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Posted: February 4, 2026 (7 days ago)

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Refuse Collection Packer Operator

City of Detroit

Dept of Public Works

Fresh

Location

Salary

$44,465 - $52,681

per year

Type

Closes

February 21, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves driving a specialized truck to pick up trash from bins along assigned routes, loading and compacting the waste, and delivering it to disposal sites, while also handling any spills and performing basic vehicle maintenance.

It requires physical strength for heavy lifting and working outdoors in all weather conditions.

A good fit would be someone reliable and fit who has experience driving large vehicles and doesn't mind hands-on, outdoor labor.

Key Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Two years of experience operating special purpose vehicles and equipment
  • Valid State of Michigan Group B Commercial Driver License with Air Brake Endorsement (required at hire)
  • Obtain Group A Commercial Driver License with Air Brake Endorsement for continued employment
  • Valid current Medical Examiner's Certificate for physical fitness
  • Ability to perform strenuous physical labor and work in all weather conditions
  • Knowledge of traffic rules, vehicle operation, and minor maintenance

Full Job Description

Under general supervision, operate a refuse packer to collect and transport solid waste material and perform strenuous physical labor involved in refuse collection.

Requirements

  1. Drive refuse packer to assigned route and collect contents of refuse bins.
  2. Place waste material and refuse into the vehicle collection hopper at collection stops.
  3. Activate the refuse packer mechanism.
  4. Pick up loose or spilled refuse to ensure all material is collected.
  5. Check the amount of loaded refuse to ensure the packer body is not overloaded.
  6. Unclog packer mechanisms.
  7. Transport the contents of the packer body to a transfer station or disposal site; unload packer body.
  8. Report to supervisor on amount of refuse collected.
  9. Enter information on equipment operation and refuse collection on prescribed forms.
  10. Drive assigned vehicles to sanitation yards and/or repair facilities.
  11. Perform routine service on the vehicle, including re-fueling, checking and adding oil, checking tire pressure and adding air when necessary, and battery level check.
  12. Inspect the condition of fan belts, windshield wipers, lights, hydraulic and/or pneumatic lines, and report any observable defects.
  13. Drive assigned vehicle with mounted snowplow or salt spreader.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED;
Two (2) years experience operating a variety of special purpose vehicles and equipment.

Additional Information

Evaluation Plan
  • Total of Evaluation T.E.P: 100%
  • Interview PASS/FAIL
Additional points may be awarded for:
  • Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
  • Detroit Residency Credit: 15 point
LRD:02/03/2026

Licensing and Certifications
Employees certified or promoted to this class must possess a valid State of Michigan Group B Commercial Driver License with Air Brake Endorsement.

Continued employment in this class will require possession of a valid State of Michigan Chauffeur License and Commercial Driver License with a Group A Designation and Air Brake Endorsement.

Successful applicants must meet physical standards prescribed by Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division and must possess and carry a valid current Medical Examiners Certificate certifying physical fitness for driving in accordance with State of Michigan Motor Carrier Safety Act 1988.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge Of:
  • Operation and minor maintenance of automotive equipment.
  • Traffic rules and regulations.
Skill In:
  • Reading route maps.
  • Physical agility.
Ability To:
  • Perform strenuous physical labor.
  • Interact effectively with other employees and the public with tact and diplomacy.
  • Work in a variety of weather conditions.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Refuse Collection Packer is a field employee. Work is performed in all types of weather and involves wearing gloves, work boots, safety vest, uniform and protective eyewear.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 2/4/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/5/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-detroit-5224855