Job Details

Recycling Operations Driver

The City is looking to fill at least one (1) Temporary/Seasonal, Part-time (non-benefited) Recycling Operations Driver position. Duties include driving a recycling collection truck on designated curbside routes, picking up recycling materials from residential and business customers, putting materials into vehicle, and completing route as scheduled; delivering and unloading materials to designated sites; operating a variety of equipment in the collection and processing of recyclable materials; and providing information to the public on recycling program and procedures. The work is physically demanding and is performed primarily in an outdoor driving environment. The ideal candidate is a safety-minded and dependable professional who communicates effectively, provides excellent customer service to the community, and takes pride in operating equipment and completing recycling collection activities efficiently. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity where your work directly supports the community and helps improve the quality of life in El Cerrito, this is the position for you! This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list for both Temporary/Seasonal, Part-Time AND Full-Time opportunities, that may be used to fill future Recycling Operations Driver positions as they become available. This position is subject to D.O.T. pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing. A valid Class B California Driver's license with air brake certification is required. The hourly rate is inclusive of the 3.5% COLA that has been approved for July 2026. Tentative interviews and practical test will be held the week of August 10th, exact date TBD.

Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Drives a recycling collection truck on designated curbside routes, picking up recycling materials, putting materials into vehicle, and completing route as scheduled; delivers and unloads materials to designated sites as needed.
• Collects recyclables from a variety of residential and commercial locations throughout the City; operates equipment at the Recycling Center; performs daily maintenance checks on vehicles and equipment.
• Maintains the Recycling Center yard, including picking up loose trash, sweeping, rotating empty and full material bins, stacking the materials for distribution and performing routine building/facility maintenance tasks; maintains records relating to inspections, collection activity, material weights, and shipping activity; sorts and manages recyclables by material types, removing contaminants, and processes recyclables accordingly.
• Provides general customer service functions to Recycling Center patrons; directs patrons in the proper handling and recycling of all materials collected on-site, and provides resources about which items are not accepted and how they may be properly handled, recycled and/or disposed of; addresses questions and/or complaints from the public at the Recycling Center and at the curb.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
• Experience: One (1) year of responsible experience in driving/operating a commercial vehicle with a Class B License.
• Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid California Class B Driver's License with air brake endorsement and a satisfactory driving record, to be maintained throughout employment. Possession of, or ability to obtain within two (2) months of employment, certification as an OSHA-approved forklift operator.

Knowledge and abilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Methods, processes, tools, mechanical equipment and vehicles used in the collection and processing of recyclable materials.
• Basic vehicle and equipment maintenance.
• Safe driving practices and backing, loading, compacting, and lifting procedures.
• Safely and effectively operate specialized power tools, stationary mechanical equipment, and commercial vehicles (including an 8-ton recycling truck, 5-ton dump bed truck, 1-ton utility truck, and forklift).
• Work independently and effectively in the absence of supervision.
• Read maps, charts, route sheets and gauges related to City and County geography, street layout and location.
• Perform heavy physical labor.