Management Trainee - Hauling Operations

Position Summary

The Management Trainee - Hauling Operations will participate in a structured development program to learn Meridian Waste’s hauling business across terminals and service areas. Based in the Raleigh, NC area, the trainee will rotate through terminals, yards, and routes to gain experience in fleet and driver management, routing and dispatch, DOT/compliance, maintenance coordination, safety, customer service, sales, and operational budgeting. Successful completion prepares the candidate for a frontline hauling management role.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete rotational training across terminals and route operations to learn dispatch, routing, and daily service execution.
• Assist with driver management: hiring support, onboarding, coaching, performance reviews, timekeeping, and payroll coordination.
• Learn dispatch and route optimization processes, work order systems, GPS/telematics use, and real-time operational problem solving.
• Ensure DOT, state, and company regulatory compliance (driver qualifications, logs, inspections, hours-of-service).
• Support safety program implementation: driver safety training, toolbox talks, incident investigations, corrective action tracking.
• Monitor fuel usage and cost controls; participate in fuel procurement and fuel card management.
• Assist with customer service and commercial account coordination, addressing service issues and supporting retention efforts.
• Help prepare and manage budgets, labor forecasts, KPI tracking (on-time service, productivity), and cost-reduction initiatives under mentor supervision.
• Support fleet management: vehicle lifecycle, preventative maintenance scheduling, repairs oversight, and vendor coordination.
• Build relationships with drivers, technicians, terminal managers, customers, and regulators; represent Meridian Waste professionally.
• Participate in emergency response, contingency planning, and seasonal/peak service planning.
• Complete assigned coursework, certifications, and on-the-job training milestones.

About Meridian Waste
Meridian Waste is a fast-growing provider of integrated, non-hazardous solid waste services focused on safety, environmental compliance, operational excellence, and customer service. This Manager Trainee role develops future hauling operations leaders through hands-on rotations and mentorship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation Management, or related field preferred; Associate degree or equivalent experience considered.
• 0–3 years’ experience in transportation, fleet operations, logistics, waste hauling, or related field preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; willingness to obtain a CDL if required or beneficial for the role.
• Ability and willingness to travel regionally and interstate and stay overnight as needed.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership potential, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and ability to learn dispatch and operational software.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, field-driven environments and around heavy equipment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Work combines office, terminal yard, and route-side environments
• Must be able to climb on/off vehicles, walk uneven surfaces, lift up to 50 lbs occasionally, and wear required PPE.
• Flexible schedule required to support operations, including occasional evenings, weekends, and emergency response.

Training & Development

• Structured rotations with mentorship from terminal managers and regional operations leaders.
• Company-sponsored safety and compliance training, and professional development (DOT, driver training, fleet management tools).
• Performance milestones and regular reviews to prepare for advancement into hauling management roles.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO).
• Career growth opportunities in a growing company.
• Comprehensive safety, training, and development programs.