Solid Waste Specialized Refuse Operator

About Us

Tallahassee, a diverse community of nearly 200,000 residents, is the state capital and home to Florida A&M University, Florida State University, and Tallahassee State College. It is known for its national forest, freshwater lakes, and abundant parks and recreational activities. Located in the north-central portion of the state of Florida.

The City, as an organization, has a devoted workforce of approximately 4,000 people who come together to ensure the needs of the community are met through municipal services. These services include Police, Fire, Utilities (electric, gas, water, wastewater, stormwater), Parks and Recreation, Aviation-Tallahassee International Airport, and general municipal services. The City's mission is to be the national leader in the delivery of public service.

The City of Tallahassee's workforce is our communitys lifeblood, we offer diverse career opportunities, a positive work-life balance, competitive compensation, exceptional wellness programs, and comprehensive benefits, all of which position us to be the premier employer of choice for this area.

Apply On Or Before

Apply on or before 11pm on Sunday, September 6th, 2026

Department Name

Community Beautification & Waste Management

Job Specifications

Keep communities clean and moving forward. As a Solid Waste Specialized Refuse Operator, youll bring hands-on equipment skills to a role that offers real opportunities to lead and mentor others. If you take pride in a job well done, wed love to have you on our team - apply today and start driving your career forward.

What Youll Do:

• Direct the work of collection personnel and provide input on performance evaluations to help build a strong, capable team.
• Drive and operate all Waste Management vehicles, safely maneuvering commercial and residential routes around overhead obstructions.
• Plan, schedule and coordinate work activities using route sheets and work orders to meet production standards and make the most of your resources.
• Complete work orders and weight tickets, check vehicle condition, and report needed repairs to keep your equipment road-ready.
• Enforce safety precautions for your crew and the public, respond to citizen concerns, and make referrals when needed.
• Provide hands-on training to new and promoted employees, assist with classroom instruction on proper techniques and procedures, support Career Progression efforts, and step up as Service Leader or crew supervisor when needed.

For the complete job specification, listing essential duties and desirable qualifications, go to Solid Waste Specialized Refuse Operator

Minimum Training & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED;

AND

• Two (2) years of experience that includes driving heavy duty equipment or solid waste collection equipment.

NOTE: Additional experience may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required education.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Valid Commercial Drivers license (CDL) required at the time of application and must maintain throughout employment
• Complete 520 hours of City of Tallahassee Solid Waste Driver Training on the rear steer within 13 weeks of employment as a condition of continued employment

Salary Range

$21.6689 to $58.7999/hourly. Hiring rate generally will not exceed $35.8146/hour.

Benefits Information

For details on benefits available to eligible City employees, visit the City's interactive benefits tool ALEX or review the City's Benefits Summary.

How To Apply

Visit Talgov.com/Employment click on the 'Apply Today' button, then navigate to 'My Job Applications' icon, and create an account. Only online applications will be accepted for this vacancy. Remember, you must complete all sections of the application, including the education and work history section, even if this information is included on your resume.

If you have any questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact the City's Human Resources and Workforce Development Department at 850-891-8214.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The City of Tallahassee is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to promoting equity and celebrating diversity. The City of Tallahassee invites applications without regard to an individual's race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Veterans' Preference:

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses of the service members and veterans, will receive preference and priority, and certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. For information on who may be eligible for Veterans Preference, go to http://floridavets.org/benefits-services/veterans-preference/, or call Human Resources & Workforce Development at (850) 891-8214.To claim Veterans Preference, applicants must upload a DD-214 (and other documentation, as applicable) with their online application prior to the closing date of the job opening.

Accommodation for Persons with a Disability:

If you require an accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator, in the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, at 850-891-8950 or at TLHADA@talgov.com Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or TDD 711, at least 48 hours, (excluding weekends and holidays), prior to the application deadline.