste heavy equipment operation, experience operating two (2) pieces of solid waste equipment (front-loaders, roll-offs, side-loaders, or rear-loaders)

Candidates must have the minimum amount of work experience. Years of experience are based upon a full-time work schedule (2,080 hours per year). The sum of an applicant's full-time and/or part-time qualifying work experience must meet or exceed the stated minimum qualification. Education will not substitute for the required work experience; however, related unpaid and/or volunteer work experience may be used as qualifying work experience.

Education:

High school diploma or GED.

Professional Licensure and/or Certifications:

Class A Commercial Driver's License

Additional:

Applicants considered for this job classification must pass the following:

• Criminal history review
• Post offer/pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Post offer/pre-employment physical

For a complete list of City of Tempe job descriptions go to:

Job Descriptions | City of Tempe, AZ

This position is FLSA Non-Exempt which means employees are eligible for overtime compensation and/or compensatory time

Employees in this position are represented by the United Arizona Employee Association (UAEA)

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The City of Tempe is an Equal Opportunity / Reasonable Accommodation employer. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, familial status, age, disability, and United States military veteran status. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will make a reasonable accommodation(s) during the recruitment & selection process. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 480-350-8276. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.