CDL Driver Apprentice

About the Role

The CDL Driver Apprentice will obtain a Commercial Driving Permit and complete the Federally required CDL instruction and training to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle, providing service to customers in their respective Line of Business (LOB) while working alongside a knowledgeable Casella Waste Driver Trainer. The incumbent will continue in the apprentice role until all training requirements are completed and they have passed the CDL licensing exam and road test. Casella will cover all costs associated with the training program and provide an onboarding and cultural experience at the Home Office in Rutland, VT.

Drivers at Casella participate in a Career Pathways Program that offers exceptional advancement opportunity, regular merit increases, and safety bonus incentives.

Responsibilities

• Performs pre/post trip inspections of assigned vehicle in accordance with Casella safety standards as well as state and federal regulations; ensures all safety equipment and devices are operational and secured properly in vehicle; maintains appearance of truck in accordance with company standards.
• Performs and exhibits dedication to safe operation of roll rear load, front load, side load, roll off trucks on streets, highways, customer sites, and construction sites.
• Provides a distinguishably different level of service through courteous interactions with all customers and provides service in a timely manner; exhibits a positive attitude towards company, customer, and municipal goals.
• Follows route assignments and completes end of day documentation; completes all assigned company and federally mandated paperwork accurately.
• Completes assigned route sheet for one Line of Business (LOB); empties all receptacles, places bins serviced at any location back where they were picked up in the upright position, and cleans area around accidental waste spills.
• Attends and participates in all scheduled training programs and meetings as required by Casella or Manager.
• Notifies Dispatch immediately of any customer requests, service interruptions, incidents, accidents, property damage, or unsafe situations.
• Exhibits an ability to be observant and aware of surroundings, mindful of all laborers on the truck, and demonstrates problem-solving skills.
• Assists driver with all backing maneuvers while on route.
• Participates in training and other learning opportunities to expand knowledge of the company, products, sales, and services, and performs any other duties needed to help drive the company’s vision, fulfill its mission, and abide by its core values.

Career Path

• Apprentice: Completes training for Helper safety (Rear Load Residential), customer service training, and required training to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle while providing service to customers in their line of business. Obtains CDL Permit.
• Class I Driver: Demonstrates the ability to complete assigned route sheet for 1 Line of Business as well as ability to complete tasks necessary for one of the following: rear load, front load, side load, roll off trucks.
• Class II Driver: Demonstrates the ability to complete assigned route sheet for 2 Lines of Business as well as ability to complete tasks necessary for two of the following: rear load, front load, side load, roll off trucks. Shows development of communication skills with customers and coworkers, increased knowledge of the company and industry, and ability to mentor new employees.
• Class III Driver: Demonstrates the ability to complete assigned route sheet for 3 Lines of Business as well as ability to complete tasks necessary for three of the following: rear load, front load, side load, roll off trucks. Demonstrates increased effort in providing positive contributions to the community and capability to participate in training and development of new employees.
• Lead Driver: Demonstrates the ability to develop driver training plans and coach employees to achieve successful outcomes. Exhibits the ability to complete assigned route sheets for all lines of business, provides courteous customer service, and communicates professionally. Actively participates in the company’s career paths program and helps drivers advance in their careers.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Holds a state-issued standard CDL Driver’s Class B permit with air brake endorsement or has the ability to obtain one within 6 months.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Physical ability to handle objects more than 50 lbs frequently throughout the day.
• Ability to work under various weather conditions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, effective listening, and problem-solving skills.
• Dedication to providing excellent customer service.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in a collaborative environment.
• Successful completion of pre-employment testing, including a drug screen.

Attributes: Positive, team-oriented individual who is disciplined, dependable, determined, focused on delivering excellent customer service, and open to personal and professional training and development.

Pay

Hiring range: $21.00–$22.00/hour.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance.
• Maternity & Parental Leave.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Discounted Stock Program.
• 401K.
• Boot & Clothing Allowance.
• Safety Awards.
• Employee Assistance Plan.
• Wellness Incentive.
• Tuition Assistance.
• Career Pathways.