Solid Waste Driver (Residential/Commercial)

About Us

Tallahassee, a diverse community of nearly 200,000 residents, is the state capital and home to Florida A&M University, Florida State University, and Tallahassee State College. It is known for its national forest, freshwater lakes, and abundant parks and recreational activities. Located in the north-central portion of the state of Florida.

The City, as an organization, has a devoted workforce of approximately 4,000 people who come together to ensure the needs of the community are met through municipal services. These services include Police, Fire, Utilities (electric, gas, water, wastewater, stormwater), Parks and Recreation, Aviation-Tallahassee International Airport, and general municipal services. The City's mission is to be the national leader in the delivery of public service.

The City of Tallahassee's workforce is our communitys lifeblood, we offer diverse career opportunities, a positive work-life balance, competitive compensation, exceptional wellness programs, and comprehensive benefits, all of which position us to be the premier employer of choice for this area.

Apply On Or Before

Apply on or before 11pm on Sunday, November 15th, 2026. Interviews will be conducted and vacancies filled throughout the duration of the posting period.

Department Name

Community Beautification & Waste Management

Job Specifications

The City of Tallahassee Solid Waste Division is seeking a skilled Solid Waste Driver to safely operate a refuse collection vehicle serving commercial and residential customers. You'll operate heavy-duty collection equipment, follow safe driving protocols, and deliver efficient, service-oriented work while presenting a positive image of the City to the public. You'll also direct the work of Solid Waste Technicians assigned to collection activities and serve as a trusted point of contact, answering customer questions or connecting them with the right resource. You may help train fellow drivers and Technicians in specialized driving and collection techniques.

What You'll Do

• Drive and operate a twelve-wheel front-end loader, container delivery truck, Curotto truck, multi-lift, or roll-off truck to collect solid waste, safely maneuvering through residential and commercial areas, tight container enclosures, and around overhanging wires.
• Work the vehicle controls to pick up and compact waste, including roll-off and dumpster containers as well as household trash and yard debris containers along your route.
• Direct the work of Solid Waste Technicians assigned to assist with collection, and lend a hand to drivers on other routes when needed.
• Check the condition of your assigned vehicle and report any needed repairs or service to your supervisor and/or Fleet mechanics using established procedures.
• Complete route sheets, truck reports, work orders, and weight tickets, and submit them in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform incidental manual labor related to loading and disposing of solid waste, including picking up or raking litter scattered during collection.
• Handle flagging and traffic control to keep the work area safe.
• Help train residential and commercial drivers and Technicians in driving and collection techniques and perform other related work as required by your supervisor.

Employment Status: OPS

For the complete job specification, listing essential duties and desirable qualifications, go to Solid Waste Residential Collection Driver or Solid Waste Commercial Driver

Minimum Training & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED; and
• Two (2) years of experience as described below:
• Commercial Driver: Driving heavy-duty equipment or solid waste collection equipment.
• Residential Driver: Driving or operating vehicles weighing 26,001 lbs. or more.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Must possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) at the time of application and maintain it as a condition of continued employment.
• Must successfully complete City of Tallahassee Solid Waste Driver Training for a vehicle type assigned at the department's discretion, within the timeframe below:
• Commercial Driver (360 hours within 6 weeks of employment): Roll-off truck, multi-lift truck, container delivery unit, front-end loading truck, or Curotto truck
• Residential Driver (within 6 weeks of employment): Automatic side-loader, garbage truck, semi-automatic rear-loading truck, trash truck, or boom truck
• Residential Driver (within 2 weeks of employment): Rear loader truck or box truck

Salary Range

• OPS Residential Driver: up to $20.51 per hour
• OPS Commercial Driver: up to $21.50 per hour

Applicants are considered for the Residential or Commercial Driver role based on their qualifications and experience. Starting pay is also based on experience.

Benefits Information

The City of Tallahassee offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Note: OPS employees are eligible for medical insurance plans but not eligible for paid vacation, paid sick leave, or paid holidays. Temporary employees (Non-OPS) are not eligible to participate in the Citys benefits programs.

How To Apply

Visit Talgov.com/Employment click on the 'Apply Today' button, then navigate to 'My Job Applications' icon, and create an account. Only online applications will be accepted for this vacancy. Remember, you must complete all sections of the application, including the education and work history section, even if this information is included on your resume.

If you have any questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact the City's Human Resources and Workforce Development Department at 850-891-8214.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The City of Tallahassee is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to promoting equity and celebrating diversity. The City of Tallahassee invites applications without regard to an individual's race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Veterans' Preference:

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses of the service members and veterans, will receive preference and priority, and certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. For information on who may be eligible for Veterans Preference, go to http://floridavets.org/benefits-services/veterans-preference/, or call Human Resources & Workforce Development at (850) 891-8214.To claim Veterans Preference, applicants must upload a DD-214 (and other documentation, as applicable) with their online application prior to the closing date of the job opening.

Accommodation for Persons with a Disability:

If you require an accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator, in the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, at 850-891-8950 or at TLHADA@talgov.com Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or TDD 711, at least 48 hours, (excluding weekends and holidays), prior to the application deadline.