Waste Operations Labourer
Job Number: 3318
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: 925 Erb St W - Material Recycling Centre
Job Category: Environmental
Number of Positions: 1
Department: Waterloo B (Waste Operations)
Division: Engineering and Environmental Services
Hours of Work: 40. Tuesday to Saturday 9am-5pm
Union: CUPE 1656
Grade: CUPE 1656 Grade 003
Salary Range: $29.17 - $30.70
Posting Date: September 9, 2025

ABOUT US!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.
Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051.
Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of reading, writing, and math skills, acquired through a grade 10 education plus 1 year of experience working with job-related equipment and tools.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, standard operating procedures, and safety standards; ISO 14001 requirements; legislation including the Environmental Protection Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act; CVOR requirements; and Book 7 traffic control plans.
• Communication skills to assist the public by responding to inquiries, providing instruction and waste diversion program information, and directing vehicles at waste management sites; exchange information with supervisor and co-workers; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read and apply safety manuals and notices, policies, procedures, memos, instructions, equipment operation manuals, safety data sheets, product labels, maps, and related documentation.
• Ability to write notes and recommendations for procedural or equipment changes and complete daily checklists.
• Functional knowledge of the proper and safe operation and use of equipment related to job duties.
• Ability to function effectively and safely in the variety of environmental conditions experienced at a waste management site.
• Must have a valid Class D driver’s licence with Z endorsement and acceptable driving record to operate corporate vehicles/equipment. Where operational requirements permit, applicants may be considered who have a valid G driver’s license and acceptable driving record upon hire, and attain a valid class D driver’s license with Z-air brake endorsement within probationary period (must provide proof of successful completion of the DZ knowledge/written test and proof of a booked road test within 30 days of hire).
• Ability to work hours determined by shift selection, which could include weekends, evenings, and statutory holidays.Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Internal 1656 applicants are required to submit a document with their name on it (or an optional resume). 1656 staff are encouraged to internally apply with an updated resume, especially for those job opportunities that are a promotional opportunity, so that their qualifications are appropriately captured during the screening phase.
The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We actively encourage applications from diverse groups, including Black, racialized, First Nations, Métis, Inuit individuals, women, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and are committed to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace.
For an accommodation request, please contact us and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400 to request an alternate format, or email talentmanagement@regionofwaterloo.ca.
Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).

THE ROLE

Performs site maintenance (e.g., litter control, landscaping, material handling, other maintenance duties) and receives and prepares household hazardous waste for transport.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Removes litter from waste management sites, roadways, and neighbouring properties using litter vac, rakes, hand-pickers, and other equipment as necessary and as assigned. Places litter in garbage bags, lifts garbage bags into pick-up truck, weighs bags at scales, and transports bags to tipping face to be landfill. Erects, maintains, and moves portable litter screens and snow fences.
• Removes contaminants from waste diversion areas (e.g., e-waste, brush, yard waste).
• Travels to transfer stations to inspect appliances (air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers) and remove chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Certifies CFCs have been removed. Manually transports appliances to disposal area to be loaded and crushed. Transports recovery tanks to recycling wholesaler as needed.
• Assists the Environmental Programs Officer (Waste Management) to sort, material handle, and bulk small quantities of household hazardous waste into large drums for transport. Assists supervisor to clean up small spills.
• Loads and mixes bales of alternate daily cover material and operates hydro-mulcher to apply the daily cover material over the landfill tipping face.
• Performs general cleaning, maintenance, and material handling duties, including shovelling; sweeping; delivering supplies; moving signs; washing vehicles; cleaning; painting buildings or structures (e.g., steps, sign stands, barricades, bins); applying labels; and assembling, removing, and replacing carts.
• Performs snow and ice control duties at waste management sites (e.g., shovelling, plowing, salting, snow blowing, and sanding using a pick-up truck, tractor, skid steer, front end loader).
• Cuts grass on waste management properties using hand equipment, power trimmers, riding mowers, and tractors.
• Performs other landscaping duties, such as seeding, sodding, erosion control blanket, pulling weeds, trimming and edging beds, shovelling, raking, pruning, trimming trees, and watering.
• Performs storm water control duties, including clearing ditches, cleaning storm water grates, and operating industrial trash pumps.
• Loads and delivers blue boxes, carts, and other materials throughout Waterloo Region.
• Assists with other general maintenance and small construction activities (e.g., installation of culverts; levelling ground; laying out and rolling geotextile material; packing down dirt, stone, and pit run material as required).
• Inspects interior and exterior condition of equipment daily according to operator manual (e.g., checks and maintains fluid levels, cleaning, greasing). Completes checklist and advises supervisor or lead hand of requirements for additional service or repair.
• Assists the public by responding to inquiries, providing instruction on waste diversion programs, and directing vehicles at waste management sites.
• Has regular contact with other waste management staff when working on team assignments.
• Performs related duties as assigned.