Solid Waste Collector

Employees in this class perform manual labor in collecting leaves, grass, limbs, and other debris from the Town. Work also included emptying waste receptacles along greenways, dog parks, and inside the town. The employees are subject to working in an outside environment, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, and moving mechanical parts. Work involves riding in a truck and getting out at each stop to pick up debris and load it into a truck. Based on the operational needs of the division, the employee may be required to perform physical labor to include riding from the “back” of the refuse vehicle. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Solid Waste Supervisor and is performed under the direct observation of the Solid Waste Equipment Operator.

Employee Values: Employees of the Town of Wake Forest are expected to uphold and exhibit the Town’s shared employee values of caring, commitment, character, and collaboration.

Essential Functions

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Picks up limbs, bags of grass clippings, and leaves at the side of each yard.
• Empties trash cans on assigned route in dog parks, greenways and downtown.
• Assembles garbage bins and recycling containers.
• Delivers trash cans and recycling bins.
• Picks up piles of bags, trash and debris left by contractors and lawn services.
• Picks up storm debris.
• Rides truck to and from locations.
• Participates in the annual leaf collection program.
• Assists other public works departments as needed.
• Drives truck on assigned route as a back-up driver as needed.
• Picks up piles of tree limbs and debris left by other town crews.
• Operates hand tools as needed.
• Performs routine cleaning and maintenance on truck and equipment.
• Performs related tasks as required.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Working knowledge of the methods and techniques applied in unskilled manual labor.

Working knowledge of standard hand tools, light equipment operation, and materials used in assigned work.

Working knowledge of the occupational hazards and applicable safety precautions associated with assigned work.

Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and respond courteously to citizens.

Ability to understand and follow specific oral instructions.

Ability to read and follow maps.

Ability to drive a truck.

Ability to perform repetitive manual labor.

Ability to perform manual labor for long periods.

Desirable Education and Experience

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school with some experience performing manual labor work.

Special Requirement

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Physical Requirements

Work in this class is very physical and requires physical stamina and dexterity to lift heavy amounts of debris and cans for a sustained period. The employee must be able to physically perform the physical functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 50 to 75 pounds of force frequently, and 20 pounds constantly.

Once an offer of employment has been extended, candidates will undergo a thorough background investigation, including NC State Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting.

The link below provides a summary of the major benefits provided to new full-time, regular employees with the Town of Wake Forest.

2025-26 TOWF Benefit Summary

Benefits

Details about benefits and costs for full-time employees is available under the Human Resources Department tab on the Town's website. The Town Provides:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Optional Vision coverage
• Life Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts
• Pension
• Deferred Compensation (457) Plan and 401(k)
• Social Security
• Credit Union
• Employee Assistance Program