Field Operations Specialist (Van Route Driver)

About Ridwell Ridwell is a service that inspires people to create a future without waste. Today, we make it easy to reuse and recycle more by identifying recyclable and reusable items that the city doesn't collect through both our doorstep pickup and mail-in services, connecting those materials with local and national partners that can use them sustainably. Our future plans go much further and include making zero waste a reality for millions. As a B Corp-certified company, sustainability isn't just a company value - it's a fundamental part of our purpose and interests. Our mission is to empower communities to waste less, and every success our team celebrates means more waste saved from the landfill and more valuable donations in the hands of local non-profits. This is a pivotal moment of growth for Ridwell. We're looking for people who are energized by a challenging, fast-paced environment, ready to make a real impact on a mission that matters, and excited to grow alongside a team that's genuinely invested in one another!

Our Values

• Our member is our hero. Our members are at the core of our company. Only by empowering them can we accomplish our vision.
• We Never Settle. We are relentlessly pursuing the exceptional and challenging the status quo - always making our service, experience, and company better.
• We Take Our Success Personally. We all have a stake in the success of Ridwell. You are empowered to make an impact.
• Purpose Drives Our Actions. Knowing why we are doing something enables us to focus on what is truly important.
• We Are Stronger Together. Every person is critical to our success. We need diverse perspectives to execute on creative solutions. By fostering collaboration and connection at every level, we can be phenomenal.

About the Role

This is a full-time, non-exempt W2 position supporting a 6-month pilot. This role is temporary in nature and is expected to conclude at the end of the pilot period.

Ridwell is looking for a dependable and adaptable Field Operations Specialist to support a new pilot program awarded to Ridwell provided through the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54). Responsibilities in this role focus on the pilot initiative and related operational workflows. This includes route-based operations, member onboarding, and hands-on warehouse tasks, such as detailed material sorting and basic operational data tracking.

The ideal candidate enjoys a mix of independent fieldwork and hands-on operational work in the warehouse. You’ll play an important role in delivering a great member experience while supporting innovative recycling and circularity initiatives.

Anticipated Start Date: July 27

Responsibilites

Field Operations & Participant Support

• This is a hybrid role that combines field operations and warehouse work, with most weeks spending two days driving to pick up plastics and two days in the warehouse.
• Safely operate Ridwell high-roof cargo vans throughout the Los Angeles area
• Complete assigned routes safely and efficiently, typically involving 125 - 150 residential service stops daily
• Collect members’ materials from designated bins at their homes
• Navigate routes effectively using provided smartphone apps
• Maintain regular communication with our Driver Support team regarding route timing and operational updates
• Deliver Ridwell bins, starter kits, and other program materials to members’ homes
• Support new member onboarding by helping participants understand program participation, acceptable materials, and service expectations
• Provide friendly, knowledgeable participant support and education regarding Ridwell services, sorting guidelines, and sustainability initiatives, and escalate participant questions or feedback to appropriate internal teams as needed
• Manage loading and unloading of vehicles efficiently
• Work safely outdoors and in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, moisture, and wind

Warehouse & Operations Support

• Support pilot-related operation workflows across both field and warehouse environments
• Perform detailed sorting of collected materials according to operational guidelines
• Support pilot program workflows and material handling processes tied to Circular Action Alliance initiatives
• Accurately track and record basic operational and material data
• Maintain organized workspaces and follow warehouse procedures
• Support additional programmatic needs as they arise

Team & Safety

• Follow all company policies and safety procedures consistently
• Maintain positive communication with team members across all functions
• Contribute to a collaborative, reliable, and safety-focused work environment

Requirements

• Must be 21 years or older with a valid California driver’s license held for at least 3 years
• Ability to safely operate cargo vans in urban and residential environments
• Ability to read and follow written or verbal instructions in English
• Comfortable using smartphone apps for GPS navigation, routing, communication, and data entry
• Must own and be able to use a smartphone (phone stipend provided)
• Ability to communicate effectively via text and email
• Strong attention to detail and ability to perform accurate sorting and data tracking tasks
• Ability to maintain consistent attendance - we rely on each other to deliver excellent service as a team
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently push, pull, squat, bend, reach, and lift up to 49 lbs, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a background check, a motor vehicle record review and a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination, consistent with applicable law

The compensation range represents our best estimate, with the final offer subject to internal compensation benchmarks, candidate experience, and market data. Individuals seeking employment at Ridwell are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.