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Sideloader Operator (SWM)

City of Houston
UKfull_timeVerifiedPosted 7 Aug 2026
💰 $87,640/yr($82,101/yr$87,640/yr)

About the role

Posting number: 39312

Department: Houston Public Works

Division: Solid Waste

Job classification: SIDELOADER OPERATOR

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Public Works, Drivers

Summary

HPW header for job postings.png
APPLICATION ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
DIVISION/SECTION:  NORTH and SOUTH / OPERATIONS
Workday & Hours:  Shift work to include weekends, holidays and disaster recovery ***subject to change***  

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The purpose of the Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) is to provide solid waste services to the citizens of Houston through the collection, disposal, recycling of discarded material in a manner that is safe, efficient, environmentally sound, and cost-effective.  This individual that assumes this position will operate a heavy-duty vehicle (truck)  while on an assigned route, while emptying and cleaning the vehicle at the service centers. Responsible for performing a daily pre, mid and post trip bumper to maintenance related vehicle safety inspection; also operate service duties such as (checking fluid levels, air pressure and, daily cleaning of vehicle) at the end of each shift. This position is considered an essential worker and frontline responder during disaster recovery efforts. Must be willing to perform any other duties as assigned. An acceptable clear driving record is required.

Essential job duties and responsibilities for the (Sideloader Operator) includes but not limited to: 
•Operate a side loader or rear loader truck to collect and transport waste material from assigned routes 
•Operates the hydraulic controls on truck. 
•Performing physical labor of the collection of yard waste, heavy trash, household recyclables and garbage from City curbs
•May answer Citizens' questions regarding proper contents, packing weight, container types, pick-up times and placement of containers.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position requires extensive, near-continuous physical exertion such as repeated lifting of very heavy objects (more than 80 pounds), deep bending, climbing steps and/or assuming awkward positions. THERE ARE ROUTINE EXPOSURES TO SIGNIFICANT LEVELS OF HEAT, COLD, MOISTURE AND SOMETIMES RAIN.  There are frequent exposures to noise pollution, chemical gases and substances, and/or contagious diseases or physical trauma conditions of a short-term disabling nature, such as broken bones or temporary loss of sight or hearing.  Requires the ability to make closely coordinated eye/hand movements within very fine tolerance and/or calibration demands; or the ability to make rapid closely coordinated eye/hand movements on a patterned response space within somewhat fine tolerance demands; or the ability to make coordinated eye/hand movements within fine tolerances with large equipment as an extension of the worker.


Examples of duties

KNOWLEDGE:
Ability to read, write, add, subtract and follow oral and/or basic written instructions as might normally be acquired through 9 to 11 years of formal schooling.

EXPERIENCE:
Three months of driving experience with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) are required.

License:  Must have a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and comply with the City
                of Houston's policy on driving.

Qualifications

***Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6***  

  • Class A CDL (Commercial Drivers License) preferred.  
  • Tractor Trailer and/or Rear Loader experience a plus.  
  • Delivers excellent customer service to Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) Customers.
  • Willing to work a flexible schedule, be dependable, have a good work ethic and be team-oriented.  

Supplemental information

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. 
  
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION -YES 
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
 
PAY GRADE - 7
 
SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualific

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Company

City of Houston

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