Waste Collection Operator Trainee

Requisition ID: 21747
Department: Public Works Dept.
Service: Solid Waste Services
Branch: City Space Waste Operations Branch
Employment Type: Multiple Casual
Affiliation: CUPE 503 Inside/Outside
Salary Information: $26.982 - $31.566 per hour (2024 rates of pay)
Location: 2799 Swansea Crescent
City: Ottawa, ON
Job Category: Labourer Jobs
Application Close: 12/07/2026

JOB SUMMARY

The Collections Operations Unit oversees residential waste collection programs and services, including garbage, recycling, organics, yard and leaf waste, for the city's designated collection zone, which currently serves 70,000 homes.

As a trainee, you will complete on-the-job training alongside a Waste Collection Operator (WCO) in order to learn the necessary skills to perform waste collection duties and responsibilities, safety and efficiently. Your duties and responsibilities (as outlined below) including operating vehicles and equipment and performing general labour in the collection and disposal of waste will gradually increase throughout the training and evaluation period.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of Grade 10

Less than 6 months of work experience operating heavy equipment and vehicles.

Recycling and refuse collection experience is an asset.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

Valid Ontario unrestricted DZ class driver’s licence (or provincial equivalent) with no more than 6 demerit points accumulated

KNOWLEDGE

• Ontario Highway Traffic Act and related regulations involved in equipment operation
• Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA)
• Understanding of mechanical and hydraulic systems to safely operate heavy equipment
• Hazards, precautions, and safe operating practices for operating heavy equipment and vehicles
• Proper lifting techniques
• WHMIS, First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Operation of heavy equipment
• Read and follow route maps, drawings, and street signs
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions
• Able to successfully complete a Post-Offer Employment Test
• Able to keep detailed, accurate records concerning materials received, processed, and disbursed as well as required equipment service records
• Able to work collaboratively and take direction from staff while on assigned route
• Understand and demonstrate safe working practices
• Establish and maintain a good working relationship with management, other employees, and the public
• Ability to communicate basic concepts to members of the public
• Able to climb to and from the operator’s position and possess the manual dexterity and coordination to use both hands and feet simultaneously to operate a machine
• Ability to work in a physical demanding environment, including the ability to lift up to 75lbs
• Use a high-pressure water hose to clean solid waste equipment
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements

Core Behaviours

Core behaviours define the City’s expectations of the behaviours employees should demonstrate in performing their work. They are reflective of the City’s culture and values and guide all our present and future activities. Every employee is encouraged to learn, embody and demonstrate these core behaviours.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Language Requirement: English oral, reading, writing
• Driver’s License Requirement: A valid Ontario unrestricted DZ class driver’s license (or provincial equivalent) with no more than 6 demerit points accumulated
• You may initially be paid 85% of your starting rate of pay until you have completed 120 hours of work. Upon completion of 120 hours, you will be paid 95% of your starting rate of pay until you have completed 976 hours, in accordance with the collective agreement.
• Experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for stipulated academic requirements.
• Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The City of Ottawa promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion and adheres to the tenets of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from members of Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women and non-binary persons, persons of all ethnic origins, religions, sexual orientations, classes, gender identities and expressions.
Candidates are encouraged to self-identify as a member of one or more designated employment equity groups in the self-identification questionnaire.

The City of Ottawa provides accommodation to applicants during all parts of the hiring process, upon request.