Solid Waste -CDL Trainee

Salary : $44,740.80 Annually
Location : Racine, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600039
Department: SOLID WASTE
Opening Date: 04/22/2026
Closing Date: 5/6/2026 11:59 PM Central

Job Description
We offer a great benefits package including medical, dental, pension program, HSA, Home Buyer Assistance program and generous time off. City residents will earn a 4% differential on top of the hourly pay range. Learn more and apply today!
Position Purpose

Make a difference in the community you live in! The City of Racine is pleased to welcome applicants for our CDL Trainee program for Sanitation Workers. You will have a direct impact on the lives of your neighbors by helping to build and improve your community. This is entry level work learning the skills necessary for safely and courteously operating a garbage truck. This position reports directly to a designated supervisor and will require several hours of classroom and field work.

This position is open to applicants who currently hold a valid CDL permit and are working toward obtaining their full Commercial Driver's License. Valid CDL Air Brake, Combination, and General Knowledge permits prior to application required

Essential Duties
Essential Duties

• Safely operate a 25-yard rear loading refuse truck
• Safely drive refuse vehicle to and from Transfer station.
• Safely drive refuse vehicle to and from recycling Transfer site.
• Safely remove and dispose of solid waste materials placed out for collection. Some carts and items may be extremely heavy.
• Safely remove and deliver recyclable materials to various collection sites.
• Safely operate equipment and perform tasks associated with snow and ice control, which includes snow plowing, spreading salt, and shoveling sidewalks and crosswalks.
• Acts as a first line customer service representative by maintaining positive relations with citizens in the community.
• Performs pre and post operation vehicle inspection. Records any physical deficiencies on required documents.
• Completes accident, incident, and/or other miscellaneous reports to document unusual occurrences.
• Operates communications equipment in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and department rules and regulations.
• Will be required to respond under emergency conditions.
• Must maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record.
• Perform related tasks as assigned by Supervision

Environmental Conditions of the Position

• Exposure to loud noise, exhaust fumes, traffic, dust, and outdoor weather conditions (including extreme heat and cold).
• Work will require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions. Work may require performance of tasks in extreme road and/or weather conditions.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements

• Valid CDL Air Brake, Combination, and General Knowledge permits prior to application required.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid State of Wisconsin Class "D" driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to read and comprehend written materials, such as, training materials, departmental rules, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handbook, etc.
• Ability to read and understand various street maps and routing associated with these maps.
• Ability to operate various trucks and equipment in a safe and proficient manner.
• Ability to work effectively with coworkers, management and the general public.
• Ability to communicate with the public in a proficient and courteous manner.
• Ability to follow established guidelines, procedures, and policies designed to maintain a safe and efficient work place.
• Ability to maintain continuous professional attitude, appearance and conduct at all times.
• Ability to perform physical tasks as assigned.

Special Requirements

• Successfully complete in-house Entry Level Driver Training Course and pass the Department of Motor Vehicles Road test (CDL Skills Exam) for CDL Class A within 180 Days.
• Once the CDL Class A is obtained, the pay rate will increase to $26.95.

Supplemental Information
Physical Demands of the Position

• Work will require performing tasks in and around heavy traffic.
• Work will require tasks that involve walking, sitting, standing, twisting, bending, crouching, and/or kneeling and balancing, lifting up to 50 lbs., pushing/pulling up to a maximum of 100 lbs., climbing stairs and overhead work.
• Also may involve the complex operation of gasoline, electric or diesel powered machinery requiring the manipulation skills in performing a variety of tasks with the full range of hand and power tools.
• Must be physically able to safely maneuver and operate a garbage truck that includes hand eye coordination with repetitious head movements, such as, turning the head left and right frequently.
• Work requires normal color vision to distinguish the color and severity of many traffic control and safety devices.
• Must be able to communicate orally, see physical surroundings, listen, hear others, respond, and demonstrate good communication skills.

Equipment Used

• 25 Yard Rear Loading Refuse Truck
• Pick-up Truck

This job description is intended to identify essential duties and also illustrates other types of duties that may be assigned. It should not be interpreted as describing all of the duties that will be required of an employee or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments that an individual is required to perform. In addition to the responsibilities and duties listed, it is expected that employees maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record. Job descriptions are subject to revision at any time at the discretion of the Utility or City of Racine.

The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
City Employee Benefits - 2026

• Health Insurance
  1. 92.5% of the Premium is paid by the City of Racine - either single or family.
     • Centivo administers the PPO Plans that are offered. You can chose from two high-deductible health plans and one low-deductible health plan, with two different networks offered.
     • CVS Caremark administers our prescription plan
  2. Payment of $50 per month to employees who waive health coverage
• Health Savings Account (H.S.A.)
  1. A Health Savings Account (H.S.A.) is a tax beneficial savings account that can be used in conjunction with a qualified High - Deductible Health Plan. The funds put into an H.S.A. may be used on future, eligible health care expenses without any taxation. The City makes a prorated, one-time contribution to an employee's Health Savings Account, with the amount of the contribution determined at the time of hire.
  2. The maximum contribution amounts are determined by the IRS each year.
• Racine Employee Health & Wellness Center
  1. The Employee Health and Wellness Center run by Ascension Wisconsin is available to you and your dependent(s) if enrolled in the medical insurance
  2. It provides comprehensive services including clinic visits, health coaching, and preventative exams and health screenings.
• Life Insurance
  1. City provides one unit equal to your annual earnings
  2. Employee may buy additional insurance - each unit is equal to your annual earnings.
  3. Maximum additional life insurance is four units; For a total of five (5) units at the maximum coverage.
  4. Cost depends on age and annual salary
  5. Spouse and Dependent Life Insurance is available - maximum coverage is $20,000 for spouse and $10,000 for dependents, cost is $3.20 per month or half for $1.60/month
• Pension
  1. Wisconsin Retirement System, the contribution rate for 2026 is 14.4% Funded 50% by the City of Racine and 50% by the employee.
  2. Rates can change per year depending upon what is approved through WRS.
• Vacation
  1. Less than 4 years of continuous service - 96 hours
  2. At least 4 years but less than 9 years of continuous service - 136
  3. At least 9 years but less than 14 years of continuous service - 176
  4. At least 14 years but less than 21 years of continuous service - 216
  5. At least 21 years of continuous service - 256
  6. You may carry over up to 80 hours into the next year.
  7. During the first calendar year of employment, new employees shall earn vacation on a prorated basis based on the new employee's start date.
• Holidays
  1. 13 paid holidays, 12 scheduled and 1 floating
• Sick Leave
  1. Accrues at the rate of 1 day per full month worked.
• Casual Days
  1. You can earn up to 4 casual days based off the amount of sick time that you have accrued.
  2. You are also eligible for an additional casual day if you use 16 hours or less of sick time in the preceding year.
• Dental Insurance
  1. MetLife administers our dental plan with two options available to employees (Basic plan or Advanced plan). Employees pay the premium with a pre-tax payroll deduction.
  2. The City of Racine pays for the Basic Employee premium if you are enrolled in the medical insurance.
• Vision Insurance
  1. Superior Vision administers our vision plan with one option. Employees pay the premium with a pre-tax payroll deduction.
• Flexible Spending Plans
  1. Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts administered by Health Equity.
  2. The maximum contributions are determined by the IRS each year.
• Short Term Disability Policy
  1. Automatically enrolled in a short-term disability insurance policy through MetLife, excludes Water and Wastewater Utility Employees.
  2. 70% of annual income, up to 13 weeks with a maximum benefit of $2,000 weekly.
• Employee Assistance Program
  1. The City of Racine offers an employee assistance program through Advocate Aurora.
• Parental Leave
  1. 320 hours of paid parental leave, if eligible for FMLA. Water and Wastewater Utility employees are eligible for 80 hours.
• Deferred Compensation
  1. Provided through Nationwide, Security Benefit (RPA/The Standard) or Wisconsin Deferred Comp.
• Supplemental Insurance
  1. Provided through AFLAC Funded by payroll deduction
  2. Accident, Hospital & Cancer policies are available
• Tuition Reimbursement
  1. $4,000 per year, or 80% of the employee's total tuition cost, whichever is lower.
• Student Loan Repayment Program
  1. The Student Loan Repayment Program, administered by Bakertilly Vantagen, helps assist you with the financial burden of the education that you have received. Non City of Racine residents can receive up to $1,200 per year towards student loan repayments, and City of Racine residents can receive up to $2,400 per year towards student loan repayments.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
  1. The PSLF Program promotes full-time public sector employment. Public Employees, may qualify for public service loan forgiveness after making 120 payments toward their student loans while working full-time in public service. This means that nurses, policeman, firefighters, public health, and government employees can be eligible for participation. The Forgiveness Program was designed uniquely to provide relief to those who are doing the best for our communities every day. To find out if you qualify for a forgiveness program call 866-706-5005.
• Wellness Incentive
  1. Employees, spouses, and retirees covered by the City health insurance plan who complete the Wellness Incentive requirements are eligible to receive $200, spouses receive $100.
• Fitness Reimbursement
  1. Employees, spouses, and retirees covered by the City health insurance plan are eligible for 50% reimbursement of their annual membership fee up to a maximum of $200 per household.
  2. Reimbursement also includes fitness classes and weight reduction programs.
• City of Racine Residency
  1. City of Racine employees that are non-represented are eligible for a 4% per hour pay differential if you provide proof that you are City of Racine resident.
     • City of Racine residency pay differential rates are different for:
       • Racine Police Association - 3% differential rate
       • Local 321 Firefighter Union - 3% differential rate
       • Transit Union - 2% differential rate
  2. You can receive additional City contribution into your H.S.A. account if you are a City of Racine Resident. Residency contributions are based on what
• Homebuyer Down payment Assistance Program
  1. The City of Racine Employee Homebuyer Assistance Program offers up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to help you purchase your dream home in the City of Racine - Submission deadline for applications is August 1st, 2026.
• Racine Financial Empowerment Center
  1. The Racine Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) provides free one-on-one professional financial counseling for all City of Racine employees, and residents of the City of Racine.

Additional information about the City's comprehensive benefits package can be found on the following website;
01

Do you have a High School Diploma or an equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02

This position requires a valid CDL Air Brake, Combination, and General Knowledge permit, do you met this requirement?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question