Driver Trainee

Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.

When you join Rumpke, you’ll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.

This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!

The Driver Trainee position trains side-by-side with the drivers to gain experience. Driver Trainees begin employment in a trainee role while training to become a CDL driver. Drivers are responsible for servicing assigned route(s)/customers with the collection and hauling of waste or recycling materials to a disposal site or recycling plant.


Responsibilities of Position:

• Attend classroom and field training and study independently to obtain required CDL license
• Assist as a helper during training to complete daily routes as needed
• Enter/exit a truck 300-500 times per day to service assigned route
• Operate a truck in a safe manner in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and company policies
• Provide waste or recycling removal services to customers on assigned route(s) and hauling to disposal site
• Clean up waste spills and overflows
• Maintain and update route sheets/logs sheets
• Conduct pre-trip/post trip inspections and complete logs
• Professionally interact with internal and external customers
• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position will not manage employees

Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:

• Ability to read and understand a map
• Ability to enter/exit the truck approximately 300-500 times per day
• Must posses good written and verbal communication skills to be able to communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external customers

Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:

• Must be able to obtain a DOT medical card within 10 days of employment
• Must be able to obtain class B CDL permit within 60 days of employment
• Must be able to obtain a class B CDL within 90 days of employment

Physical Requirements in a Regular Workday:

• Frequently lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 75 lbs
• Continuously working outside in changing temperatures, wet/humid conditions
• Continuously working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
• Frequently stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling
• Frequently climbing and/or balancing
• Frequently sitting/standing/walking in an office environment

Additional Working Conditions/Aspects:

• Must be at least 19 years of age
• No more than 3 moving violations within the last 2 years
• Must not have any DUI's or OVI's within the last 5 years or 2 in the last 10 years
• Possible exposure to high traffic conditions and/or tight driving areas
• Exposure to residential and commercial waste
• Ability to travel between offices, as required
• Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
• Legally eligible to work in the United States
• Valid driver’s license (if applicable)
• Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
• Must be able to read and speak the English language

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.


Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke’s policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.