Solid Waste Equipment Operator Apprentice

The apprenticeship program for Solid Waste Equipment Operators (SWEO) was developed to attract and train individuals with the desire to earn their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and become a skilled SWEO for the City of Phoenix. This program seeks to develop skilled operators through a detailed classroom and on-the-job training model, designed to educate apprentices in a safe, efficient, economical, and customer centered solid waste collection operations.

No experience is required, and you do not need to have a CDL prior to starting the program. All required training is paid for and provided by the City of Phoenix while on the job and being paid. If you have recently obtained a CDL Class A license but lack experience, you still qualify and are encouraged to apply

SWEO Job Duties Include:

• Operating solid waste collection equipment in accordance with established organizational policies, procedures and administrative regulations, Occupational and Safety Health Act (OSHA), and Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements, as well as all local, state and federal laws.
• Performing daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections of assigned vehicles; to include seven (7) step air brake check.
• Reading and understanding collection route maps and following designated routes. Operating right-side driven equipment.
• Navigating safely in both controlled and uncontrolled environments.
• Reporting all unsafe situations or service-related issues.
• Attending and participating in training programs, briefings and meetings required by Management.
• Reporting incidents, accidents, injuries, and property damage.
• Using a GPS system.
• Operating a two-way radio; communicating customer requests and service interruptions. Identifying needed equipment repairs and making necessary equipment adjustments.
• Climbing in and out of equipment multiple times each day.
• Performing light manual labor.
• Providing customer service to internal and external customers.
• Meeting established performance standards.
• Maneuvering a large vehicle through tight spaces and turns (alleyways and narrow streets with parked cars).
• Up-righting overturned containers and cleaning up solid waste spills as needed.
• Attending and participating in training programs, briefings, and meetings required by Management.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements.

Depending on availability, some candidates may be eligible for the pre-apprenticeship program which is approximately 90 days of on-the-job training (OJT) hours and then the apprenticeship program begins with apprentices training to obtain their CDL and begin 2,000 hours of OJT.

Program tentative start date is April 2025.

Apprentices must successfully and satisfactorily complete all assigned classroom and equipment training and 2,000 OJT hours. During this period of the program, apprentices will be non-classified and paid as a SWEO apprentice. After successful completion, apprentices will promote into the SWEO classification and serve a 12-month probationary period.

Able to:

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Accept responsibility, exercise good judgement, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Be flexible and adaptable.
• Learn, take instruction, and accept feedback.

• $22.61 / hour starting wage.
• After obtaining CDL Class A license receive $3/hr.
• $26.18 1,000 OJT hours.
• $27.49 2,000 OJT hours.

Apprentices must successfully and satisfactorily complete all assigned classroom and equipment training and 2,000 OJT hours. During this period of the program, apprentices will be non-classified and paid as a SWEO apprentice. After successful completion, apprentices will promote into the SWEO classification and serve a 12-month probationary period.

A comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes:

• for more details: Pension Information
• 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions
• Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans
• Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan
• Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually
• Dental, vision, and life insurance options
• Employer paid long-term disability
• Free Bus/light rail pass
• Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year
• Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days
• Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi

For more details, visit: Unit 001 Benefits

• Must hold a Class D or equivalent license for one year and prove one year of driving experience in a vehicle other than a motorcycle.
• Must have a High School Diploma or GED at the time of hire.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age (the minimum age for a Commercial Driver's License holder) with a clean driving record.
• Successfully pass City drug and background check.
• Must be able to:
  • Work early mornings and may be required to work mandatory overtime daily and/or weekly.
  • Work irregular hours, second and/or third shifts, weekends, holidays, and evenings as required.
  • Work for prolonged periods standing in one location, and/or walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces.
  • Work outside in a variety of environmental extremes such as heat, cold, rain, air pollution, and dust.
  • Move heavy objects (50 pounds or more) short distances (20 feet or less).
• All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions,
• .
• The City job description can be found here.

Recruitment closes February 7, 2025. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.

This recruitment and any interview process as a result of this recruitment may be used by multiple hiring managers and multiple departments throughout the City to fill any related current or future vacancies; other recruitments and appropriate eligible lists may also be considered.

Required to attend one of the Information Sessions (applicants must be on time)

• DATE: Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
• DATE: Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 9:00am to 12:00pm

LOCATION: City of Phoenix, 3535 South 35th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009

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• If you need assistance applying for this job, please contact our HR Connection Center at (602) 495-5700.

General Apprentice-U1 (NC), JC:00010, ID# 52362, 1/27/25, 3 mos, AJ, Benefits: 001

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