CDL Lead Driver

Lead Driver Opportunity

Apple Valley Waste is one of the fastest-growing waste and recycling companies in the Mid-Atlantic. As we are expanding rapidly, we're building a high-performance team to support our continued growth across residential, commercial, and roll-off services.

We're looking for a Lead Driver who leads from the front, and knows how to get the best out of a team.

If you're someone who takes ownership, moves fast, and wants to grow your career with a company that's scaling this is your opportunity.

Job Description

A Lead Driver is responsible for overseeing a group of drivers to ensure safe and efficient route coverage, prompt and courteous customer service and can safely operate trucks in all LOBs (Commercial/Industrial/Residential) and/or a straight truck to provide complete waste removal services for customers on designated route(s). In addition, the Lead Driver is responsible for the prompt and courteous delivery and removal of containers. The Lead Driver will/may be required to perform opening and or closing duties as it relates to Crew-ins, and Crew-outs and will do so following all company guidelines and requirements. This position will have an active role in promoting the district/company safety culture and employee adherence to all safety policies. The Senior lead driver may at times be required to drive a route (residential, commercial, roll-off) and or throw trash at times and will do so following all company guidelines/policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee a group of drivers daily to ensure routes are being serviced in a safe and efficient manner; reports down time other concerns to appropriate management; assists in planning and execution of re-routes to maximize efficiency; assists in the training of new drivers.
• Ability to read, write and effectively communicate.
• Able to lift objects to shoulder height weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Able to operate lever hand controls for hydraulic machinery.
• Assist the Route/Operations Supervisor and/or Operations Manager in completing daily operations goals and training new drivers on proper safety and driving techniques.
• Available to work 6 days per week, as necessary.
• Must learn dispatch duties and provide coverage when required.
• Must learn how to use Towers application/system.
• Perform complete pre and post trip/operations inspection of the vehicle daily.
• Safely operates his/her heavy diesel/alternative fuel trucks along designated route and to disposal site.
• Able to read route sheets, follows map, utilizes company tablets, and services each customer as identified on the route sheet and or tablet or as assigned by the dispatcher and/or supervisor.
• Operate manual and/or automatic controls and packing and discharge cylinder mechanisms in accordance with Company safety policies and procedures to lift and load refuse, operates compactor, and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.
• Courteously interacts with all team members, customers, dispatchers, and others daily to ensure all customer routes are serviced in a timely and professional manner.
• Identify unsatisfactory waste containers/carts and tag containers/carts in accordance with applicable company procedures.
• Cleans area around an accidental waste spill, ensuring adherence to all applicable safety standards and policies.
• Continuously monitors the condition of the vehicle to ensure it is always operationally ready to minimize down time; cleans waste from the packer blade and truck body on each disposal trip.
• Maintain adherence to required productivity standards for the department to ensure all customers are serviced in a timely and efficient manner.
• Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
• Actively participate in the Company's ongoing leadership program/opportunities.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• The normal setting for this position is operating a commercial sanitation vehicle and as such, this work is performed outdoors, with exposure in all seasonal weather conditions, including heat, snow, cold, rain, and wind.
• Safety is of the utmost importance as incumbents are required to enter and exit the vehicle frequently.
• Incumbent is frequently exposed to noise, vibration, dirt, dust, grease, and foul odors.
• The work requires mandatory use of personal protective equipment (including boots, gloves, high visibility vests and uniforms).
• Exposure to moving automobile traffic while working outside the truck and working in highly congested traffic areas.
• To successfully perform the essential functions of the job, the incumbent must be able to work in this environment and perform all duties as described below.
• Required to be exposed to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.) associated with working in this type of environment.

Skills

• Valid Class B or higher commercial driver's license with air brakes endorsement.
• Must possess a current DOT Medical card.
• Must meet the requirements of 49 CFR 383.51 as well as any other local, state, or federal requirements applicable.
• Must have a "Can Do" attitude.
• Ability to read, write and effectively communicate.
• Must be flexible with running different routes and start times.
• Computer Skills -- Must be able to perform required weekly job duties on computer. (Average 30% of job).
• Minimum of 1 year of prior experience driving commercial CDL vehicles.
• Minimum of 1 year in a lead Driver/supervisory role within the waste industry.
• Experience in a customer-facing position.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in the waste services industry.

Why Join Us?

This isn't just another job this is a chance to build, lead, and grow with a company that's going places.

• Competitive salary + performance-based bonuses.
• Real career growth opportunities as we expand.
• Strong leadership team focused on operational excellence.
• Full benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match.
• Paid time off + holidays.
• Company-provided gear and PPE for operations jobs.

The Bottom Line

If you're ready to take ownership, lead from the front, and make an impact in a fast-growing company, we want to talk to you.