Solid Waste Equipment Operator

October 1, 2026

Other Jobs To Apply

No other job posts for this day.

The City of Bakersfield is hiring a Solid Waste Equipment Operator to perform manual and semi-skilled work in operating refuse collection and recycling equipment. Responsibilities include organizing collection routes, driving refuse trucks, and operating various equipment. Applicants must have two years of experience driving heavy-duty vehicles and a valid Class 'B' California driver's license. The position is full-time with a salary range of $26.50 - $32.19 per hour. SALARY: $26.50 - $32.19 / Hour OPENING DATE: 3/19/25 CLOSING DATE: 4/2/2025 at 1:00 PM Pacific Time THE POSITION: Under general supervision, performs manual and semi-skilled work in the operation of heavy and complex automotive refuse collection and recycling equipment such as (but not limited to) front loader, side loader, roll-off, grinder, screen plant, and compost turner; and performs other work as required. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of this class. They are descriptive, not limiting. Essential Duties: Efficiently organizes and operates collection routes; Operates a one-person, or on occasion a two-person, automated, semi-automated, or manual loading refuse truck used in the collection of various sized waste containers; Drives a refuse collection vehicle to an assigned route; Collects refuse from residences and /or commercial buildings along the route; Drives full refuse truck and boxes to the appropriate facility for disposal or recycling and places truck in the required area; Communicates service situations by radio; May operate and maintain the wood grinder, screen plant, compost turner, and other material handling equipment at the recycling facility; Leads a small crew of up to two (2) other employees; Performs related work as required. For full job description, please click Solid Waste Equipment Operator MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Applications will be accepted ONLY from those applicants who clearly demonstrate on the COMPLETED application & supplemental questionnaire that they meet the below requirements: • Two (2) years’ experience in driving heavy-duty vehicles or equipment. Licenses and Certificates and Special Requirements: • Possession of a valid Class "B" California driver's license. Highly Desirables: • Solid waste equipment & operations experience • Preventative maintenance experience • Tanker endorsement • Experience with; recycling processing equipment, Grinder, Trommel Screen, Windrow turner EXAMINATION: ORAL APPRAISAL INTERVIEW (Weighted 100%): (Tentative) April 9th, 2025 An appraisal will be made of the applicant's experience, education, training, certification, knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal qualifications for the position. A minimum passing score of 70% is required. NOTE: Admission to the Examination may be limited to those applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications. Applicants possessing the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed admittance to the Examination. Employment applications must be properly completed in accordance with instructions on face of application form. All pertinent information needed to determine that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications must be shown on the application, resume, supplemental questionnaire, and typing certificate; otherwise, the application may be rejected. NOTE: POSTMARKS will not be accepted Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of COMPLETED application.

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...