Route Service Apprentice

Department: Service
Reports To: District Manager
Location: Cedar Rapids
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Salary Grade: $22–$25 per hour

Job Summary

The Route Service Apprentice position is often the starting point for many CITY team members and serves as an entry into the Service Department. In this role, you will train by riding along with Route Service Representatives at your location, learning their individual approaches and best practices.

You will receive guidance from multiple mentors and gain hands-on experience with daily operations. After completing initial training, you will assist with routes when team members are on vacation or when additional support is needed for new accounts.

The apprenticeship period typically lasts six to twelve months. As routes become available or expand due to growth, successful apprentices may be promoted to Route Service Representative, managing their own routes and customer accounts.

Key Responsibilities

• Fill in for or assist on any of the company’s 17 routes

• Provide prompt and effective customer service

• Load and unload delivery trucks with clean and/or soiled laundry

• Deliver products to customers in a timely manner

• Ensure customer satisfaction

• Manage route efficiency and safety

• Communicate positively with customers, prospects, and coworkers

• Maintain product knowledge, including pricing, colors, sizing, inventory, availability, and application

• Organize truck loading, including invoices, paperwork, and bags

• Maintain account appearance (rails, hanger racks, repair bags, lockers)

• Report truck maintenance needs, including repairs, preventive maintenance, cleanliness, and accidents

• Operate a commercial motor vehicle for up to 10 hours per day

• Frequently lift up to 60 pounds

• Maintain hygienically clean garment standards through proper handling

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Clean driving record and valid driver’s license required

• 1–2 years of job-related and/or customer service experience preferred

• Must be 25 years of age or older

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance. Start time: 5:30 AM

• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

• For physical requirements, see Attachment A

Working Conditions

This position operates in a professional office and field environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

While this role includes periods of sedentary work, some filing, lifting, bending, and standing may be required. Employees must be able to perform essential functions as outlined.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.

Equal Opportunity Statement

CITY Laundering Co is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants based on race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability, handicap, or veteran status.

Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

Disclaimer

The statements in this job description describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills.

Employees may be required to perform additional tasks as business needs require.

Attachment A – Physical Job Requirements

Physical Job Functions

• Drive truck to accounts (30–50 stops per day)

• Unload clean laundry using a two-wheel cart when possible

• Sort, collect, and gather soiled uniforms, linens, and mats

• Load dirty laundry onto the truck

• Load clean laundry for the next day’s route

• Pull laundry carts to and from the truck

• Unload clean laundry from carts into the truck

• Push uniforms along rail systems

• Load hanging uniforms onto truck racks

Critical Physical Demands

Sitting

• Frequently, while driving and completing paperwork (up to one hour)

Walking

• Frequently, during loading, unloading, and account visits; distance varies

Bending

• Frequently, up to 90 degrees, while sorting and loading laundry

Trunk Rotation

• Frequently, during loading, unloading, and carrying items

Squatting/Crouching

• Frequently, to retrieve and place laundry

Climbing

• Frequently, entering and exiting trucks and accounts (30–50 stops per day)

Reaching

• Frequently, up to arm’s length and 70 inches from the floor

Grasping/Pinching/Wrist Turning

• Continuously, when handling laundry, equipment, and driving

Finger Manipulation

• Frequently, for writing and tying/untangling bag cords

Pushing/Pulling

• Frequently, up to 10 pounds of force

Lifting/Carrying

• Continuously, up to 60 pounds, from floor to 70 inches; distance varies

Use of Feet

• Frequently, for operating vehicle pedals and walking throughout the day