What are the responsibilities and job description for the CDL Driver Residential Trash position at Gold Medal Environmental - Apple Valley Waste Inc?
Turn trash into opportunity — build a career that keeps communities running.
Patriot Disposal Services, our drivers do more than collect waste — they keep communities, neighborhoods, businesses, and job sites running every day. We are a family-first company that values hard work, safety, reliability, and treating people with respect.
If you are a professional CDL driver looking for steady year-round work, competitive weekly pay, strong benefits, and the ability to be home every day, this is a career opportunity worth considering. Waste and recycling is essential work — it does not slow down when the seasons change, and it remains one of the most stable industries in the economy.
We are looking for a dependable Residential Driver who takes pride in safe driving, reliable service, good communication, and doing the job the right way. This role is a great fit for someone who wants stability, responsibility, and a long-term home with a growing company.
Job Description
The Residential Driver is responsible for supporting key operations within the waste management and recycling industry. This role contributes to the organization’s success through strong execution, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and a commitment to safety, service quality, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate a residential refuse truck equipped with automatic side‑loading arm to collect carts along assigned routes.
- Use in‑cab joystick or control panel to position, grab, lift, and dump carts into the hopper while maintaining safe, "eyes‑forward" operation.
- Follow daily route sheets, maps, and onboard routing systems to complete all stops within scheduled timeframes.
- Maintain constant awareness of surroundings, including pedestrians, traffic, parked vehicles, low branches, and other obstacles.
- Handle occasional extra or bulky items in accordance with company guidelines and local regulations.
- Perform daily pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections of the truck and ASL arm, reporting defects or maintenance needs promptly.
- Monitor cart condition and contamination issues, communicating problems to dispatch or supervisors as needed.
- Adhere to all DOT regulations, company safety rules, and local ordinances, including safe backing procedures and proper PPE use.
- Interact professionally with customers, responding politely to questions or concerns encountered on the route.
- Accurately complete required paperwork or electronic logs, including route sheets, inspection reports, scale tickets, and incident reports.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Valid Class B (or higher) Commercial Driver's License with air‑brake endorsement (as required by state/local regulations).
- Minimum 1-2 years of commercial driving experience; prior refuse industry or automated collection experience preferred.
- Experience or strong aptitude for operating automatic side‑load equipment from the cab.
- Driving record that meets company and insurance standards.
- Ability to pass required background checks, drug/alcohol screens, and DOT physical.
- Work performed outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow).
- Frequent climbing in and out of the truck cab; occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling of up to 50 pounds.
- Typical workday up to 10--11 hours with early‑morning start times; overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required based on route needs.
Skills
- Solid knowledge of safe operation of heavy trucks, hydraulic systems, and automated collection equipment.
- Ability to maneuver safely in tight residential streets, cul‑de‑sacs, alleys, and congested areas.
- Strong situational awareness and hazard recognition skills.
- Effective communication with dispatch, supervisors, and customers; ability to use onboard computers or handheld devices.
- Strong time‑management skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
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.
- Home daily
- Paid weekly
- Boot Reimbursement
- Year-round work
- Job stability
- 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.