Job Title: CDL Driver Trainee / Equipment Operator
Location: Houston, Texas, with travel as required
Reports to: Field Supervisor / Project Manager
Compensation Range: $22–$30 per hour, depending on location, experience, skills, and qualifications
Benefits: Medical, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and other eligible benefits.
The Ceres Commitment
Ceres Environmental is a leader in crisis management, rapid response, and disaster recovery, committed to rebuilding stronger, safer communities. Founded in 1976, Ceres has secured more than $3.4 billion in government-funded contracts, reflecting decades of trust in bringing hope during times of need.
We specialize in emergency response, environmental services, planning, and consulting, including debris removal, blue roofs, logistics, debris management, demolition, recycling, forest management, and coastal and marine restoration. As a licensed general contractor, we offer unparalleled expertise to restore stability where it’s needed most.
Driven by Purpose, Powered by People
At Ceres, we believe you’re more than just an employee; you’re part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope, helping communities recover and rebuild.
We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork. If you show up with compassion, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you’ll fit right in. We don’t just respond to challenges; we rise to them.
What We Are Looking For
Ceres Environmental is seeking a dependable, safety-conscious CDL Driver Trainee / Equipment Operator to join our Houston, Texas team. This full-time position is an excellent opportunity for entry-level or intermediate CDL drivers looking to build a long-term career in transportation, hauling, storm debris removal, and disaster recovery operations.
This role supports Ceres' fleet and field operations by safely transporting materials, assisting with debris removal, and developing proficiency in specialized commercial vehicles and hauling equipment. Through hands-on, on-the-job training, employees will have the opportunity to gain experience operating grapple trucks, side dump trailers, end dump trailers, walking floor trailers, and other specialized equipment as project needs require.
Ceres is committed to helping employees expand their CDL qualifications and advance their careers. Candidates who hold a Class B CDL or have applicable CDL restrictions, including manual transmission restrictions, may have opportunities to receive training and assistance in obtaining a Class A CDL and/or removing applicable restrictions.
Employees will report to the Houston location daily and must be willing to travel temporarily to other markets across the country as needed for storm response and disaster recovery operations. Success during the first 12 months will include demonstrating safe driving practices, developing proficiency with assigned equipment, meeting operational expectations, maintaining compliance with applicable regulations, and building the skills needed to take on additional responsibilities within Ceres' growing fleet operation.
This position does not include direct supervisory responsibilities.
What You Will Do
- Safely operate assigned commercial vehicles and specialized hauling equipment to support transportation, debris removal, and disaster recovery projects.
- Participate in hands-on training to develop proficiency with grapple trucks, side dump trailers, end dump trailers, walking floor trailers, and other specialized hauling equipment.
- Transport, collect, load, and unload storm debris, vegetation, and other approved materials at designated project sites, staging areas, and disposal facilities.
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of assigned vehicles, trailers, and equipment and promptly report maintenance needs or safety concerns.
- Follow applicable DOT regulations, company safety policies, job-site procedures, and equipment operating requirements.
- Complete required driver logs, inspection reports, load tickets, and other project documentation accurately and on time.
- Communicate with field supervisors, project managers, dispatch, and ground crews to coordinate assignments and address operational needs.
- Work toward obtaining additional CDL qualifications or removing applicable restrictions when required and supported by the company.
- Report to the Houston location daily and travel to other markets as needed to support storm response, emergency operations, and disaster recovery projects.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe vehicle and work environment while performing other field duties as needed to support project completion.
Required Qualifications
- Possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A or Class B.
- Demonstrate safe driving habits and the ability to follow established vehicle operating procedures and safety requirements.
- Meet applicable company, DOT, and project-specific requirements for assigned driving and equipment operation duties.
- Demonstrate dependability, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn from experienced operators and supervisors.
- Be willing to complete additional training to obtain a Class A CDL and/or remove applicable CDL restrictions, including manual transmission restrictions, as needed for the role.
- Be willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and travel temporarily to support projects in other markets as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in commercial driving, transportation, hauling, or related field operations.
- Familiarity with grapple trucks, side dump trailers, end dump trailers, walking floor trailers, or other specialized hauling equipment.
- Previous experience in construction, storm debris removal, environmental services, waste management, or disaster recovery.
- Knowledge of commercial vehicle inspections, load handling, load securement, and DOT compliance.
What to Expect
This is a full-time, field-based position headquartered in Houston, Texas. Employees are expected to report to the Houston location daily and may be assigned to different local projects based on business needs. During storm response and disaster recovery events, temporary travel to other markets across the country may be required.
The role is designed for candidates who want to develop their commercial driving and equipment operation skills. Employees will receive hands-on training and work alongside experienced operators while gaining exposure to multiple types of trucks, trailers, and specialized hauling equipment. The amount of training and equipment responsibility will depend on operational needs, individual progress, and qualifications.
The work can be physically demanding and requires extended periods of driving, frequent vehicle inspections, and working around heavy equipment and active job sites. Employees should be comfortable working outdoors in heat, dust, noise, uneven terrain, and changing weather conditions.
Work schedules, hours, and assignments may vary based on project demands, weather conditions, and emergency response needs. Storm deployments may require temporary travel away from home and flexibility to support changing operational priorities.
Candidates who are eager to learn, dependable, adaptable, and committed to safety will be well positioned to succeed. This role offers an opportunity to build practical experience, expand CDL qualifications when applicable, and pursue long-term growth within Ceres' fleet and field operations.
What You'll Do
- Begin by assisting experienced drivers and learning day-to-day transportation, hauling, and storm response operations through hands-on, on-the-job training.
- Gain practical experience operating commercial vehicles, trailers, and specialized equipment while developing the skills needed to take on increased driving responsibilities.
- Progress into greater driving responsibilities as proficiency and qualifications develop, with opportunities for long-term growth and advancement within the fleet team.
Physical Requirements and Environment
Ceres provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants with sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law. The physical requirements listed below reflect the essential functions of this role. If you need accommodation to perform these functions, please inform us during the application process.
- Ability to climb in and out of commercial truck cabs and safely access vehicles and equipment for inspections.
- Ability to sit, drive, and operate vehicle controls for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, when required by assigned duties.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, dust, noise, wet conditions, and uneven terrain.
- Ability to work safely around moving vehicles, heavy equipment, and active job sites.
- Willingness to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility clothing.
- Commitment to following company safety standards, equipment operating procedures, and applicable DOT requirements.
Why Join Ceres?
At Ceres, you won’t just have a job, you’ll have a mission. Your work will directly impact the speed and strength of community recovery after disasters.
We offer:
- Competitive hourly compensation.
- A collaborative, mission-driven culture.
- Hands-on training with specialized commercial vehicles and hauling equipment.
- Opportunities to develop additional CDL qualifications and expand your professional skill set.
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
- Travel opportunities supporting disaster recovery and emergency response projects.
- The chance to make a lasting difference for communities across the U.S.
Ceres Environmental is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.
E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.