Operations Dispatch Specialist

Turn trash into opportunity — build a career that keeps communities running.

Patriot Disposal / Apple Valley Waste is a rapidly growing, private equity\-backed waste and recycling company serving the Mid\-Atlantic region. We provide essential environmental services to commercial, industrial, and residential customers.

We’re looking for an Operations Dispatch Specialist who leads from the front and knows how to get the best out of a team.

We are committed to providing steady, year\-round work, a safe and professional environment, and opportunities for advancement. We value reliability, hard work, and treating our employees with respect Job Description

The Operations Dispatch Specialist serves as a hands\-on expert in both dispatch/ERP platforms (TRUX and Tower), stepping in to run dispatch when local coverage is limited and elevating performance by standardizing best practices, coaching teams, and tightening daily execution. The role is highly mobile (routine overnight travel) and requires advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong working skills with Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.Key Responsibilities 1\) Dispatch coverage \& operational continuity

• Provide on\-site and remote dispatch coverage across all assigned locations to cover vacations, absences, training gaps, peak demand, special projects, and operational disruptions.
• Lead daily “crew\-out” and “crew\-in” execution: confirm staffing, assign trucks/routes, manage call\-offs, coordinate helpers, and adjust plans in real time to protect service.
• Serve as the central communication hub between drivers, supervisors, customer service, disposal facilities, maintenance, and leadership while assigned to a location.
• Manage residential, commercial, roll\-off, and special/bulk/delivery operations as applicable by site; prioritize safety, compliance, and customer commitments.

2\) TRUX \+ Tower super\-user responsibilities

• Operate as an expert\-level user in
both TRUX and Tower: routing/dispatch center operations, work order scheduling, route completion, ticketing, and daily closeout.
• Perform accurate route close and productivity entry (times, odometers, driver/helper assignments, route completion summaries).
• Enter and reconcile disposal information (facility, ticket numbers, material, tons), ensuring accurate reporting and timely closeout.
• Manage work orders end\-to\-end: validate customer status/credit holds, schedule call\-ins appropriately, print/schedule work orders by cut\-off times, and coordinate confirmation with route leadership.
• Troubleshoot system issues, identify data defects, and partner with IT/operations to correct root causes; document repeatable fixes and job aids.

3\) Documentation, compliance, and control

• Maintain strict documentation control for tickets, logs, receipts, and required route paperwork; ensure proper handoff to accounting/other departments.
• Support DOT/HOS compliance and site policy adherence through dispatch decisions, escalation, and consistent documentation.
• Ensure DVIR and safety\-critical paperwork is captured, routed to maintenance, and tracked to closure.
• Support telematics/driver\-truck associations and operational systems that rely on accurate dispatcher inputs.

4\) Reporting, analytics, and communication

• Own daily and weekly operational reporting outputs tied to dispatch accuracy and service performance (missed stops, bulk/missed route lists, disposal summaries, productivity checks, exception reports).
• Use Excel at an advanced level (filters, pivot tables, lookups, data validation, conditional formatting, structured tables) to maintain schedules, track performance, and detect key\-entry errors.
• Create clear communications and recap packages for leaders and cross\-functional teams using Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Maintain and update shared trackers and standardized dispatch artifacts (shared drives/SharePoint/Teams files, daily snapshots, route cover sheets, exception sheets).

5\) Standardization, coaching, and continuous improvement

• Implement and reinforce standardized dispatch procedures across locations; quickly learn each site’s nuances while protecting core standards.
• Coach and mentor local dispatchers and supervisors on best practices in TRUX/Tower usage, troubleshooting, and dispatch decision\-making.
• Identify recurring gaps (training, process, system settings) and recommend improvements that reduce missed service, rework, and data errors.
• Support special projects such as route optimization readiness, system conversions, report/dashboard rollouts, and new site onboarding.

Travel \& Work Schedule

* Travel: This is a multi\-site floating “road warrior” role with up to 90% travel expectations. Most assignments will be within the company’s operating footprint (Winchester Hagerstown Frederick Baltimore Manassas). For locations within reasonable driving distance, the employee may commute same\-day and return home each night.

* On\-time start requirement: The ability to report to the assigned location by the scheduled start time (e.g., early mornings and 2:00 AM starts in some cases) is non\-negotiable. The employee is responsible for planning travel time; traffic delays are not an acceptable reason for late arrival.

* Overnight stays: When start times, distance, weather, special projects, or business needs make same\-day commuting impractical, the company will authorize and pay for reasonable lodging to ensure reliable on\-time coverage.

* Schedule: Early mornings and end\-of\-day closeouts are routine. Periodic weekend/holiday coverage may be required based on operational need.

* Work environment: Office \+ yard/dispatch environment; frequent phone/radio use; interruptions and time\-sensitive decision\-making are normal.

Required Qualifications

• 2\+ years of dispatch experience in transportation, waste, logistics, or field services (waste/recycling strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated expert proficiency in dispatch/ERP systems; must be able to become a super\-user in
TRUX and Tower (or already be one).
• Advanced
Microsoft Excel skills and strong proficiency with Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong working knowledge of DOT/HOS concepts and comfort operating in compliance\-driven environments.
• Proven ability to thrive in fast\-paced conditions, make sound decisions with incomplete information, and calmly manage conflict/escalations.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel extensively.
• Highschool Diploma/GED required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience dispatching multiple lines of business (residential, commercial, roll\-off, bulk/specials).
• Experience with routing/optimization tools, mapping workflows, telematics/video safety platforms, and tablet\-based field workflows.
• Experience building or improving SOPs, training materials, and cross\-site standard work.
• Data skills beyond Excel (Access, Power BI, SQL) a plus.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

Core Competencies

• Operational ownership; systems thinking; adaptability; calm urgency; strong communication; attention to detail.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit/stand for extended periods and work at a computer for much of the day.
• Ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to work in/around a yard environment with vehicle traffic, noise, and varying weather.

Why Join Us?*This isn’t just another job — this is a chance to build, lead, and grow with a company that’s going places. Competitive salary \+ performance\-based bonuses.

• Real career growth opportunities as we expand.
• Strong leadership team focused on operational excellence.
• Full benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match.
• Paid time off \+ holidays.
• Company\-provided gear and PPE for operations jobs.

The Bottom Line**

If you’re ready to take ownership, lead from the front, and make an impact in a fast\-growing company, we want to talk to you.