REFUSE ASSOCIATE (TRASH TRUCK)

July 16, 2026
$47840

Job Description

Operate and optimize Lynchburg's daily refuse collection routes, ensuring safety, efficiency, and customer service excellence.

Refuse Collection Team Member

The Department of Public Works is looking for motivated individuals to join our Refuse Team. This is a great opportunity to make a visible difference in your community while building a rewarding career in public service. Pay is based on work assignment and qualifications, and is based on organizational needs.

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for operating a variety of motorized equipment in the collection and disposal of refuse materials to include brush and bulky materials by performing the following duties:

  • Drives and operates manual, fully and semi-automated refuse collection trucks, including side loading and rear loading trucks over prescribed routes to manual collection of residential refuse along city streets from residences, and small businesses.
  • Operates hydraulic mechanism for compressing and dumping refuse;
  • Drives and operates dead animal/special; pick-up truck as needed;
  • Operates knuckleboom to collect bulk and brush;
  • Administers Solid Waste Ordinance by issuing violation notices as necessary to address noncompliance for collection; reports violations of refuse ordinances to Refuse Manager;
  • Collaborates with the Refuse Enforcement Team;
  • Provides information to customers and explains refuse policies and procedures;
  • Ensures safety of City vehicles, trash containers and pedestrian cans.
  • Performs daily equipment checks, fuels vehicles, routine equipment cleaning, preventative maintenance and minor repairs to equipment;
  • Participates in the design of strategies to enhance and improve the refuse collection team;
  • Functions as a team member in a variety of operational duties, requiring ongoing change in job duties, cross training, rotating job assignments and interacting in a team-based work environment;
  • Enter data/violations on tablet/computer;
  • Participates in safety, technical and team training;
  • Available for emergency duty during snow removal and other emergency situations;
  • Assist with training new hires and temporary staff as needed;
  • Sets the example by modeling the expectations set forth by the Department of Public Works;

Additional duties may include providing direct or indirect service to the citizens as well as accepting special assignments during a State of Emergency.

This position has no supervision duties.

Minimum Education and Experience Required:

High school diploma or general education degree. Relevant operation experience is preferred.

Additional Requirements:

  • Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and an acceptable driving record based on City criteria;
  • Possession of a Commercial Driver's License;
  • Ability to learn Refuse Compliance software utilizing tablet/computer;
  • Ability to obtain Flagger Certification through the Virginia Department of Transportation;
  • Relevant background checks must be completed and approved;
  • Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment.
  • May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.

The City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the City's goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services.

  • Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits:
    • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
    • Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS); the City's contribution is based on a rate determined bi-annually by the VRS Board and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre-tax) towards their VRS benefit
    • Life insurance at no cost to the employee
    • Optional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.
    • Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistance
    • Paid Time Off
  • Employees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the position

Employees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loans.

Additional information about City benefits can be found on our website and in the Employment Policies & Procedures.

Drive and operate manual, fully and semi-automated refuse collection trucks on prescribed routes, Operate hydraulic mechanism for compressing and dumping refuse, Issue violation notices to address noncompliance with Solid Waste Ordinances, Enter data/violations on tablet/computer and assist customers with policies, Perform daily equipment checks and basic maintenance on vehicles and equipment