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Posted: January 21, 2026 (9 days ago)

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Refuse Collector Apprentice

City of Norfolk

Public Works

Recent

Location

Salary

$41,600 - $47,840

per year

Type

Closes

February 2, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job is an entry-level apprenticeship for collecting trash and waste from homes in Norfolk, Virginia, where you'll learn to drive a garbage truck, pick up items from curbs, and interact with residents about pickup rules.

It involves hands-on training, classroom learning, and physical work to keep the city clean.

A good fit would be someone reliable, physically fit, eager to learn driving skills, and interested in public service without prior experience.

Key Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid driver's license with no negative points
  • Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) through the program
  • Pass entry-level testing and assessments
  • Physically able to lift and handle heavy waste items like furniture and tree limbs
  • Attend in-person classroom instruction and practical exercises
  • Interact with citizens to explain waste collection procedures

Full Job Description

Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city.

Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications.

Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others.

With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself.

Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.


The City of Norfolk’s department of Public Works is seeking a Refuse Collector Apprentice. This position performs all instructional and other requirements in the Refuse Collector Apprentice Program. Collects waste from residential property according to an assigned route. Maintains and monitors the truck for any necessary repairs.

The Department of Public Works builds, maintains, and operates the physical facilities that support and enhance the lives of Norfolk’s citizens, businesses, and visitors, including the City’s Storm Water System, Street Network, and Waste Management and Recycling Systems. The Department is comprised of 9 divisions that function collectively to make your commute safe and efficient, your neighborhood more attractive, and the streets and sidewalks clean and well-maintained.

Departmental Hiring Salary Range: $41,600

Requirements

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

  • Acquires knowledge and acclimation necessary to become a Refuse Collector, by obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License. Requires in-person attendance for classroom instruction, taking notes, contributing to discussion, taking academic tests, and participating in practical exercises.
  • Collects and disposes of waste by operating an automated truck, using the truck to pick up ninety-gallon garbage cans, furniture, tree limbs, etc.

    from the curb, replacing damaged trash cans as needed, and traveling to the transfer station to empty the truck. Lifts boxes, bags of yard waste, furniture, tree limbs, etc.

    into collection truck; places waste, furniture, and other refuse into collection trucks.

  • Interacts with citizens and customers by explaining waste collection codes and procedures.

Qualifications

Work requires knowledge necessary to understand written instructions, to understand simple processes and the routine operation of machines. Level of knowledge equivalent to four years of high school or equivalency.

Additional Information

  • Valid Driver's License with NO Negative points on their record
  • Must successfully pass all entry level testing and assessments.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 1/21/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 12/11/2025

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-norfolk-5166737