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Posted: February 27, 2026 (1 day ago)

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SENIOR REFUSE TRUCK DRIVER

City of Houston

Solid Waste Management

Fresh

Location

Salary

$1,712.63 - $1,924.26

per week

Closes

March 6, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves driving large refuse trucks to collect and transport trash, bulk waste, and recyclables across Houston, while performing vehicle inspections and maintenance to ensure safety.

It requires physical labor, such as loading heavy items, and responding to emergencies like disasters with possible overtime.

A good fit would be someone reliable with truck driving experience, comfortable with outdoor work in tough weather, and able to handle demanding physical tasks.

Key Requirements

  • Valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with one year of driving experience
  • Clear driving record compliant with City of Houston policy
  • Ability to read, write, add, subtract, and follow basic instructions (equivalent to 9-11 years of schooling)
  • Capability for heavy physical labor, including lifting up to 80 pounds and climbing
  • Willingness to work shift schedules with mandatory overtime, weekends, holidays, and disaster response
  • Provide own safety shoes
  • Preference for experience with rear loader trucks, semi-trailers, or vehicles with hydraulic bed-lift controls

Full Job Description

NORTH and SOUTH / OPERATIONS
APPLICATION ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED to include Probationary Employees
DIVISION/SECTION: NORTH and SOUTH / OPERATIONS
WORKDAYS & HOURS: Shift work may include Mandatory overtime, weekends, holidays and disaster recovery ***subject to change***

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The purpose of the Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) is to provide solid waste services to the citizens of Houston through the collection, disposal, and recycling of discarded material in a manner that is safe, efficient, environmentally sound, and cost-effective. Based on the operational needs of the service center, the employee may be required to perform physical labor work from the "back" of the vehicle. Candidates with experience operating one of the following vehicles, a tracker trailer truck, rear loader truck, and/or any other collection vehicle with bed-lift hydraulic controls are preferred. Will be responsible for performing a daily pre, mid, and post-trip bumper-to-bumper maintenance-related vehicle safety inspection; also, any operative service duties such as checking fluid levels, tire pressure, and daily cleaning of the vehicle at the end of shift. This position is also considered an essential worker and frontline responder during disaster recovery efforts and may require mandatory overtime on scheduled workdays, weekends, holidays, and in response to disaster recovery efforts. Expected to transport bulk waste and heavy trash such as household materials, discarded small furniture items, etc., to and from specified destinations i.e., landfills, neighborhood depository sites, transfer stations, and resource recovery plants. Completes and submits records on check-in times, number and tonnage of each load, amount of fuel used, and odometer readings on the vehicle. May perform physical labor in loading packer or open bed refuse truck(s). Must provide own safety shoes. May perform special assignments as directed. An acceptable clear driving record is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position involves considerable physical exertion, such as regular climbing of ladders, lifting of heavy objects (up to 80 pounds) on a highly frequent basis and/or assuming awkward positions for long periods of time. THERE ARE ROUTINE EXPOSURES TO SIGNIFICANT LEVELS OF HEAT, COLD, MOISTURE, AND SOMETIMES RAIN. Occasional exposures to extreme levels of temperature, air pollution, noise pollution, chemical gases and substances, and/or contagious diseases or physical trauma conditions of a short-term disabling nature, such as broken bones or temporary loss of sight or hearing. Requires the ability to make coordinated eye/hand movements within fairly fine tolerance and/or calibration demands; or the ability to make closely coordinated eye/hand movements on a patterned response space within moderate tolerance demands.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to read, write, add, subtract and follow oral and/or basic written instructions as might normally be acquired through 9 to 11 years of formal schooling.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
One year of driving experience with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Must have a valid Class A and/or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and comply with the City of Houston's policy on driving (AP 2-2).

Qualifications


Preference will be given to candidates with CLASS A CDL (Commercial Driver's License).Delivers excellent customer service to Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) Customers.

a plus.One (1) year Tractor Trailer and/or Rear Loader experience preferred.Willing to work at any of the Solid Waste Department Facilities.Willing to work a flexible schedule, be dependable, have a good work ethic, and team oriented.

***Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.*** Additional Information SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED The selection process will involve application review and/or interview.

Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - YES If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.PAY GRADE 8SALARY INFORMATIONFactors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

APPLICATION PROCEDURESOnly online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period.

Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832-393-0241).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0241). (TTY 7-1-1). If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume along with their completed application when applying.

EOE Equal Opportunity EmployerThe City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 2/27/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/28/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-houston-5252656