Garbage Truck Driver / Loader Cook Disposal & Recycling is looking for a dependable, hardworking Garbage Truck Driver / Loader to join our team. This is a hands-on, physically demanding position. Our drivers don't just drive the truck—you will be getting in and out of the truck throughout the day, loading residential garbage by hand, safely operating the truck, and completing an assigned route independently. We are a small, local garbage company, so reliability matters. Our customers depend on us every week, and we need someone who takes pride in showing up, working hard, and getting the route done right. Schedule Monday through Thursday Our goal is to complete routes as efficiently as possible and keep our normal schedule consistent. However, this position requires some flexibility. Garbage collection doesn't always go exactly according to plan—truck breakdowns, flat tires, landfill delays, weather, heavier-than-normal routes, and other unexpected situations can occasionally make the workday longer. Start time is 7am and we try to be done before 4:30pm. We do our best to keep things moving and get everyone home as soon as the work is completed. Job Responsibilities Safely drive a garbage collection truck on an assigned residential route Get in and out of the truck repeatedly throughout the workday Load residential garbage into the truck by hand Lift, carry, push, and pull garbage bags and containers Regularly lift up to 50 lbs Bend, twist, reach, climb, and perform repetitive physical movements throughout the day Climb into and out of the rear of the truck when necessary Follow the assigned route and complete stops efficiently Watch for traffic, customers, animals, mailboxes, parked vehicles, and other hazards Perform basic pre-trip and post-trip inspections Keep the truck reasonably clean and report mechanical or safety concerns Communicate with management regarding route issues, missed stops, unusual amounts of garbage, or customer concerns Work outdoors in Wisconsin weather, including heat, cold, rain, and snow What We're Looking For The right person for this job is: Dependable and punctual Comfortable working independently Physically capable of performing a demanding job for an entire shift Able to work at a steady, efficient pace without constant supervision Safety-conscious and responsible behind the wheel Willing to get dirty—this is garbage collection, and it is a hands-on job Respectful and professional with customers and coworkers Able to follow directions and learn established routes Flexible when unexpected delays or situations arise Someone who takes pride in finishing the job correctly Requirements Valid driver's license Clean/acceptable driving record Ability to safely operate a larger work truck Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 lbs Ability to climb, bend, twist, reach, push, and pull throughout the workday Reliable transportation to and from work Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions Must be able to work independently after training Must have some flexibility with the length of the workday when unexpected circumstances occur CDL is not required. About Cook Disposal & Recycling Cook Disposal & Recycling is a locally owned garbage collection company serving residential customers in the Rhinelander area and surrounding communities. We're a small operation where every employee plays an important role. We value reliability, hard work, safety, and treating our customers well. If you're dependable, don't mind physical work, and like a job where you can stay busy and work independently, we'd like to hear from you.

Pay:

$19.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Paid orientation Paid training Safety equipment provided People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

License/Certification:

Drivers License (Required)

Work Location:

In person