santa-cruz Work Opportunities ∙ Page 1

About the Department

The current vacancies are for Solid Waste Worker in the Sanitation Division of the Public Works Department.  These are full-time positions with benefits. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Solid Waste Worker vacancies during the life of the list. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director. 

Under supervision, the Solid Waste Worker operates a variety of collection vehicles and collects refuse and recyclable materials on prescribed City routes; cleans and services collection vehicles; repairs and maintains refuse and recycling containers; and performs related work as required.  Incumbents may work independently or as a member of a small crew.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 11/06/25 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted.  To apply, submit: 

  1. Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely.  Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
  2. Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application. 
  3. A three-year DMV driving record printout (obtained within 30 days prior to recruitment closing date) scanned and attached to online application.  Official printouts are issued by a Department of Motor Vehicles office at a cost of $5.00. Please refer to this link for information prior to obtaining your DMV printout: Driving Record Printouts. Note: Unofficial DMV printouts at a cost of $2.00 obtained online will be accepted in lieu of an official printout with your application. Failure to submit a DMV printout will result in disqualification. 

• Week of 11/10 and 11/17/25: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 11/28/25.
• Week of 12/01 and 12/08/25: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates.  The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.  

Position Duties

(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.) 

• Operates packer trucks, recycling trucks, front loader vehicles, roll-off container vehicles and street sweeping vehicles as assigned. 

• Drives collection vehicles along routes on public streets while encountering heavy traffic and maneuvering tight and confined spaces.

• Lifts, carries, loads, and empties recycling, sweeper, and refuse containers.

• Drives to landfill site or processing facility when collection vehicle is loaded and unloads refuse or recyclables.

• Ensures vehicles are in proper working order; performs checks on vehicle parts and equipment according to vehicle check-out procedures.

• Cleans and services collection vehicles; repairs and maintains refuse and recycling containers.

• Receives crew assignments from supervisor; reviews "start-stop" orders for refuse and recycling collection; may direct crew activities on route.

• Assists in training other Sanitation Division employees in the safe and proper methods of performing Solid Waste Worker skills.

• Notifies customers when material is unacceptable, verbally or in writing.

• Tactfully responds to questions and comments from the public.

• Updates customer records and route information on in-vehicle routing software; completes daily can-count reports and other work records.

• Delivers recycle and garbage carts used for special events as needed.

• Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including cleaning alleys of illegal dumping and minor tree trimming to ensure safe passage of vehicles.

• May be assigned to perform hand sweeping and steam cleaning of public thoroughfares that cannot be accessed by a City street sweeper.

• May be assigned to remove rocks, weeds, animal remains, bulk items such as furniture and shopping carts, and other debris from public sidewalks, paths, and other thoroughfares.

• Identifies security concerns, such as public loitering and behavioral issues and contacts law enforcement as necessary.

• May be assigned to assist in the maintenance shop.

• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confining spaces, around machines and to climb and descend vehicles, and to operate varied vehicles, tools, and equipment; vision to read printed materials distinguish colors, such as color-coded cans and medical waste bags; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio and distinguish various sounds in noisy environments such as voices of co-workers and equipment horns and signals.  The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.  Finger dexterity is needed to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment and to type on an onboard computer.  Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, shovel, and pull materials and objects repetitively up to 40 pounds with occasional lifting of up to 65 pounds, and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment. Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, dust, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. May be exposed to needles and excrement.  Employees may interact with upset public in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. May encounter public loitering and behavioral issues. 

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following: 

 Education and Experience:

• High School degree or equivalent; and
• Some experience in vehicle operator maintenance.

 Knowledge:

• The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of vehicles, and equipment.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Safe driving practices and laws.

Abilities:

• Learn basic solid waste collection and disposal principles, practices, vehicles  and equipment for maintaining sanitation and cleanliness of theCity, including residential solid waste collection.
• Safely and effectively operate and maintain the full range of equipment and tools required for the work.
• Safely operates a heavily loaded three-axle truck and auxiliary hydraulic equipment.
• Perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time in all types of weather.
• Follow verbal and written instructions.
• Adapt to new technologies and systems.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic reports of work performed during work shift.
• Communicate effectively in person and over the telephone. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to contribute to the success of providing services in a timely and professional manner. 
• Act in a courteous and diplomatic manner when dealing with the public.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Commercial (Class A or B)  driver's license.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to begin work at 4:30 a.m.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays and overtime as required. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION

• Familiarity with the Santa Cruz area and names of City streets.

• Previous commercial driving experience.  
  
  

Other Qualifications

• Superintendent of Resource Recovery
• Resource Recovery Supervisor
• Solid Waste Worker