Photo credit: Michael Appleton
On May 8, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), and the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) announced that the filing period for the next Sanitation Worker exam will run from June 8 to June 28 and encouraged all interested in the opportunity to register.
“The lifetime of service to our City that has taken me to where I am today began when I took a civil service exam. It was one of the best decisions I ever made – it changed my life forever, and in these difficult times, it can do the same for so many of the women and men of our neighborhoods. Show your strength by stepping up to be one of New York’s Strongest,” said Mayor Eric Adams.
People interested in becoming a Sanitation Worker must first register for the exam between June 8 – June 28 at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs or by visiting a DCAS Computer-based Testing & Application Center during the filing period. The exam – a multiple-choice, computer-based test – will be offered on a rolling basis, expected to begin in September.
After taking the exam, DCAS will establish a hiring list, ranked by total score. When needs arise, DSNY will hire eligible candidates from the list, in numerical order. Candidates must also pass a physical exam, a medical exam, and have obtained their commercial driver’s license (CDL) before they may be hired.
Requirements:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED by the date of appointment.
- Must be at least 17 1/2 years of age to take the exam.
- Must have a valid New York State Commercial Driver’s License, by date of appointment (and be 21 years of age, to drive interstate).
- New hires must be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religion or disability.
- Must pass a physical test, meet medical guidelines, and pass a drug and alcohol screening.
- For the first five years of employment, must live within NYC, Nassau or Westchester counties.
The current starting salary of a Sanitation Worker is $40,622 per year. The current labor agreement provides for periodic increases to $83,465 following the completion of 5 1/2 years of service. In addition to the basic annual wages, Sanitation Workers may also earn differential payments based on their specific assignment and overtime. The role of Sanitation Worker is the first step to advancement within DSNY, on a career path that includes becoming a Supervisor, a Superintendent, a Chief, or joining the Sanitation Police, among other positions.
New Yorkers from traditionally underserved communities are strongly urged to apply for this great career opportunity. As part of the opening of enrollment, the Department of Sanitation is launching a recruitment paid media campaign this month with a strong emphasis on multilingual social media and community and ethnic press outlets.
While many Sanitation Workers pick up trash and recycling, there are other functions carried out by the position, including operating mechanical brooms, cleaning open lots, removing CFC from appliances, as well as other functions around the Department. Additionally, all Workers help operate salt spreaders and plows during snow operations.
More than 80,000 people took the Sanitation Worker exam when it was last offered in 2015. Test takers for other recent past exams includes:
- 2007 Exam – 32,647 test takers
- 2003 Exam – 26,708 test takers
- 1998 Exam – 17,907 test takers
To read the Notice of Examination for Sanitation Worker (Exam 2060), go to nyc.gov/examsforjobs.
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