It’s an important job! Picking up and making sure our trash service is taken care of in our city. We wanted to get a perspective.
So, we got up bright and early to see Joe Calderon in action. The Solid Waste Driver starts his day early at 6 am. His route typically takes about 8 hours.
Joe has worked for the city now for 26 years and says it’s been a great experience. Customers have been so kind to him and he smiles as he says he’s never gotten any complaints. However, he says one of the biggest challenges he faces while driving is the hectic Odessa traffic and those pesky blind spots.
Joe is one of our most experienced drivers and has been crew leader numerous times selected by his supervisor. A crew leader is selected every three months by his field supervisor to handle certain responsibilities when the supervisor is not available. Selection is based on experience, work ethic, being a team player, and knowledge of all trash routes in the city.
We’re told Joe rarely misses work and has a strong work ethic!
Before coming to the city, he worked in the oilfield for a year but says the long hours on the road and away from home weren’t for him. This job keeps him in the city he loves.
He was born and raised in our wonderful city. It’s his hometown and he’s proud of Odessa!