Route Supervisor

Job overview

The Route Supervisor oversees the daily execution of waste, recycling, and organic material collection routes. Acting as a key leader in the field, this role directly manages commercial, residential, or industrial route drivers and helpers. The Route Supervisor ensures safe operation, regulatory compliance, excellent customer service, and route efficiency while auditing route performance and resolving daily operational challenges. The role is split between an office setting and significant time spent outdoors in a company supervisory vehicle monitoring routes in various weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Assist dispatch with morning rollout, ensuring driver coverage, vehicle availability, and proper route assignments.
• Perform regular field audits to check driver performance, route safety, stop accuracy, and material contamination. Identify and implement route efficiency improvements.
• Respond in real time to field incidents, breakdowns, blocked access, customer complaints, or driver delays to ensure minimal service interruption.
• Conduct pre-shift safety briefings and field observation safety evaluations, and enforce company safety policies and OSHA standards.
• Ensure drivers adhere to DOT regulations, Hours of Service rules, and proper pre/post-trip vehicle inspections (DVIR).
• Lead initial investigations for vehicle accidents, property damage, or workplace injuries, completing required documentation and root-cause analyses.
• Train, coach, and mentor new and existing drivers. Conduct performance evaluations and manage attendance and discipline when necessary.
• Meet directly with residential or commercial customers to address service issues, property damage claims, or container placement concerns.
• Work closely with dispatchers, customer service representatives, and maintenance mechanics to keep fleet and operations aligned.

Required qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3+ years of experience in waste management, route transportation, or logistics operations.
• 1+ years in a leadership, supervisor, or lead driver role.
• Valid driver's license required with a clean driving record.
• Proficiency with route management software, onboard telematics/GPS systems, and basic office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Knowledge of DOT and OSHA regulations relevant to commercial trucking.
• Strong conflict-resolution and leadership skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to adapt quickly in a dynamic, outdoors-heavy work environment.

Preferred qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in business, logistics, or a related field.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL Class A or B) with Air Brakes.

Benefits