Definition

Works under general supervision, performs work of routine difficulty in the operation of municipal solid waste collection services including refuse, bulky waste, yard waste, recycling, cleanups and city facilities by driving a collection vehicle and loading, hauling and unloading solid wastes according to established procedures and regulations; and performs related work as required.

The city will provide and pay for Commercial Driver's License training upon hire.

Starting Pay | $23.45 per hour 6 months | $23.84 per hour

The City of Davenport offers a comprehensive benefit package. The cost for a family plan for medical, dental, vision and prescription is only $98.61 per month for 2026 and starts on first day of employment.

The City also offers the following benefits (subject to change):

• Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation – The City will contribute 6.5% of the employee’s income to his/her 457 account if the employee contributes at least 1% (applicable to Teamsters)
• 13 paid holidays
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

Examples Of Duties

Operates solid waste collection vehicles, including rear loading and side loading refuse packers, dump trucks and recycling trucks on assigned routes.

Maneuvers vehicles through streets, alleys and traffic.

Obeys all traffic laws and regulations; lifts, carries, and loads refuse, garbage, yard waste, appliances, furniture, tires, recyclables and other wastes into collection vehicles.

Operates lift, packing and dumping mechanisms on trucks; picks up spilled and dumped materials; inspects all materials for compliance with City collection procedures and regulations.

Ensures that solid wastes are collected separately as required by department policy and procedures including refuse, bulky waste, yard waste and recyclables.

Provides frontline public relations activities by interacting and responding to inquiries regarding collection regulations and practices from the general public and staff in a professional manner.

Assists with the orientation and training of new employees in operational routines and regulations.

Reports problems with collection, including customer compliance, equipment operation and route completion; unloads materials at a sanitary landfill, materials recycling facility and other disposal facilities as required; and assists other work crews in the completion of assigned work.

Responsible for the safe operation and proper care of assigned vehicles and equipment; performs daily maintenance and reports problems on vehicles and equipment, including pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the chassis, packing mechanisms and other equipment as required; and cleans vehicles daily as required.

Adheres to all Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations, including wearing all designated safety equipment by the City.

Completes daily reports and records solid waste tagged for non-compliance regarding collection and equipment as needed for analysis of routes and work routines by supervisory staff.

Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices.

Responds to emergency calls, flood control, storms, snow, and other severe weather by performing work of a similar nature, and manual labor including shoveling snow and filling sand bags.

Qualifications

High School diploma or GED equivalent; three (3) years of driving experience; six (6) months of experience in heavy manual labor; or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the required work in this position.

Must possess a valid driver’s license upon application, obtain a Commercial Driver’s License Permit (CDLP) within 30 days of appointment and obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with air brake endorsement within 60 days of appointment and maintain throughout duration of employment. The city will provide and pay for Commercial Driver's License training upon hire.

Must pass a physical examination and background check as prescribed by the City. All CDL personnel are subject to Federal Motor Carriers Random Drug & Alcohol Program.

Must reside in Iowa or Illinois within two (2) years of hire and maintain residency throughout the duration of employment.

Knowledge and Skills

Good knowledge of:

Operation of equipment and tools used in the collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste including rear loading, semi-automated rear loading, dumpster lift rear loading, side loading, automated side loading, semi-automated side loading, single or tandem axle, grapple loader, packer or compartment type trucks for refuse, bulky waste, yard waste, recycling, tailgate lift and all their mechanisms for loading and unloading;

Lifting, carrying and loading awkward size and heavy objects, containers and bags according to the ergonomic standards established by OSHA, or NIOSH, or similar agencies;

Federal, state and local traffic laws and regulations;

Customer service principles and practices.

Some knowledge of:

Local geography and street locations;

Occupational hazards in solid waste handling and the proper safety precautions.

Considerable skill in:

Following oral and written instructions;

Driving and operating collection equipment in a safe and economical manner.

Working skill in:

Operating specialized machinery which requires good spatial perception, attention to performance detail and physical dexterity;

Working independently while coordinating work with other employees;

Detecting and reporting equipment malfunctions.