Posting number: 2026-11-6069
Department: Public Works
Job classification: Solid Waste Worker
Posting type: Open
Categories: Waste Management
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 class specification for more information about this job.
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.
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 hr@berkeleyca.gov.
The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:
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 hr@berkeleyca.gov at the time of application.
The City of Berkeley is distinguished by its diversity, community engagement, and activism. Home to the University of California’s flagship campus, Berkeley’s population is highly educated, diverse, and engaged. The City lies on the east shore of the San Francisco Bay and is sheltered by rolling hills on its eastern border. Berkeley spans 10 square miles with 124,000 residents.
Our climate is mild year-round, with cool summers. An outdoor focus is demonstrated with acres of open space, parks, and an abundance of bike lanes on City streets. Public transportation is well developed and reliable, with three Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) stations in Berkeley. All of these factors translate to an outstanding quality of life for Berkeley residents, with an abundance of outdoor, recreational, and cultural activities.
The City of Berkeley lies in Alameda County and operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City is divided into eight districts, and each district elects one representative to the City Council. The eight-member City Council serves four-year terms, and a mayor is elected at large – also on a four-year term.
The City Council appoints a City Manager, who serves as the Chief Executive of the City. Berkeley provides a comprehensive range of municipal services to its population, many of which are not typically provided by cities. In addition to the customary city services, the City of Berkeley operates its own Health, Housing and Community Services Department, providing public health, mental health, and environmental health services to the community.
The City also provides its own residential and commercial solid waste collection, recycling, and disposal service. In addition, the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Department offers a number of summer camps and operates a 1,000-berth marina.
Join the City of Berkeley team. Apply for open positions on our jobs page.
