Apprentice, Driver Residential

About the Role

During training you will learn to operate refuse and recycling vehicles in compliance with WM Safety and Life Critical Rules, OSHA, DOT, and all applicable laws. You will perform pre‑ and post‑trip inspections, document checks with a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report, and report any unsafe situations or service issues immediately. Participation in scheduled training programs, briefings, and meetings is required, as is collaboration with the Operations Manager to improve route efficiency and identify best practices. You will be responsible for notifying management of incidents, accidents, injuries, or property damage, as well as service interruptions such as closed streets or heavy receptacles. Customer requests are communicated to Dispatch or the Operations Manager, and all receptacles must be emptied and the area left clean. You will follow assigned routes, complete end‑of‑day documentation, and assist other drivers to meet customer needs. The role includes on‑route helper duties while you obtain your Commercial Driving Permit. Helpers load and unload residential or commercial containers, operate hoisting devices, and assist drivers with backing maneuvers. All duties are performed in accordance with safety regulations and require immediate reporting of any hazards or incidents. • Partner with a WM Driver or Trainer to learn operation of commercial refuse and recycling vehicles. • Operate vehicles following WM safety policies, OSHA, DOT regulations, and all applicable laws. • Conduct pre‑ and post‑trip inspections and complete Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports. • Report unsafe conditions, incidents, accidents, or service disruptions immediately to management. • Attend all scheduled training programs, briefings, and meetings. • Collaborate with the Operations Manager to improve route efficiency and adopt best practices. • Communicate customer requests and ensure receptacles are emptied and areas left clean. • Follow assigned routes, complete end‑of‑day documentation, and assist other drivers as needed. • Load and unload residential or commercial containers manually or using hoisting equipment. • Assist drivers with backing maneuvers and operate hoisting devices safely.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸vehicle operation
• ▸inspection reports
• ▸incident reporting
• ▸route optimization
• ▸container loading
• ▸hoist operations

What You Bring

As a Driver Apprentice, you will train alongside an experienced WM Driver or Driver Trainer after receiving your Commercial Driving Permit. You will complete the required training to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle and provide service to customers in your assigned line of business. The apprenticeship continues until all training requirements are met. No supervisory responsibilities are required. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, legally eligible to work in the United States, possess a valid state driver’s license, and pass a pre‑employment drug screen. No specific education or prior experience is needed, though you must be able to meet the physical demands of the job. WM is an equal‑opportunity employer in the United States and Canada, committed to non‑discriminatory hiring and providing accommodations throughout the selection process. The position may require a REAL ID or TSA‑approved alternative for air travel or access to federal property. • Meet minimum qualifications: 18+ years, legal U.S. work eligibility, valid driver’s license, pass drug screen, and ability to meet physical demands. • No prior education or experience required.

Requirements

• ▸18+ years
• ▸valid license
• ▸drug screen
• ▸physical demands
• ▸no experience
• ▸commercial permit

Benefits

The WM job offers more than a paycheck—it creates opportunities for you and your family. Our team members enjoy stable, daily home life while performing essential, meaningful work. We support growth with an annual education assistance benefit, and we invest in you through comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage, a 401(k) match, discounted stock options, dependent daycare, and more. Eligible employees receive a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, a stock purchase plan, 401(k) match, paid vacation, holidays, and personal days, with variations by site. • Receive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, paid vacation, holidays, and personal days.

Work Environment

Field