Recycling and Trash Operator

Delivery Driver – City of Wilmington, NC

Do you like to work at your own pace, finish your day on time, and make a real impact by keeping the community clean? The City is seeking dependable, safety‑minded individuals to operate CDL‑required trucks on assigned collection routes. This position involves collecting and disposing of household waste, vegetative debris, large household items and recyclables in a safe and responsible manner.

Drivers are assigned daily routes and are expected to work as part of a crew operating heavy equipment, assisting with collection at stops, and supporting special events as needed.

Shifts are 4 days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday), beginning at 5:30 AM, allowing employees to be home well before dinner time. The department is looking to hire for these positions quickly.

• Operate a CDL‑required truck, performing required morning pre‑trip and evening post‑trip inspections, learning assigned routes, using the cart tipper and packing system, and safely unloading collected materials with the truck ejection system.
• Collect and dispose of waste and recyclables in coordination with crew members, including household trash, recycling, vegetative debris and bulky items, ensuring recycling guidelines are followed and maintaining safe practices at all times.
• Assist the crew at collection stops by exiting the truck to physically help with loading and ensuring all materials are collected safely and efficiently, when needed.
• Deliver and remove carts by receiving and completing work orders, verifying correct cart sizes for new customers, and retrieving carts from vacant addresses.
• Support special assignments, including working City holidays and festivals, delivering carts or barrels for special events, assisting other drivers as needed, and cleaning the truck weekly.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment by following safety protocols and proper equipment operation procedures.

• Provide cleanup and sanitation support at City‑sponsored festivals, events, and community cleanups.
• Work is assigned daily and may vary based on route needs and weather conditions.
• Expected to work most City holidays and may be required to work before, during, and after inclement weather or natural disaster events (essential position).
• Operate handheld route tablets.

• High school diploma or equivalent and one year of relative experience in truck driving/operating or trash collection.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license. If a candidate does not have a CDL, the department will provide paid, hands‑on CDL training upon hire to obtain the required license, which must be obtained within 120 days of hire.
• Ability to obtain FEMA – NIMS 100 and 700 certifications through independent study courses within 90 days of hire.
• Basic computer skills are required for online training and daily work interactions with handheld route tablets.

Candidates will be required to complete a simulated physical ability assessment to ensure they are able to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Push and pull over 100 lbs. occasionally (e.g., push/pull a sled weighing 90 lbs.).
• Lift and carry 50‑100 lbs. frequently (e.g., climb, lift, and walk carrying 80 lbs., 5 times).
• Lift or carry 20‑50 lbs. constantly (e.g., climb, lift, and walk carrying 50 lbs., 5 times).

This position generally works in a vehicle but is also required to work outdoors in the elements.