Application Deadline:
Monday, August 3, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.*
*This recruitment may close ahead of schedule if 50 applications are received before the advertised deadline*
Proficient Class A or B operators with experience operating a side-loader and/or front-loader are highly encouraged to apply for this job opportunity.
OPPORTUNITY
This recruitment is to fill one Solid Waste Equipment Operator I/II vacancy in the Solid Waste Division of the Utilities Department. The eligibility list established by this recruitment may be used to fill future Solid Waste Equipment Operator I/II vacancies.
Schedules for Solid Waste Equipment Operator I/II may vary depending on assignment, and may be subject to working weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime. Work shifts for commercial assignments (front loader operations) are generally from 3:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., while residential assignments (side loader operations) are generally from 6:00a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This position is anticipated to be filled at the Operator II level to support commercial assignments (front loader operations).
WHAT WE DO
The Utilities Department is responsible for providing refuse collection, disposal services, and water and sewer services to Santa Maria. The Mission Statement of the Utilities Department is to provide efficient utility services using progressive innovation, excellent customer service, and the wise use of public resources for the long-term benefit of the community.
The Solid Waste Division manages the collection of trash, recycling, and organics. The Division also operates the Santa Maria Regional Landfill, where includes the Household Hazardous Waste Facility and Recycling Park.
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the general direction of an assigned supervisor, the Solid Waste Equipment Operator I/II performs a variety of skilled refuse collection duties for solid waste, recycling, and organics. The position utilizes side-loading equipment for carts and front-end loading equipment for dumpsters. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification, but may act as a lead worker for temporarily assigned employees or special projects.
The Solid Waste Equipment Operator I/II position is an Individual Contributor role that provides refuse collection with a high level of safety, efficiency, and customer service. Their role enables the city to provide the community’s most essential and basic refuse service in the most efficient, cost-effective, and courteous manner possible.
IMPORTANT PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS-
Applicants must hold a valid Class A or B Driver's License to be considered fort his position.
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This position is required to enroll in the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Program, which requires a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.
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This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing throughout employment with the City.
IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
The ideal candidate is an experienced waste collection driver with a Class A or B driver's license and a safe driving record. In addition, the ideal candidate is someone who:
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Demonstrates consistent reliability
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Is customer service-oriented
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Can work efficiently and productively while on routes
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Has excellent communication skills
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Respects team members and values teamwork
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Is technology savvy
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Takes pride in their work
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Is capable of maintaining high productivity in various outdoor environments, including hot and cold weather conditions, rain, fog, and nighttime operations
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Demonstrates the Individual Core Competencies as listed in the section below
REQUIRED APPLICATION SUBMITTALS-
Online application
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A cover letter introducing yourself and explaining your interest in this position
FULL JOB DESCRIPTIONS & ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
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Solid Waste Equipment Operator I (Residential Side Loader) - $58,347.12 - $70,921.50
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Solid Waste Equipment Operator II (Commercial Front Loader) - $59,514.00 - $72,339.54
Appointment to the I or II level depends on an applicant's qualifications and experience, and the needs of the hiring department.These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization. This position:
Delivers and unloads collected refuse and recyclables primarily from commercial sites, and occasionally from residential sites and roadways, to designated disposal, composting, and/or material recovery facilities.
Primarily drives and operates a commercial front-loader; occasionally drives and operates an automated side-loader; manipulates hydraulic controls, manually opens and closes dumpster enclosures and gates.
Tags containers in violation of applicable ordinances and codes and communicates with the dispatch center.
Maintains regular vehicle maintenance and keeps vehicles professional in appearance; performs daily and weekly maintenance on assigned equipment.
Performs pre-trip vehicle inspections in compliance with governing procedures; reports and completes mechanical defect tickets on equipment in need of servicing.
Prepares route mileage forms and other reports related to solid waste.
Performs miscellaneous trash collection duties, including lifting and transporting large or bulky items.
Repairs, paints, rinses, cleans, refurbishes and delivers containers and/or dumpsters and completes yard duties as assigned.
May provide lead supervision on work activities of crew members as assigned, including equipment operations.
Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR CORE COMPETENCIES
Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance (click the hyper link to see the full definition Individual Contributor Competencies):
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Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented, share resources, respond to requests, and support a spirit of cooperative effort.
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Customer Orientation - Effective performers are in touch with community needs and review the organization through the eyes of Santa Maria residents. They go out of their way to anticipate needs.
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Integrity - Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly, take responsibility for their actions and foster a work environment where integrity is rewarded.
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Communicativeness - Effective performers recognize the essential value of continuous information exchange and the competitive advantage it brings. They actively seek information from a variety of sources and disseminate it in a variety of ways. They use modern technologies to access and circulate information, even across great distances. They take responsibility for ensuring that their people have the current and accurate information needed for success.
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Initiative - Effective performers are proactive and take action without being prompted. They do not wait to be told what to do or when to do it. They see a need, take responsibility, and act on it. They make things happen.
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Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances, and demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation.
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Functional/Technical Expertise - Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty (e.g., finance, public works, planning, information technology, human resources, etc.), and remain current in their area of expertise.
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Problem Solving & Decision Making - Effective performers identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment.
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Learning Agility - Effective performers continuously seek new knowledge, are curious, learn quickly, and use new information effectively.
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Drive/Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and are ambitious and passionate about their role. They have stamina and endurance to maintain a fast pace.
CONDITIONSOFEMPLOYMENT
Required licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment:
Under the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Program, successfully complete a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and submit to random drug and/or alcohol testing throughout employment with the City. Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City.
The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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May require completion of a pre-employment physical to the satisfaction of the City.
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Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
APPLICATION RANKING
The complete application packet consists of the online application and cover letter.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for this recruitment will be certified to an eligibility list. An applicant's final ranking on the eligibility list will be determined by their submitted application materials. The Hiring Department will interview selected candidates from the eligibility list who best meet its needs.
If you are experiencing any technical (computer-related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, call the NEOGOV helpline for assistance at 1-855-524-5627.
