Solid Waste Worker

Job OpportunityThe 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.Minimum QualificationsA 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. Candidates must also report changes in status of driver's license and 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 ProcessApplications must be received by Monday, November 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST 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.Exam ProcessThe 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, 2027Tests 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 hr@berkeleyca.gov at the time of application.BenefitsBenefited employees receive a myriad of financial and other benefits, 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