Walla Walla Route Manager

Job Description - Route Manager (Walla Walla)

Position Title: Route Manager – Walla Walla

Department: Operations

Reports To: Director of Operations

Location: Walla Walla, Washington (on-site)

Pay Range: $39.81 - $47.28

Position Summary

The Route Manager oversees daily waste collection operations at the Walla Walla site, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient route coverage and service delivery. This position directs drivers, Leads, and support staff; optimizes routing and fleet utilization; monitors performance; and partners with other departments to resolve service issues and improve operational outcomes.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong operational leadership, sound judgment, a commitment to safety and compliance, and the ability to coach teams while maintaining professional customer and community relationships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Route Planning and Optimization

• Oversee daily route operations and ensure appropriate route coverage, staffing, and efficient service delivery.
• Develop, sequence, review, and modify waste collection routes to balance workloads, improve efficiency, and control operating costs.
• Use route-planning tools and collaborate with Leads and drivers to identify routing challenges, adjust service days, and implement improvements.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise, coach, train, and evaluate Leads, drivers, and support staff across lines of business.
• Conduct daily huddles, Lead meetings, individual check-ins, midyear evaluations, and performance appraisals.
• Address employee concerns and performance issues promptly; document coaching, counseling, and progressive discipline in coordination with HR.
• Conduct monthly documented one-on-ones with each line of business, biweekly documented one-on-ones with direct-report Leads, and periodic monthly driver ride-alongs.
• Develop Lead decision-making and accountability through regular feedback and appropriate delegation.

Daily Operations and Fleet Coordination

• Confirm route completion through daily check-ins; verify required paperwork is submitted and report missed pickups or schedule adjustments.
• Coordinate with Maintenance to plan fleet availability, optimize use of equipment, and address operational needs.
• Verify daily driver pre-trip and post-trip inspections and Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs).
• Provide backup driver coverage and shuttle trucks during maintenance events, as necessary.
• Coordinate with leadership on inclement-weather notices and public service announcements for local news and radio outlets.

Staffing and Personnel Administration

• Partner with Human Resources to identify staffing needs, initiate requisitions, and recruit and train drivers.
• Conduct and document candidate interviews; provide recommendations concerning employee selection, promotions, compensation, and terminations.
• Audit direct-report timecards daily, address timekeeping exceptions, submit shift differential documentation, and meet payroll deadlines.

Customer Service and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Respond to customer concerns and escalations promptly and professionally; coordinate solutions with the Customer Service Manager.
• Complete site visits, as needed, to recommend appropriate container placement.
• Maintain effective working relationships with Maintenance, Dispatch, Customer Service, Transfer Station, HR, and Leadership.
• Participate in regular peer-manager meetings to coordinate resources, resolve issues, and improve service levels.

Reporting, Safety, and Compliance

• Prepare and analyze reports on route performance, fuel consumption, productivity, and other operating metrics to identify improvement opportunities.
• Communicate and reinforce company safety practices; ensure biweekly safety huddles are documented and participate in bi-monthly safety committee meetings.
• Ensure accidents and incidents are reported, documented, and investigated; assist with root-cause reviews and follow-up corrective action.
• Monitor driver compliance with applicable OSHA, DOT, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC), and waste transportation requirements.
• Model Basin Disposal policies and professional communication while representing the company internally and externally.

Required Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL class A preferred) and clean driving record required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to lead and develop employees, coordinate multiple routes and teams, and respond effectively to daily operational challenges.
• Working knowledge of safe fleet operations and applicable transportation, workplace safety, and waste collection requirements.
• Ability to analyze route and operating data, use routing tools, maintain accurate records, and communicate professionally with employees and customers.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Position involves on-site operations, driver ride-alongs, field visits, and periodic commercial vehicle operation as necessary.
• Work may involve outdoor weather conditions, vehicle yards, and operational or maintenance areas.

Benefits

• Local Routes - Home Daily

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Company-Sponsored Life Insurance
• 6 Company paid Holidays
• Paid time off and sick time earned on an accrual basis

Equal Opportunity Employment

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. EOE, including disability/vets.