Solid Waste Worker

Summary

Salary : $82,573.09 - $88,834.51 Annually
Location : Berkeley, CA
Job Type: Career
Job Number: 2026-11-6069
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 11/09/2026
Closing Date: 11/23/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

is a small city with a big reputation. At just ten square miles of land and seven square miles of water, Berkeley is famous around the globe as a center for academic achievement, scientific exploration, free speech, and the arts, and home to over 50 parks, a top-ranked university, and the largest public marina in the San Francisco Bay.
JOB OPPORTUNITY

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Solid Waste Worker in the Zero Waste Division of the Public Works Department! In this role, you will perform heavy manual labor in the collection and disposal of solid waste and recycling material; occasionally drive solid waste collection trucks; sort recyclable materials for reclamation at the transfer station; and may be assigned to maintenance and sanitization of solid waste collection containers at the transfer station.

See the for more information about this job.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:

Equivalent to completion of high school and one (1) year of experience performing heavy manual labor requiring physical stamina for prolonged periods.
Other requirements include possession of a valid California Class "B" commercial driver's license with no air brakes restriction, a satisfactory driving record, and sufficient strength and stamina to lift and carry objects weighing up to 80 pounds for prolonged periods. Must report changes in status of driver's license, Must be willing to work early morning, evening, holiday and weekend shifts, out of doors in all weather conditions, exposed to heavy traffic and disagreeable and potentially hazardous substances.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications must be received by Monday, November 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM PT and must include a completed application, all required attachments, and responses to supplemental questions. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.
Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.
Please be aware of unauthorized job postings and communications. Applications will only be accepted via GovernmentJobs.com and we will only email candidates from the governmentjobs.com or berkeleyca.gov domain. If you encounter a suspicious job post or communication, please alert us at

EXAM PROCESS

The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:

• Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents (qualifying experience will be calculated based on the application close date)
• Performance Exam - Tentatively Scheduled for January 5 & 6, 2027

Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews slated for the week of January 18, 2027.

Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to at the time of application.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City will undergo an employment background check that may include, but is not limited to: confirmation of employment history, educational credentials and degrees, certificates, registrations, and licenses including driver's license; credit check; criminal history check; and Live Scan fingerprinting.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER

The City of Berkeley is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All employment actions shall be administered regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, veterans' status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All City employees are required to provide services as Disaster Service Workers in the event of an emergency/disaster.
Benefited employees receive a myriad of financial and other , including CalPERS pension and other retirement plans, medical and dental coverage, tuition reimbursement, paid time off and more.

Benefit-eligible employees include those with a regular work schedule of at least 20 hours per week. Employees working less than 30 hours per week may receive pro-rated benefits.

Retirement
CalPERS
City employees are included in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The retirement formula is either 2% at age 62 (PEPRA members) or 2.7% at age 55 (Classic members).

Supplemental Retirement Income Plan (SRIP)
The City contributes 6.7% of the first $32,400 of the employee's salary (up to $2,170.80 annually) into a 401(a) account. The City is not a member of Social Security, therefore only the Medicare portion is deducted from employees' salaries.

Deferred Compensation
The City offers voluntary 457 deferred compensation plans with CalPERS or Empower. Employees may contribute up to the IRS maximum on a pre-tax basis.

Medical Plans
Employees can choose coverage under Kaiser HMO or Sutter Health Plan HMO. The City contributes an amount equal to the cost of the Kaiser premium. Employees who have medical coverage under another group plan may choose to waive City-provided medical coverage and receive a monthly stipend.

Dental Plan
The City provides group dental benefits through Delta Dental of California. The City contributes up to the family coverage for the plan, which covers 90% of the dental charges up to $2,000 annually per person. Orthodontic benefits are offered at a $2,000 lifetime maximum per person. Employees who have dental coverage under another group plan may choose to waive City-provided dental coverage and receive a monthly stipend.

Life Insurance
The City provides employees with a Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy in the amount of $25,000. Employees have the option to purchase additional term life insurance up to a maximum of $300,000.

Sick Leave
Employees earn one day of paid sick leave per month.

Vacation
New employees accrue 80 hours of vacation annually. Vacation accrual rates increase at 4 years, 12 years, 18 years, and 25 years of service.

Holidays
15 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays annually

Uniform Allowance
Employees in select classifications receive up to $1,400 annually (see )
(SEIU MC)
01

Please indicate your highest level of education completed.

• Some High School
• High School or Equivalent
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or Higher

02

Please confirm that you provided your High School or equivalent information within the Education section of your application as required by the minimum qualifications of the classification.

• I possess a high school diploma or equivalent and provided the proper information within my application.
• I do not possess a high school diploma or GED as an equivalent.

03

Please confirm you have uploaded a scan or photo of the FRONT and BACK of your valid California Class "B" commercial driver's license with no air brakes restriction as required by the minimum qualifications of the classification.

• I have uploaded the required document.
• I do not possess a valid California Class "B" commercial driver's license with no air brakes restriction.

04

I acknowledge that this job requires me to possess sufficient strength and stamina to lift and carry objects weighing up to 80 pounds for prolonged periods.

• Yes
• No

05

I acknowledge that this job requires me to be willing to work early morning, evening, holiday and weekend shifts, out of doors in all weather conditions, exposed to heavy traffic and disagreeable and potentially hazardous substances.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Job Description

Salary : $82,573.09 - $88,834.51 Annually
Location : Berkeley, CA
Job Type: Career
Job Number: 2026-11-6069
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 11/09/2026
Closing Date: 11/23/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

is a small city with a big reputation. At just ten square miles of land and seven square miles of water, Berkeley is famous around the globe as a center for academic achievement, scientific exploration, free speech, and the arts, and home to over 50 parks, a top-ranked university, and the largest public marina in the San Francisco Bay.
JOB OPPORTUNITY

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Solid Waste Worker in the Zero Waste Division of the Public Works Department! In this role, you will perform heavy manual labor in the collection and disposal of solid waste and recycling material; occasionally drive solid waste collection trucks; sort recyclable materials for reclamation at the transfer station; and may be assigned to maintenance and sanitization of solid waste collection containers at the transfer station.

See the for more information about this job.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:

Equivalent to completion of high school and one (1) year of experience performing heavy manual labor requiring physical stamina for prolonged periods.
Other requirements include possession of a valid California Class "B" commercial driver's license with no air brakes restriction, a satisfactory driving record, and sufficient strength and stamina to lift and carry objects weighing up to 80 pounds for prolonged periods. Must report changes in status of driver's license, Must be willing to work early morning, evening, holiday and weekend shifts, out of doors in all weather conditions, exposed to heavy traffic and disagreeable and potentially hazardous substances.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications must be received by Monday, November 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM PT and must include a completed application, all required attachments, and responses to supplemental questions. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.
Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.
Please be aware of unauthorized job postings and communications. Applications will only be accepted via GovernmentJobs.com and we will only email candidates from the governmentjobs.com or berkeleyca.gov domain. If you encounter a suspicious job post or communication, please alert us at

EXAM PROCESS

The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:

• Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents (qualifying experience will be calculated based on the application close date)
• Performance Exam - Tentatively Scheduled for January 5 & 6, 2027

Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews slated for the week of January 18, 2027.

Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to at the time of application.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City will undergo an employment background check that may include, but is not limited to: confirmation of employment history, educational credentials and degrees, certificates, registrations, and licenses including driver's license; credit check; criminal history check; and Live Scan fingerprinting.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER

The City of Berkeley is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All employment actions shall be administered regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, veterans' status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All City employees are required to provide services as Disaster Service Workers in the event of an emergency/disaster.
Benefited employees receive a myriad of financial and other , including CalPERS pension and other retirement plans, medical and dental coverage, tuition reimbursement, paid time off and more.

Benefit-eligible employees include those with a regular work schedule of at least 20 hours per week. Employees working less than 30 hours per week may receive pro-rated benefits.

Retirement
CalPERS
City employees are included in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The retirement formula is either 2% at age 62 (PEPRA members) or 2.7% at age 55 (Classic members).

Supplemental Retirement Income Plan (SRIP)
The City contributes 6.7% of the first $32,400 of the employee's salary (up to $2,170.80 annually) into a 401(a) account. The City is not a member of Social Security, therefore only the Medicare portion is deducted from employees' salaries.

Deferred Compensation
The City offers voluntary 457 deferred compensation plans with CalPERS or Empower. Employees may contribute up to the IRS maximum on a pre-tax basis.

Medical Plans
Employees can choose coverage under Kaiser HMO or Sutter Health Plan HMO. The City contributes an amount equal to the cost of the Kaiser premium. Employees who have medical coverage under another group plan may choose to waive City-provided medical coverage and receive a monthly stipend.

Dental Plan
The City provides group dental benefits through Delta Dental of California. The City contributes up to the family coverage for the plan, which covers 90% of the dental charges up to $2,000 annually per person. Orthodontic benefits are offered at a $2,000 lifetime maximum per person. Employees who have dental coverage under another group plan may choose to waive City-provided dental coverage and receive a monthly stipend.

Life Insurance
The City provides employees with a Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy in the amount of $25,000. Employees have the option to purchase additional term life insurance up to a maximum of $300,000.

Sick Leave
Employees earn one day of paid sick leave per month.

Vacation
New employees accrue 80 hours of vacation annually. Vacation accrual rates increase at 4 years, 12 years, 18 years, and 25 years of service.

Holidays
15 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays annually

Uniform Allowance
Employees in select classifications receive up to $1,400 annually (see )
(SEIU MC)
01

Please indicate your highest level of education completed.

• Some High School
• High School or Equivalent
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or Higher

02

Please confirm that you provided your High School or equivalent information within the Education section of your application as required by the minimum qualifications of the classification.

• I possess a high school diploma or equivalent and provided the proper information within my application.
• I do not possess a high school diploma or GED as an equivalent.

03

Please confirm you have uploaded a scan or photo of the FRONT and BACK of your valid California Class "B" commercial driver's license with no air brakes restriction as required by the minimum qualifications of the classification.

• I have uploaded the required document.
• I do not possess a valid California Class "B" commercial driver's license with no air brakes restriction.

04

I acknowledge that this job requires me to possess sufficient strength and stamina to lift and carry objects weighing up to 80 pounds for prolonged periods.

• Yes
• No

05

I acknowledge that this job requires me to be willing to work early morning, evening, holiday and weekend shifts, out of doors in all weather conditions, exposed to heavy traffic and disagreeable and potentially hazardous substances.

• Yes
• No

Required Question