Apprentice, Driver

Waste Management, Inc. (WM)•Elizabeth, PA

About The Position

The Driver Apprentice trains alongside an experienced WM Driver and/or Driver Trainer to learn to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle and provide service to customers in the assigned line of business. After obtaining a Commercial Driving Permit, the apprentice trains to operate a commercial refuse or recycling vehicle and continues in the role until all training requirements are completed. While obtaining the permit and completing training, the apprentice also works as an on-route Helper, assisting with loading and servicing containers and supporting the driver. The role is safety-sensitive and requires strict compliance with safety rules and protocols. Pay is $20 per hour. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 4 AM to 4 PM; the posting notes no seasonality, with holidays as the only exception. The role includes paid on-the-job training and career progression. WM describes its eligible employee benefits as including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Benefits may vary by site.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old 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.
Commercial or non-commercial Class C or D driver's license.
Successfully complete pre-employment screening, including a drug screen and physical.
Comply with safety rules and protocols; the position may be subject to drug and alcohol testing, including pre-employment, post-incident, reasonable-suspicion, and random testing.

Nice To Haves

Accredited high school diploma or G.E.D.
Commercial or non-commercial Class C or D license with a CDL permit.

Responsibilities

Train with a WM Driver and/or Driver Trainer to learn proper operation of a commercial refuse or recycling vehicle after obtaining a Commercial Driving Permit.
Operate the vehicle 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 standard Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR).
Report unsafe situations, service issues, incidents, accidents, injuries, and property damage to the Operations Manager or Dispatch as appropriate.
Attend scheduled training programs, briefings, and meetings.
Work with the Operations Manager to improve route efficiency and identify best practices.
Report service interruptions, including blocked streets or alleyways, containers too heavy to service, and potential safety hazards.
Communicate customer requests to Dispatch or the Operations Manager.
Empty receptacles completely and leave customer locations clean and free of debris.
Follow route assignments, complete end-of-day documentation and checkout, and perform duties scheduled by the Operations Manager or Dispatch.
Assist other drivers as directed to meet customer needs.
While obtaining the Commercial Driving Permit and completing driver training, work as an on-route Helper in accordance with safety rules, OSHA requirements, and applicable laws.
Manually or mechanically load and empty residential or commercial containers into the truck; service containers that are curbside, dockside, carryout, or require pullout.
Operate the hoisting device to lift and empty bins or containers into the truck hopper.
Assist the driver with backing maneuvers while on route.