Fleet Operations Management Trainee

WM•Gaithersburg, MD

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Waste Management (WM) Fleet Operational Management Trainee (FOMT) program is a 12-month course designed to develop trainees for fleet manager roles. Fleet Managers oversee primary and secondary equipment and fleet and maintenance activities in an assigned area, focusing on profitability, cost control, management development, training, and safety. Successful trainees must be willing to relocate within an assigned geographic area. The program includes 10–14 months of travel, primarily for on-the-job field training, along with some classroom training. WM covers travel costs and offers relocation assistance. The training location may differ from the permanent placement. The targeted program start date is March 2027. Training is action- and experience-based. While some work takes place in an office, field assignments are central to the program and may involve exposure to weather and other non-office conditions. Trainees must be able to climb onto and descend from collection and support equipment and ride for many consecutive hours. The role may involve nontraditional schedules, including 12-hour workdays, some weekends, and early starts. Travel by air and car may be required. The program strongly prefers candidates who can relocate throughout the United States and Canada for training or permanent placement. The expected base pay range for this onsite position is $84,700–$123,000. The final offer may depend on relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location. Eligible employees receive a total compensation package that includes 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

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED from an accredited institution and four years of relevant work experience.
Willingness to relocate within an assigned geographic area upon successful completion of the program.
Ability to travel during the training period; travel may be by air or car.
Ability to work nontraditional schedules, which may include 12-hour workdays, some weekends, and early start times.
Ability to climb onto and descend from collection and support equipment and ride for many consecutive hours.
Ability to work in a combination of office and plant/field environments and be exposed to weather and other non-office conditions.

Nice To Haves

Four years of supervisory or leadership experience in operations management or heavy equipment, in addition to the education requirement.
Ability to relocate throughout the United States and Canada for the program or permanent operations placement.

Responsibilities

Successfully complete the FOMT curriculum and required training through WM's Learning Management System.
Complete assigned computer-based training and attend and participate in mandatory group training sessions.
Develop the skills and working knowledge required to become a Fleet Manager.
Develop working knowledge of WM fleet and general business applications.
Learn collection and support equipment functionality and maintenance, including equipment operation and in-shop maintenance.
Learn to manage site personnel, including non-exempt operators, through experiential assignments and training.
Develop understanding of financial, accounting, and forecasting processes and systems, including reporting to senior management and operating the scale house.
Build understanding of and commitment to WM's Safety Program, working with corporate and local safety teams to strengthen a safety-conscious culture.
Complete paperwork in fleet maintenance software related to vehicle repairs, parts usage, and repair times.
Participate in worksite meetings, huddles, and area mentor programs.
Perform other assigned duties, potentially including special projects and interim management assignments.