Become a New York City Sanitation Worker! For your Community. For Your Family. For You.
June 7, 2022
Sanitation Worker Exam Filing Period Opens June 8
Today, 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.
“From finding new ways to recycle and keeping ice off our roads, turning organics into assets and pursuing creative solutions to contain our City’s trash, the Department of Sanitation is at the forefront of innovation," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “I encourage all New Yorkers to join the City workforce and become one of the City’s Strongest. You will have a vital role doing one of the most important jobs in all of government – keeping our streets and spaces clean, healthy, and safe.”
“Becoming a DSNY Sanitation Worker – one of the Strongest – is an amazing opportunity, and not one that comes around every day. Besides the competitive salary and full benefits, Sanitation Workers are doing the important work of keeping our City clean, safe and healthy,” said Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “Becoming a Sanitation Worker for the City offers a rare and unmatched opportunity. We want the Sanitation Department to be as diverse as the City it serves, and urge all New Yorkers to register, for your community, for your families, and for yourselves.”
“Becoming a Sanitation Worker offers the fulfillment that comes with serving your fellow New Yorkers and making a difference in your community,” said DCAS Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “These jobs open the door to a great career, a competitive salary, and good benefits. The first step to become a Sanitation Worker is to take a civil service exam. So, if you’re looking to jumpstart your career, sign up for the exam to join New York’s Strongest.”
“The Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development is pleased to support the NYC Department of Sanitation’s efforts to increase the diversity of candidates who apply for the Sanitation Worker position,” said Abby Jo Sigal, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development. “Our office supports a more diverse pool of prospective candidates, increased long-term job opportunities and strengthening our City’s road to recovery. We look forward to how New Yorkers will be engaged in this new application process.”
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
“Becoming a civil servant is the ultimate way to serve New York City, and so many of our City’s greatest leaders have come out of the New York City Civil Service program and exam,” said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney. “I applaud all those who are taking the sanitation exam and look forward to welcoming a new generation of individuals ready, willing, and able to serve New York.”
“For the first time in seven years, those looking to join the ranks of New York’s Strongest will have an opportunity to serve our city and contribute to its cleanliness and overall quality of life,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis.
“Being part of New York’s Strongest with the Department of Sanitation is a great opportunity for New Yorkers across the City,” said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. “Our Sanitation Workers are integral to day-to-day life in New York City and are instrumental to keep our city running. I encourage anyone who wants to be a part of the Department of Sanitation to register for the test and take advantage of this chance to become a New York City employee.”
“Department of Sanitation workers play a crucial role in the safety and vitality of our city,” said State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud. “I strongly encourage all interested and eligible New Yorkers to apply for this great opportunity.”
“Mayor Adams, our working class mayor, is delivering for New York City’s working class. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King said, ‘One day our society will come to respect the sanitation worker,’ and that day is now. Careers at DSNY provide living wages, competitive benefits, and opportunities for advancement. There is also the satisfaction of knowing you are keeping our streets clean, a prerequisite for health and safety. I urge all my constituents seeking employment who meet the requirements to consider registering for the sanitation worker exam,” said Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar.
“For the first time in seven years, members of our community will have the chance to join the DSNY team, which is an essential part of keeping our city healthy, safe and clean. This is a great opportunity, especially post-pandemic, for anyone seeking to be employed in a field with great benefits, a competitive salary, and room for upward mobility,” said Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia.
“Our Sanitation Workers play a critical role in keeping our city clean and contributing to our quality of life, but they also play their role in our City’s sustainability and waste management practices. I encourage New Yorkers to consider taking the exam and joining the team that makes New York City more livable and green,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
“Sanitation Workers are among New York’s most essential workers, and it’s a rare opportunity to get a chance to become one of the city’s Strongest,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “Working for DSNY provides excellent job stability – New Yorkers will always need their trash picked up – and offers a great career path. I strongly encourage everyone who’s interested to register for the exam.”
“Sanitation Workers are the backbone of this City and perform one of the most essential public services. We need a large, dedicated, unionized workforce to support our city’s growth, and we need workers ready and committed to achieving zero waste and universal organics. I encourage New Yorkers to register for the test for a chance to be at the forefront of transforming New York into a model sustainable city,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse, Chair of the NYC Council Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management.
Council Member Shaun Abreu asked, “Do you have what it takes to be part of New York’s Strongest? Our Sanitation Workers remind us that strength is about a lot more than just muscle. If you have a desire to serve your community and earn competitive wages, New York needs you!”
“Sanitation Workers have the indispensable task of maintaining the cleanliness of our city, and I am grateful for their incredible work,” says Council Member Eric Dinowitz. “It is exciting to think about new, enthusiastic public servants joining the ranks of DSNY to ensure the health and safety of our communities. Thank you to Mayor Adams, DSNY, and DCAS for promoting these important job opportunities for New Yorkers.”
“With the Sanitation Worker exam period open, that means that you could become one of the most essential parts of our city. Being a part of DSNY provides stability as a government job while also having all the benefits of a strong labor union. Our City is only as good as its workers, and that is why I am so excited to see this opportunity for a new class of DSNY Sanitation Workers to join our City’s workforce,” said Council Member Amanda Farias.
“These jobs are critical to the well-being of our bustling city and New York’s strongest keep the sidewalks and streets clean and clear. DSNY offers union jobs with great benefits, competitive pay, and the opportunity for advancement,” said Council Member Gale Brewer.
“Southeast Queens is home to many municipal workers, many who dedicate their lives to keep New York City clean,” said NYC Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “Offering New Yorkers the opportunity to join New York’s Strongest provides New Yorkers the unique ability to join Teamsters Local 831, earn a competitive salary and benefits, and most importantly, provide for their families. I encourage my constituents, and all New Yorkers, to apply for the Sanitation Workers exam starting on June 8. Union strong!”
“This is an incredible opportunity to become one of New York’s Strongest and serve your City! Staten Island is the proud home of many of our city’s Sanitation Workers and I hope to see even more people join this mighty force,” said Council Member Kamillah Hanks.
“This is a great opportunity to join New York’s Strongest and help keep our city cleaner and safer, all while earning a competitive salary and benefits,” said Council Member Robert Holden.
“New York's Strongest have one of the most important jobs in the entirety of our city. As a former public school teacher, union member, and frontline worker, I know how rewarding public service can be, and I strongly encourage people to take the exam to be a Sanitation Worker,” said Council Member Rita Joseph.
“Working for the world's largest municipal sanitation force is rewarding as the agency furthers its efforts and commitment to prioritizing waste management infrastructure and keeping our streets safer and cleaner. With the DSNY Sanitation Worker exam opening, we are able to bring jobs back to the city and increase our labor force, while making way for a cleaner New York City. Many New Yorkers will have the opportunity to make a living wage and obtain the necessary benefits to support their families while serving their city. Thank you, Mayor Adams, DSNY, and DCAS for making this possible” said Council Member Farah N. Louis.
“I am proud to join the Mayor today to announce the filing period for the Sanitation Worker exam is just around the corner,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera. “The Department of Sanitation and our Sanitation Workers play a vital role in maintaining the health and safety of our communities. As the team responsible for multiple citywide programs from Clean Curbs to Community Composting to Zero Waste Schools, our Sanitation Workers truly are New York’s Strongest. I encourage all New Yorkers considering a role with DSNY to register for the exam.”
“Sanitation Workers are the backbone for the cleanliness of our communities. They clear the snow for us in winter and keep our neighborhoods environmentally sound with such initiatives as recycling and composting,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman, Chair of the Health Committee. "Our city would not be able to function without the amazing hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Department of Sanitation, which is why it fills me with great joy to present our residents with an opportunity to join this extraordinary workforce.”
“I’m excited that the filing period for the next Sanitation Worker exam is being opened. It is my hope that we are prioritizing young people for these exams, to ensure that they have equitable access to the pathway of this honorable career,” said Council Member Althea Stevens.
“The work done by employees at the New York City Department of Sanitation affects all New Yorkers, whether it's trash collecting, composting, or keeping our streets clean. Their work is an essential part of what keeps our City going, and the career opportunities afforded by these tests make these stable, quality jobs accessible to all. My community is home to multiple DSNY garages and employees; I hope as the registration opens I see more members of my community enroll to help keep our City clean and healthy,” said Council Member Marjorie Velázquez.
To read the Notice of Examination for Sanitation Worker (Exam 2060), go to nyc.gov/examsforjobs.
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