Driver Trainer

Lead From the Front. Drive Results. Build Something That’s Growing Fast.

Patriot Disposal / 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 DDT (Designated Driver Trainer) 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

The Designated Driver Trainer (DDT) is a field-based role within the Safety organization responsible for training, evaluating, and certifying drivers to operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company and regulatory standards.

This role serves as an independent training and safety authority, ensuring consistent driver capability across the organization. The DDT partners closely with Operations leadership but does not own route execution or driver performance management. Instead, the role is focused on building driver capability, reinforcing safe behaviors, and ensuring readiness for safe operation.

Through hands-on training, observation, and coaching, the DDT plays a critical role in reducing safety incidents, improving driver readiness, and standardizing driver training practices across all locations.

Key Responsibilities:

Driver Training & Development

• Deliver hands-on, on-the-job training for new drivers, including vehicle operation, defensive driving, route execution fundamentals, and technology usage (e.g., tablets/OBU systems) 
• Conduct ride-alongs and field observations to assess driver capability and adherence to safety standards
• Provide real-time, constructive feedback to reinforce proper driving behaviors and correct performance gaps 
• Deliver targeted retraining for drivers: 

• Transitioning to new routes or lines of business 
• Identified with safety or performance concerns 

• Reinforce company safety standards, Life Critical Rules, and regulatory requirements (DOT, OSHA, etc.) 

Driver Evaluation & Certification

• Evaluate driver readiness and capability to safely operate assigned vehicles 
• Provide objective input to Operations leadership regarding driver readiness for independent route assignment 
• Support driver assessments, including pre- and post-hire evaluations where applicable 
• Maintain consistency and objectivity in training and evaluation standards across locations 

Safety Alignment & Risk Reduction

• Act as an extension of the Safety (EHS) function in the field, reinforcing a culture of safety and compliance 
• Identify unsafe behaviors, trends, and systemic risks observed during training and field engagement 
• Partner with Safety and Operations leadership to address root causes and implement corrective actions 
• Ensure alignment with all company safety programs, policies, and regulatory requirements 

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Track and document driver training progress, including strengths, development areas, and follow-up actions 
• Communicate driver readiness and training outcomes to Route Managers and Operations leadership 
• Identify trends in driver performance, onboarding effectiveness, and safety risks 
• Provide data-driven insights to support continuous improvement 

Program Development & Standardization

• Support the development and continuous improvement of driver training materials, tools, and processes 
• Help standardize training delivery, evaluation criteria, and expectations across all locations 
• Recommend enhancements to improve training effectiveness, reduce incidents, and accelerate driver readiness 
• Serve as a field advocate for safety culture and consistent operational practices 

Success Measures

Success in this role will be evaluated based on:

• Reduction in preventable safety incidents 
• Improvement in new driver readiness and time to independence 
• Increased retention of drivers in the first90 days
• Measurable improvement in driver performance following coaching 
• Consistency and standardization of training practices across locations 
• Identification and mitigation of safety risks through training and field observations 

Qualifications:

Required

• High School Diploma or GED 
• Valid Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with air brake endorsement 
• 5–10 years of commercial driving experience 
• Demonstrated experience in training, coaching, or mentoring others 
• Strong working knowledge of DOT regulations and safe driving practices 
• Ability to operate both manual and automatic transmissions 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills 
• Ability to influence without direct authority across functions 
• Successful completion of pre-employment screening, including drug screen and physical 

Preferred

• Experience in the waste or recycling industry 
• Prior experience as a driver trainer, safety trainer, or lead driver 
• Roll-off or multiple line-of-business experience 
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) 
• Experience with Smith System or similar defensive driving programs 
• FLEET Driver Trainer certification 

Work Location & Travel Requirements

This position is field-based within the company’s operating market and requires travel of up to 50% to support driver training, evaluation, and safety initiatives across all locations within the company’s footprint.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to stand, walk, lift, push, pull, crouch, reach, and sit for extended periods 
• Work is performed in both indoor (garage/shop) and outdoor environments, including exposure to varying weather conditions 

Why This Role Matters?

This role is critical to strengthening the organization’s safety culture and operational consistency. By operating within the Safety function, the Designated Driver Trainer ensures objective, high-quality training and evaluation standards—helping to reduce risk, improve driver performance, and support sustainable operational growth.

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.

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.