RECYCLING COLLECTIONS DRIVER

Description

RECYCLING COLLECTIONS DRIVER

Updated: July 2026

Terms: Full-time, hourly, non-exempt

Compensation: $31.96 - $36.58 per hour – Wage increases are in accordance with union contract

Benefits: 100% paid health insurance for the employee, life insurance, and long-term disability

(Other insurance lines available at a shared or employee cost.)

PTO and paid holidays

Schedule: 6:15 AM – 4:15 PM, four 10-hour shifts per week. Midweek regular day off assigned based on union seniority

Reports to: Senior Fleet Manager

Eureka Recycling is a nonprofit, social enterprise organization and an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer in word and action. We deeply value diversity because we understand that unique and varied perspectives are essential to be able to achieve our mission and live our values. These organizational values are thoroughly felt and experienced in every workday at Eureka Recycling—Visionary Leadership, Strong Teams and Community, Respect, Caring and Wholeness, Sustaining and Enduring, and Honesty and Integrity.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The purpose of this position is to safely and efficiently operate a collection truck to collect recyclable materials from residential and commercial customers throughout the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area and transport those materials to Eureka’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF) or other designated locations. The Collections Driver conducts vehicle inspections, maintains accurate route documentation, provides excellent customer service, and complies with all applicable safety, DOT, and company policies and procedures. This position performs work in a collaborative and constructive manner that reflects the organization's values and supports Eureka Recycling's mission to demonstrate that waste is preventable, not inevitable.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Safely operate a side-load and/or rear-load commercial straight truck weighing 26,000 lbs. or greater to collect recyclable materials using manual, semi-automated, or fully automated collection methods from residential homes, apartment buildings, and various commercial locations.

• Drive the vehicle to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and follow proper procedures for weighing and dumping recyclable materials.

• Follow all applicable local, state, and federal laws related to traffic and commercial driving, as well as Eureka's safety, fleet, driver, and other applicable policies and procedures.

• Appropriately communicate with residents in person and/or by providing informational materials regarding issues involving which materials can be recycled, and which cannot be recycled.

• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections of vehicle, and record results on Vehicle Condition Reports (VCRs) to ensure that the vehicle is in safe operating condition and that the vehicle is clean and orderly.

• Communicate professionally with residents in person and or by providing informational materials regarding which materials can and cannot be recycled.

• Communicate with and follow directions from supervisors, dispatch, and other staff members in a safe, courteous, and respectful manner.

• Monitor road and weather conditions to determine how routes may be affected.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of and commitment to the organization's mission.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid Class B (or A) Commercial driver's license.

• Must be registered in the federal Clearinghouse.

• Meet standards (driving record and background check) for operating a commercial vehicle as established by the employer and by employer’s insurance company for coverage.

• Minimum age of 21.

• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment medical exams, valid physical capacity tests, and pre-employment mandatory drug testing. Subject to all DOT requirements for the operation of commercial straight bodied vehicles with a GVW over 26,000 lbs.

• One year recent experience on a full-time basis, or equivalent, driving a Class B (or A) commercial vehicle in residential and/or commercial areas.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to read maps and effectively navigate alley ways as well as multiple routes in the communities in which we serve.

• Properly trained and experienced in legal, safe and defensive driving practices.

• Demonstrated ability to courteously and tactfully communicate with customers and employees.

• Effective English language communication skills.

• Ability to keep records and generate written and computer reports related to work performed.

• Working knowledge of the St Paul geographical area preferred but not essential.

• Industry experience preferred, not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Subject to outdoor work environment in all weather conditions.

• Walk, lift and carry heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.) repeatedly for extended periods of time.

• Sit and stand for extended periods of time.

• Be regularly exposed to noise, fumes, dust and odors typical of operating commercial vehicle which transports recyclable materials.

• Frequently and repeatedly perform the following physical movements: climb in and out of recycling collection truck; bend at the waist and at the knees; reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; push and pull; twist and turn.

• Utilize hand and finger dexterity in order to operate a variety of buttons and levers.

• Operate equipment using hand controls and foot pedals while sitting or standing.

Eureka ensures equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants, prohibiting discrimination or harassment based on various factors, including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, marital status, public assistance status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other characteristic protected by law.