Sanitation Worker job description

A Sanitation Worker is responsible for collecting and managing waste and recyclable materials from residential and commercial areas, ensuring clean and hygienic public spaces. This role is vital for maintaining public health, environmental sustainability, and community well-being by preventing pollution and reducing health hazards.

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What is a Sanitation Worker?

A Sanitation Worker is a municipal or private sector employee tasked with the collection, transportation, and disposal of waste and recyclables. They operate specialized vehicles and equipment to service communities, adhering to safety and environmental regulations. This position is essential for urban infrastructure, as it directly impacts public health by minimizing waste-related risks and promoting cleanliness in neighborhoods.

What does a Sanitation Worker do?

Sanitation Workers perform daily routes to collect garbage, recycling, and yard waste from curbside bins or dumpsters. They load materials into trucks, operate compacting mechanisms, and transport waste to designated facilities like landfills or recycling centers. Additional duties include maintaining equipment, following disposal protocols, and reporting hazards or violations. Their work ensures efficient waste management, reduces environmental pollution, and supports community health initiatives.

Job Overview

Sanitation Workers are essential public service professionals responsible for maintaining community cleanliness and public health standards through waste collection, street cleaning, and sanitation maintenance operations. This role requires physical stamina, reliability, and commitment to ensuring safe and hygienic urban environments.

Sanitation Worker responsibilities include:

1. Collect residential and commercial waste/recycling materials following designated routes and schedules 2. Operate hydraulic lifting mechanisms on sanitation trucks to empty containers 3. Perform manual loading/unloading of waste materials when required 4. Conduct street sweeping and public area cleaning operations 5. Report sanitation hazards, equipment issues, or route problems to supervisors 6. Maintain cleanliness and basic maintenance of assigned vehicles and equipment 7. Follow all safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment 8. Assist in special cleanup operations after events or emergency situations
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Must-Have Requirements

1. High school diploma or GED equivalent 2. Valid driver's license with clean driving record (CDL preferred but not always required for entry-level) 3. Ability to lift 50+ pounds repeatedly and perform physically demanding tasks 4. Basic understanding of safety procedures and willingness to follow protocols 5. Reliability and consistent attendance record 6. Ability to work early morning shifts (typically 5AM-2PM) 7. Comfort working outdoors in various weather conditions 8. No prior sanitation experience required for entry-level positions

Preferred Qualifications

1. 1+ years of experience in waste management or similar physical labor 2. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with air brake endorsement 3. Experience operating heavy machinery or hydraulic equipment 4. Knowledge of local waste management regulations and recycling protocols 5. Previous municipal or public service experience 6. Basic mechanical aptitude for equipment troubleshooting 7. Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) in diverse communities 8. First Aid/CPR certification

Bonus Skills

1. Hazardous Materials Handling certification 2. Experience with automated side-loader or rear-loader trucks 3. Knowledge of environmental compliance standards 4. Commercial driving experience with large vehicles 5. Ability to train new team members on routes and procedures 6. Familiarity with GPS routing systems and mobile dispatch technology 7. Experience in emergency response or disaster cleanup operations 8. Customer service skills for addressing resident inquiries and concerns

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