Fleet Operations Management Trainee

Waste Management, Inc. (WM)•Gaithersburg, MD

15h•$84,700 - $131,230•Onsite

About The Position

The Waste Management (WM) Fleet Operational Management Trainee (FOMT) program is a yearlong, 12-month course designed to develop candidates for Fleet Manager roles. Fleet Managers manage primary and secondary equipment fleets and focus on market-based profitability through effective fleet and maintenance management, cost control, management development, and high training and safety standards. Candidates who complete the program must be willing to relocate within an assigned geographic area. The program includes 10–14 months of travel during training, primarily for field-based on-the-job training, as well as some classroom training. Travel costs are covered by WM, and relocation assistance is offered. The targeted start date is March 2027. The trainee develops knowledge and skills across fleet management, equipment operation and maintenance, personnel management, financial and forecasting processes, safety, and WM applications. Work takes place in a mix of office and plant/field environments. Field assignments are a core component and may involve exposure to weather and other non-office conditions, climbing onto and descending from collection and support equipment, and riding equipment for many consecutive hours. The position may require nontraditional schedules, including 12-hour workdays, some weekends, and early start times, as well as air or car travel. The program strongly prefers candidates able to relocate within the U.S. and Canada for training or permanent operations placement. The expected salary range for this on-site position is $84,700–$131,230. The specific offer may depend on relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location. Eligible employees receive a competitive total compensation package; benefits may vary by site.

Requirements

Accredited bachelor’s degree; alternatively, an accredited high school diploma or GED and four years of relevant work experience.
Willingness to relocate within an assigned geographic area after completing the program.
Ability to travel during training; the program requires 10–14 months of travel.
Ability to ascend onto and descend from collection and support equipment and ride accordingly for many consecutive hours during fieldwork.
Ability to work in field conditions and climatic weather associated with the assigned geographic region.
Ability to work nontraditional schedules, potentially including 12-hour workdays, some weekends, and early start times.
Must have or be willing to obtain a REAL ID or TSA-approved alternative if required for business air travel or access to federal property.

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 U.S. and Canada for the program or a permanent operations role.

Responsibilities

Successfully complete the FOMT curriculum and all required training through WM’s Learning Management System.
Develop the skills needed to become a Fleet Manager.
Complete assigned computer-based training.
Attend and participate in mandatory group training sessions.
Develop working knowledge of WM fleet and general business applications.
Develop working knowledge of 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 work and training.
Develop understanding of financial, accounting, and forecasting processes and systems, including reporting to senior management and operating the scale house.
Develop understanding of and commitment to the WM Safety Program, working with corporate and local safety teams to support a safety-conscious culture.
Complete required paperwork in fleet maintenance software for vehicle repairs, parts usage, and repair-time accounting.
Participate in worksite meetings, huddles, and area mentor programs.
Perform other assigned duties, which may include special projects and interim management assignments.