Helper/Driver Trainee

GFL Environmental Inc.; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

GFL Environmental Inc. is seeking a Helper to assist drivers and other staff in collecting solid waste from residential customers. The role involves loading waste, sorting recyclables, and supporting safe vehicle operation on routes.

The position requires basic reading and communication skills, 1–3 months of related experience or training, and a willingness to follow safety protocols. Physical demands include lifting and working outdoors on routes, with PPE provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is desired but not required.
• 1–3 months related experience or training desired but not required.
• Valid driver’s license preferred but not required.
• Must meet relevant criteria for safety sensitive functions according to company standards.

Responsibilities

• Collect solid waste/recyclables from customer premises and/or curbside.
• Load waste into the rear or side of the collection vehicle and assist the driver with safe operation.
• Sort recyclables and deposit materials into appropriate compartments in the truck.
• Assist driver with backing up and close space maneuvering; maintain route quality standards.
• Operate equipment to compact trash/materials in the vehicle; wear PPE as required.
• Report customer problems to the driver immediately and maintain vehicle cleanliness.
• Attend safety and branch meetings and perform other duties as requested.

Skills

Reading & writing

Follow instructions

Operate equipment safely

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Helper will safely assist drivers and other employees in the collection of solid waste materials from a residential truck.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect solid waste/recyclable materials from customer premises and/or from the curbside if applicable.
• Load solid waste into the rear or side of waste collection vehicle
• Sort recyclables and deposit materials into the appropriate compartments in collection truck if applicable.
• Assist driver in safe operation of the vehicle by directing the driver in backing up the vehicle and in close space maneuvering.
• Operate equipment on truck to compact trash/materials into vehicle.
• Audit waste collection vehicle for proper equipment prior to leaving branch (i.e., broom, shovel, etc.).
• Report all customer related problems to driver immediately
• Identify, tag and notify driver of prohibited waste items and remove the items from the waste cart or can.
• Follow all safety and equipment checks and precautions in performance of all duties. Comply with all federal, state/provincial, local and company rules on safety and vehicle operation.
• Work closely with supervisor to improve routing efficiencies.
• Maintain predetermined route quality standards.
• Ensure that all required personal protective equipment be worn at all times (i.e., gloves, reflective vest, safety glasses, work boots, etc.)
• Exhibit a professional demeanor, manner and appearance at all times (i.e., meeting customers and/or the general public while on route or in uniform.)
• Follow all safety and equipment checks and precautions in performance of all duties.
• Assist driver in keeping interior cab and exterior of vehicle clean.
• Assist when necessary in sorting, cleaning carts, cleaning warehouse, stacking pallets/gaylords, placement of cans in roll-off container, operation of cardboard compactor.
• Attend safety and branch meetings.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required or requested by management.

Requirements

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) desired, but not required.
• One (1) to three (3) months related experience and/or training desired, but not required.
• Valid driver’s license preferred, but not required.
• Must be able to meet relevant criteria for safety sensitive functions according to Company standards

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and communicate with others.
• Ability to follow instructions and perform duties under limited supervision
• Ability to operate any equipment necessary to perform job

Physical/Mental Demands

• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, reach and lift in an outdoor environment 90% of the time.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers, kneel, crawl, talk, hear, climb and balance.
• Visual Requirements: include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to manually lift/move up to 65 pounds regularly
• Ability to manually push/move up to 100 pounds with assistance from another employee

Working Conditions

• Frequently exposed to loud noise, humidity, rainy/stormy, extreme hot and cold weather conditions (depending upon season), moving mechanical parts, vibrations, toxic and caustic chemicals, fumes and airborne particles
• Work in outdoor environment up to 100% of the time.
• Works route away from branch location on a continuous basis throughout the day.
• Occasionally work in high precarious places
• Work in motor vehicle traffic conditions constantly.
• Work environment is normally loud

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact [e-mail]

Please note that GFL does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Valid work authorization in the country where the job is located is required.Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documentation confirming their eligibility to work in the country where the job is located prior to their start date.

This hiring process may utilize machine-based systems to assist in screening and assessing applicants. Final selection decisions are made by our recruitment team.