Apprentice Driver- Residential

Waste Management, Inc. (WM)•Port Charlotte, FL

About The Position

The Driver Apprentice trains alongside an experienced WM Driver and/or Driver Trainer to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle and provide service to customers in the residential line of business. After obtaining a Commercial Driving Permit, the apprentice completes required driver training and remains in the role until all training requirements are met. While obtaining the permit and completing training, the apprentice also works as an on-route Helper, assisting with collection and route operations. This is a safety-sensitive role requiring strict compliance with safety rules and protocols. Employment may involve drug and alcohol testing in accordance with government regulations and company policies. The position pays $18 per hour and has a Monday–Friday schedule with a 5:00 a.m. start. WM describes career development opportunities including paid on-the-job training, career progression, and education assistance. The posting also describes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, a stock purchase plan, a 401(k) match, paid vacation, holidays, and personal days; benefits may vary by site.

Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age and legally eligible to work in the United States.
  • Able to read, write, and speak English sufficiently to interact with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to official questions, and complete records or reports.
  • Must have a Commercial or Non-commercial Class C or D driver's license.
  • Must successfully complete pre-employment screening, including a drug screen and physical.
  • Must comply with applicable safety rules and protocols; the role may be subject to drug and alcohol testing.

Nice To Haves

  • Accredited high school diploma or GED.
  • Commercial or Non-commercial Class C or D license with a CDL permit.

Responsibilities

  • Train with a WM Driver and/or Driver Trainer on proper operation of a commercial refuse or recycling vehicle after obtaining a Commercial Driving Permit.
  • Operate vehicles in accordance with WM safety rules, OSHA and DOT requirements, and applicable local, state, and federal laws.
  • Perform pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections and document them using the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR).
  • Report unsafe situations, service issues, incidents, accidents, injuries, property damage, and service interruptions to the Operations Manager or Dispatch.
  • Attend required training programs, briefings, and meetings.
  • Work with the Operations Manager to improve route efficiencies and identify best practices.
  • Communicate customer requests to Dispatch or the Operations Manager.
  • Completely empty receptacles and leave customer locations clean and free of debris.
  • Follow assigned routes and complete end-of-day documentation and checkout procedures.
  • Perform duties as scheduled and assist other drivers as directed to meet customer needs.
  • Work as an on-route Helper while obtaining the Commercial Driving Permit and completing driver training.
  • Manually or mechanically load and empty residential and/or commercial containers into the truck, including containers staged curbside, dockside, for carryout, or requiring pullout.
  • Operate hoisting devices to lift and empty bins or containers into the truck hopper.
  • Assist the driver with backing maneuvers while on route.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Short-term disability
  • Stock purchase plan
  • Company matching on a 401(k)
  • Paid vacation
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid personal days
  • Your Tomorrow Education Assistance Program
  • Paid on-the-job training
  • Established career progression
  • Dependent day care
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