NYC Sanitation Worker: Job Description and Required Skills

Did you know that NYC sanitation workers have the fifth most dangerous and arduous jobs in the U.S.?

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is responsible for a variety of duties such as snow removal, waste disposal, street cleaning and enforcement duties whenever assigned.

These workers play a significant role in the welfare and health of the 5 boroughs since they collect trash in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx. Unfortunately, the hardworking employees are exposed to hazardous waste and other daily dangers that can put their safety at risk.

Key Duties

The sanitation workers start their day at 3:30 a.m., driving around in garbage trucks, collecting trash from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. While their jobs can be a safety risk, these employees are well-trained to properly remove and dispose waste.

Let’s look at some other responsibilities that sanitation workers may be required to perform:

• Work during all weather conditions
• Operate truck mechanisms like dumping, lifting, and setting down dumpsters and trash cans
• Lift heavy objects and perform manual labor for items that the truck can’t lift, like furniture or brush piles

Among their key responsibilities is taking garbage to appropriate disposal facilities like landfills or dumps at the end of the day. While these facilities already have the staff and the necessary equipment to empty the truck, often sanitation workers need to help out.

Sanitation workers are also responsible to maintain their garbage trucks on a routine bases. This includes topping off fluids, inspecting tire pressure and mechanical parts for wear and tear.

Salary Overview

While sanitation workers do have a hard job, the state rewards them in the form of unmatched salaries, annual increments, benefits and other financial incentives like pension.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary of a sanitation worker usually starts from $37,260 a year, rising up to $49,371 in the first year with added benefits. Additionally, the chief positions in the DSNY earn in six figures.

• Education: Sanitation worker positions typically require the applicants to be over 17 ½ years and have a high school diploma.
• Training:As long as the candidate is ethical, willing to work and able-bodied, the department trains the new hires about everything they need to know complete the job.

How To Get The Job?

The sanitation worker position requires applicants to pass a physical test and a written exam. However, keep in mind that these exams only come by every 4 to 6 years. The good news is that the NYC sanitation exam is anticipated for 2020!

Register yourself in our exam preparation classes today to increase your chances of acing the exam!