Sanitation Equipment Operator

Sanitation Equipment Operator Salary --------------------------------

$20.40 - $22.56 Hourly Location: Boca Raton, FL Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 04517-01 Department: Public Works and Engineering Division Sanitation: 44/11501 Opening Date: 03/05/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: B

Description ------------

Benefits --------

Questions --------

General Statement of Job ------------------------

Join the City of Boca Raton - Where Your Work Makes a Difference!

Are you ready to play a vital role in keeping our community clean, safe, and beautiful? The City of Boca Raton is hiring Sanitation Equipment Operators and Trainees!

Whether you're starting your career or bringing experience to the table, we provide opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive.

Career Growth -------------

Our structured advancement path includes Trainee, Operator I, II, and III levels, each with pay increases and expanding responsibilities. Placement depends on experience, with opportunities to grow at every stage.

Competitive Pay --------------

Starting pay ranges from $20.40/hr. for Trainees to $22.56/hr. for Operator III. Experienced operators with additional experience or specialized qualifications may earn more.

Training & Development ---------------------

Gain hands-on experience operating modern sanitation vehicles and equipment, with all training provided for career advancement.

Community Impact ----------------

Help maintain the health, cleanliness, and beauty of Boca Raton for thousands of residents every day.

A Distinct Career Path ----------------------

The Sanitation Equipment Operator position at the City of Boca Raton is a unique career opportunity. All hires begin at the Sanitation Equipment Operator I level to ensure consistent training and safety standards. Upon successful completion of a field test, operators may be promoted to Operator II, with additional opportunities to advance to Operator III through demonstrated experience, skill, and performance. This structured approach allows you to develop your skills while advancing your career.

Positions Available ------------------

• Sanitation Equipment Operator Trainee: $20.40/hour - perfect for those starting a career in waste management.
• Sanitation Equipment Operator I: Starting at $21.48/hour
• Sanitation Equipment Operator II: Starting at $22.00/hour
• Sanitation Equipment Operator III: Starting at $22.56/hour

Take the first step toward a rewarding and stable career that makes a real difference. Apply today and join the City of Boca Raton team!

Essential Functions ----------------------

Performs responsible semiskilled work operating a refuse collection vehicle in the collection of solid waste; does related work as required. Work is performed under regular supervision. Limited supervision is exercised over assigned crew members.

Essential Functions (continued) --------------------------------

• Operates refuse collection trucks: Depending on level, this includes:
• Trainee / Level I: Rear-load and flat-bed refuse collection trucks picking up refuse on a predetermined route.
• Level II: Side-load, rear-load, and flat-bed refuse collection trucks picking up refuse on a predetermined route.
• Level III: Front-load, grapple-load, side-load, rear-load, and flat-bed refuse collection trucks picking up refuse on a predetermined route.
• Obeys all traffic laws and safety guidelines; monitors the immediate environment and work area to ensure the safety of the operator, other workers, the equipment, and the public.
• Operates hydraulic mechanisms for compressing and dumping refuse.
• Transports refuse to pre-designated disposal areas.
• Drives and operates a truck to collect household appliances, furniture, and unusually large amounts of trash.
• Performs routine inspections, cleaning, fueling, and preventative maintenance on assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Directs personnel assigned to the truck.
• When normal operations of City departments are suspended or interrupted due to a declaration that a state of emergency exists, employees in this classification will be deemed essential by the City.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities ---------------------------------

• Knowledge of:
• Florida motor vehicles and traffic laws.
• Occupational safety hazards and safety precautions.
• Care and operation of assigned equipment.
• Applicable regulations regarding the proper collection, transport, and disposal of solid waste.
• Street locations and address sequencing.
• Safe driving practices.
• Skill in:
• Operation of specially designed refuse collection equipment, including the manipulation of the container lifting arm to empty a refuse container while operating in an area of heavy traffic and tight conditions.
• Performing pre-trip and post-trip vehicle safety inspections.
• Training other employees in the operation of specialized equipment.
• Abilities of:
• Read, understand, and carry-out oral and written instructions.
• Prepare routine records of activities.
• Work independently in the performance of assigned duties.
• Read, understand, and follow a route map and/or street guide.
• Deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in non-standard situations.
• Climb in and out of trucks and heavy equipment.
• Climb stairs and ladders.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications --------------------------------------

Sanitation Equipment Operator Trainee:

• Requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of the tenth grade.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Class-B Commercial Drivers License (CDL) including appropriate endorsement(s).
• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.

Sanitation Equipment Operator I:

• Requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of the tenth grade.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Class-B Commercial Drivers License (CDL), including appropriate endorsement(s).
• Minimum of two (2) years' related work experience is required.
• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS ----------------------

Pursuant to the SEIU collective bargaining agreement, employees must have abstained from the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff or electronic cigarettes (according to the CDC electronic cigarette is defined as "e-cigs," "e-hookahs," "mods," "vape pens," "vapes," "vaping," "tank systems," and "electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)" within the last 12 months from the date of application.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OR CONDITIONS ---------------------------------------------------

The environmental conditions and physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

POST-OFFER BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS --------------------------------------

The background check process for this position may include:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Motor Vehicles Report (MVR) Check
• Workers Compensation
• Physical
• Drug and Alcohol Screen
• Essential Employee Designation

CITY OF BOCA RATON - BENEFITS SUMMARY --------------------------------------

SEIU Employees ANNUAL LEAVE:

• Shall accrue prior to an employee attaining permanent status in the classified service and may be used after six (6) months of employment at the sole discretion of the Department Head, but it shall not be paid out upon resignation or termination unless the employee has attained permanent status (one full year).
• The maximum accrual is 360 hours.
• 0 to 5 full years: 8 hours per month
• 5 to 10 full years: 10 hours per month
• 10 to 15 full years: 12 hours per month
• 15 years and over: 14 hours per month

CASH OUT OF ANNUAL LEAVE:

• Employees who have attained permanent status shall be permitted to cash out up to forty (40) hours of accrued and unused Annual Leave, either in a single lump sum payment or two or more partial payments, each fiscal year.

SICK LEAVE:

• 8 hours per month
• Any hours in excess of 960 will be paid off annually at 50%.
• Upon retirement, employees with a minimum of 5 years continuous service will receive 50% of sick leave balance.
• Termination for reasons other than retirement shall be entitled to payment for accrued, but unused sick leave, as follows:
• Continuous years of service Percentage
• Less than 2 full years: 0%
• 2 to 5 full years: 10%
• 5 to 10 full years: 20%
• 10 full years or more: 30%
• Retirement (normal, early or disability): 50%

HEALTH INSURANCE (Premiums):

• Employee Medical (Base Plan) - Paid 100% by City.
• Employee contributions are required for the buy up employee coverage plans.
• Employee contributions are required for Employee Dental and Vision Plans, as well as Dependent(s) Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans.

CONTINUOUS SERVICE BENEFIT:

• Continuous Service is determined on December 1st of each year.
• Payment is issued during the month of December based upon years of service as follows:
• 5 to 10 full years: $600 annually
• 10 to 15 full years: $800 annually
• 15 full years and over: $1,000 annually

RETIREMENT PLANS:

• The two pension/retirement options are listed below:
• The option to enroll in a Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
• The Defined Contribution Plan will not require a mandatory contribution on your part.
• The City will contribute seven (7%) percent of your annual base wages to this plan.
• The vesting period for this plan shall be one (1)