Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Junk Technician
💰 $18 - $25 per hour, plus tips and performance bonuses
🎯 Role Definition
As a Junk Technician, you are the heart and soul of our on-the-ground operations. This isn't just a labor job; you are a problem-solver, a brand ambassador, and a hero to our clients who need to reclaim their space. You'll be part of a two-person team, operating in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where every day is different. The mission is simple but crucial: to provide exceptional, friendly, and efficient junk removal services, ensuring every customer interaction is positive and that we divert as much from the landfill as possible through responsible recycling and donation.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- General Laborer or Landscaper
- Mover or Warehouse Associate
- Customer Service or Retail Associate
Advancement To:
- Truck Team Lead / Lead Technician
- Operations Supervisor or Manager
- Franchise Owner or Partner
Lateral Moves:
- Moving Specialist
- Logistics Coordinator
- Demolition Crew Member
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Safely and skillfully operate a company-provided commercial truck, adhering to all traffic laws and DOT regulations.
- Greet every customer with a professional, friendly demeanor, building immediate rapport and trust upon arrival at their home or business.
- Conduct thorough on-site assessments with clients, clearly explaining our volume-based pricing model to provide transparent, no-obligation estimates.
- Efficiently and carefully lift, carry, and load a wide variety of items, including furniture, appliances, electronics, yard waste, and construction debris.
- Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with your truck team partner to safely handle heavy, bulky, and awkward items, always prioritizing personal and property safety.
- Meticulously sort items in the truck and back at the warehouse to maximize the amount of material that can be donated to local charities or recycled.
- Execute the physical removal of all designated junk, followed by a thorough sweep-up of the area, leaving the client's space cleaner than you found it.
- Navigate routes between job sites and disposal facilities efficiently using GPS technology and your growing knowledge of the local area.
- Professionally process customer payments on-site using a mobile tablet or point-of-sale device, ensuring all transactions are accurate.
- Serve as a knowledgeable resource for customers, answering questions about the removal process and our commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Perform comprehensive daily pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections to ensure the truck is safe, clean, and ready for service.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and professional appearance, wearing the company uniform with pride as a representative of our brand.
- Proactively engage in guerilla marketing efforts during downtime, such as distributing door hangers or flyers in targeted service areas.
- Accurately complete all digital and paper-based job logs, route sheets, and disposal receipts for proper record-keeping.
- Communicate consistently with the dispatch and operations team, providing real-time updates on job progress, delays, or any on-site challenges.
- Troubleshoot minor logistical problems in the field, such as navigating tight driveways or determining the best way to disassemble an item for removal.
- Uphold the highest standards of safety by consistently using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe lifting techniques.
- Actively participate in morning huddles and team meetings, contributing to a positive, goal-oriented team culture.
- Build positive customer relationships that lead to glowing online reviews, repeat business, and word-of-mouth referrals.
- Assist in training and mentoring new Junk Technicians, sharing your knowledge of best practices in safety, customer service, and efficiency.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc route changes or emergency pickup requests from dispatch with a flexible and can-do attitude.
- Contribute to daily team meetings by sharing valuable feedback on routes, equipment performance, or customer interactions.
- Collaborate with the marketing team by taking high-quality photos (with customer permission) of impressive before-and-after jobs.
- Participate actively in ongoing training sessions focused on sales techniques, customer service excellence, and new safety protocols.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Physical Strength & Stamina: Ability to repeatedly lift and carry items weighing 75 pounds or more, often in collaboration with a partner.
- Valid Driver's License: A current, valid driver's license with a clean driving record is essential for operating company vehicles.
- Large Vehicle Operation: Experience and comfort in driving non-CDL box trucks or similar large commercial vehicles.
- Navigation Proficiency: Skilled in using GPS apps (Google Maps, Waze) on a smartphone or tablet to navigate efficiently.
- Spatial Reasoning: A strong ability to visualize and pack items of various shapes and sizes securely and efficiently into a truck box.
-Mobile Technology Use: Competency in using mobile tablets or smartphones for job management, communication, and payment processing. - Safe Lifting Techniques: Knowledge of and commitment to using proper lifting mechanics to prevent injury.
- Basic Tool Usage: Familiarity with basic hand tools (drills, wrenches) for simple disassembly of furniture or equipment.
- Safety Compliance: A thorough understanding and strict adherence to all safety protocols, including the use of PPE.
- Route & Schedule Management: Ability to follow a daily schedule, manage time effectively between jobs, and adapt to changes on the fly.
Soft Skills
- Customer Service Excellence: A genuine desire to help people and provide a 5-star experience on every job.
- Positive & Energetic Attitude: An optimistic and resilient outlook, even when faced with a challenging physical task.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: The ability to work seamlessly with a partner, communicating clearly and supporting each other throughout the day.
- Effective Communication: Articulate, friendly, and professional communication skills when interacting with both customers and team members.
- Problem-Solving: The capacity to think on your feet and find practical solutions to unexpected on-site challenges.
- Strong Work Ethic: A reliable, punctual, and motivated individual who takes pride in a job well done.
- Integrity and Trustworthiness: Unquestionable honesty, especially when handling client property and processing payments.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED is required.
Preferred Education:
- Not applicable; experience and attitude are valued more than formal education beyond the minimum.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Not applicable
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years
Preferred: While we offer comprehensive training, previous experience in roles that involve physical labor and customer interaction is a major plus. This includes backgrounds in moving, general labor, construction, landscaping, warehousing, or customer-facing service industries. A history of reliability and a proven positive attitude are paramount.