Applicants must submit their completed application by 07-31-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST
As part of the online application process, all applicants are required to submit the following at the time of application:
- An uncertified 39-month Motor Vehicle Record (dated within the last 30 days of application)
- An updated resume
- A cover letter with responses to the questions below
Applications received that do not contain an uncertified 39-month Motor Vehicle Record (dated within the last 30 days of application), an updated resume, and a cover letter with responses to all the required questions listed below will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further in this recruitment process.
If you have trouble uploading these documents, please contact Jocelyn D. Maez at 520.837.2113 or
[email protected].
In your cover letter, please ensure to include responses to the following:
1. Provide a summary of your experience operating solid waste equipment such as an automatic side loader, front loader, rear loader, or roll-off. Include the name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience, your job title, and dates of employment.
2. Provide a summary of any experience you have operating hydraulic equipment. Include the name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience, your job title, and dates of employment.
3. Provide a summary of any experience you have driving commercial vehicles (right-handed or curbside). Include the name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience, your job title, and dates of employment.
4. Provide a summary of any experience you have following delivery routes and using routing systems. Include the name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience, your job title, and dates of employment.
Interviews are tentatively set for Thursday, August 13, 2026.
**Pursuant to Administrative Directive 6.01-8 Commercial Driver Policy: Incumbent employees may apply for a promotional opportunity if they meet all of the position requirements except for a CDL or required CDL endorsement. An employee who does not have the required license may be conditionally selected and advised of the requirement that they obtain the required license within 90 calendar days of the conditional notification of selection.
Candidates applying for positions carrying a CDL driving designation are required to obtain a valid Arizona CDL within 90 days of hire. The CDL must be of the appropriate classification, with endorsements as required by the job classification.
Failure to obtain the required CDL and endorsement within the required 90 calendar days will result in failure of probation and employment will be terminated effective immediately. Failure to maintain the CDL thereafter will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
A valid medical examiner’s certificate (MEC) issued by the City of Tucson occupational health provider will be required at the time of hire.
Should you have any questions related to this recruitment process, please contact the following:
Jocelyn D. Maez at 520.837.2113 or
[email protected]
Environmental Services Human Resources at
[email protected]
Position Specific Summary
The Solid Waste Equipment Operator (SWEO) position with the City of Tucson’s Environmental Services Department operates refuse collection vehicles and various equipment for the safe, efficient, and responsible collection, transportation, and disposal of refuse, trash, debris, and recyclables.
Work is performed under the supervision of the Environmental Services Supervisor. This position does not supervise.
Duties and Responsibilities
Operates refuse collection vehicles and various equipment within the commercial, residential, brush and bulky, and container maintenance units by following safe driving practices. Collects refuse, recyclables, brush and bulky items, and services all containers on assigned routes. Uses electronic software system to view assigned routes as well as special instructions and updates. Sets and positions containers in an upright manner, ensuring lids are properly closed, and do not block driveways, entrances, or traffic. Reports accidental spills and overflow of containers to supervisor and tags containers to ensure surrounding collection site is free of debris for future servicing.
Transports and disposes of collected waste at designated waste collection sites in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Tags containers holding unacceptable waste including but not limited to paint, electronics, large appliances, and household hazardous waste. Transports and drops off recyclables to designated recycle centers.
Provides excellent customer service by maintaining a courteous and professional demeanor during customer interactions. Provides resources and information to customers related to refuse collections or other services. Notifies supervision or Control for Refuse (Control R) dispatch of customer requests. Adheres to required productivity standards, ensuring all customers are serviced in a timely and efficient manner. Executes and follows City policies and departmental operational procedures as pertaining to customer service.
Communicates with supervisors through two-way radio and utilizes routing software system to communicate location of tagged containers and reason of tagged containers. Immediately notifies supervision and Control R dispatch of incidents, accidents, injuries, property damage, missed containers, or other issues that arise during completion of assigned route. Reports unsafe conditions, and situations such as hard-to-reach containers, tight alley ways and other issues that may arise to supervision and Control R prior to attempting service at route locations to avoid property and personal damage. Tags containers that are blocked, preventing service, overloaded, or too close to fixed objects and containers with other issues as service reminders for customers.
Actively participates and cooperates in all scheduled trainings, briefings, and meetings. Operates vehicles in accordance with all federal, state, local and City of Tucson requirements. Promotes the City of Tucson’s safety standards by not taking inappropriate risks while driving and while servicing containers or brush and bulky items. Performs daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections of assigned vehicle. Monitors tire pressure, fluid levels, safety equipment, gauges, and controls continuously to ensure vehicle maintains operational readiness, minimize mechanical downtime and operational cost. Identifies and reports vehicle improper performance, issues, and malfunctions, and completes vehicle discrepancy reports for repairs by fleet services staff. Reports hydraulic spills to supervisor and Control R dispatch unit to notify Tucson Fire Department when large spills occur. Maintains cleanliness of interior and exterior of assigned vehicles.
Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned. Cleans motor pool area, uses various hand tools, performs occasional office duties, and site check inspections.
Working Conditions:
Work schedule may include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Often works under the following conditions: exposure to extreme physical, ergonomic, or hazardous environment, which includes but not limited to dirt, grime, chemical, loud noise, and unfavorable odors.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Experience: No experience
License Requirement: Valid and unrestricted Arizona Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) – Class B
Equivalency: Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
At least two years of operating solid waste equipment such as an automatic side loader, front loader, rear loader, or roll-off
At least three years of experience operating hydraulic equipment
Experience with driving commercial vehicles (right-handed or curbside)
Experience following delivery routes and using routing systems
J5158 - Solid Waste Equipment Operator
To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.
G103
$18.15 - 27.23 USD
The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
Non-Exempt
Regular
Full time
Environmental Services
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Environmental-and-General-Services
This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.
The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.
The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.
The City does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).
ADA Accessibility Complaint Form
The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 520-791-2619.
Jocelyn D. Maez (41991)
[email protected]
For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-837-4190.
