Apprentice Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Department: Service
Reports To: District Manager
Location: Oelwein, IA
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Range: $20–$25 per hour

The Route Service Apprentice role is a great entry point into CITY Laundering’s Service Department—and a position where many of our team members began their careers. This hands-on apprenticeship is designed to set you up for long-term success by exposing you to all aspects of route service operations.

As a Route Service Apprentice, you’ll ride along with each Route Service Representative (RSR) at your location, learning different styles, best practices, and what makes each route successful. You’ll have multiple mentors to support your learning and help you understand how the Service Department operates day to day.

After completing initial training, you’ll assist on routes as needed—covering vacations, supporting new customer installations, or helping during peak times. The apprenticeship typically lasts 6 to 12 months. When a route becomes available or the company grows and adds new routes, the next step is promotion to Route Service Representative, where you’ll manage your own route and customer relationships.

• Fill in for or assist on any of our 17 service routes as needed

• Provide prompt, friendly, and effective customer service

• Load and unload delivery trucks with clean and soiled laundry

• Deliver products accurately and efficiently to customers

• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction

• Support route efficiency and safe driving practices

• Communicate positively with customers, potential customers, and teammates

• Maintain strong product knowledge (pricing, sizing, colors, inventory, applications)

• Prepare trucks daily, including organization, invoices, paperwork, and bags

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

• Communicate truck maintenance needs promptly (repairs, cleanliness, accidents)

• Maintain hygienic handling standards for all garments

• Drive a commercial motor vehicle up to 10 hours per day

• Frequently lift up to 60 pounds

• Perform other duties as assigned

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance

• Clean driving record and valid driver’s license required

• Must be 25 years of age or older

• 1–2 years of customer service or related experience preferred

• Ability to meet physical requirements outlined in Attachment A

This role operates in a professional environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing systems. While much of the work is active and route-based, some administrative tasks are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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 passing a background check and drug screening.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills. Employees may be required to perform additional tasks as needed.

Physical Job Functions:

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

• Unload clean laundry into customer locations (using provided carts when possible)

• Collect, sort, and load soiled uniforms, linens, and mats

• Load clean laundry for next day’s route

• Push carts and move laundry along rail systems

• Load hanging garments onto truck racks

Sitting:
Frequently, while driving and up to one hour for paperwork

Walking:
Frequently, during loading/unloading and customer visits

Bending:
Frequently, up to 90° flexion

Trunk Rotation:
Frequently, while handling laundry

Squatting/Crouching:
Frequently, to retrieve and place laundry

Climbing:
Frequently, entering/exiting trucks and customer locations (30–50 stops/day)

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

Grasping/Pinching/Wrist Turning:
Continuously, handling laundry, doors, hangers, bags, and driving

Finger Manipulation:
Frequently, writing and tying/untying bag cords

Pushing/Pulling:
Frequently, up to 10 pounds of force

Lifting/Carrying:
Continuously, up to 60 pounds (floor to 70 inches)

Use of Feet:
Frequently, operating vehicle pedals and walking throughout the day