The Routing Optimization Analyst is a senior technical role reporting to the Logistics Manager. This position is responsible for leading large-scale route optimization and logistics improvement projects across Athens Services’ municipal service areas in the greater Los Angeles region. Combining advanced GIS capabilities with deep logistics and operational knowledge, the Geospatial Routing Specialist designs optimal routes across all lines of business, analyzes performance data, and drives measurable improvements in efficiency, cost, and service quality. This role operates from a centralized office location with travel to division sites for project execution, field observations, and coordination with operations teams.
Route Optimization & GIS Analysis
• Lead the design, optimization, and implementation of routes across all lines of business — residential collection, commercial front-load, roll-off, back yard service (BYS), street sweeping, and equipment delivery — using GIS platforms (ArcGIS, QGIS) and route optimization software (RouteSmart, Descartes, or comparable).
• Develop dynamic routing solutions for on-demand service lines (roll-off delivery/pickup, bin/cart equipment replacement) that produce optimized daily route plans from incoming work orders.
• Design and optimize multi-vehicle coordinated routing for operations requiring sequenced vehicle timing, including scout operations (staging equipment ahead of main collection vehicles to prevent delays) and Back Yard Service (BYS) operations (coordinating smaller service trucks with centralized mother truck staging locations to minimize vehicle downtime).
• Perform advanced spatial analysis including network analysis, service territory mapping, geocoding, and drive-time modeling to support route planning and service area management.
• Build and maintain geospatial databases, route models, and digital mapping assets for all assigned divisions.
• Lead service expansion projects, barrel conversion deployments (2-stream to 3-stream, SB 1383 compliance), disposal site change reroutes, and load consolidation initiatives.
• Implement optimized routes into Soft-Pak (system of record) and MobilePak (driver-facing tablets), ensuring accuracy and operational readiness.
Operational Analysis & Performance Metrics
• Analyze operational data across key metrics: stops, lifts, tons, yards, miles, disposal trips, time-at-customer, arrival vs. planned arrival, and total shift time.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to measure route efficiency, driver productivity, and service quality by division.
• Prepare data-driven reports and dashboards using Tableau, Excel, or similar tools to communicate findings and recommendations to leadership.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for route changes, fleet optimization, and service area modifications.
Project Management & Collaboration
• Manage multiple concurrent logistics projects across divisions and lines of business, including reroutes, rebalancing, sequencing, and new contract builds.
• Coordinate with operations, finance, billing, and outreach teams to ensure successful project execution and stakeholder alignment.
• Track and manage project assignments, milestones, and deliverables using project management platforms (Monday.com or similar) to maintain visibility and accountability across concurrent initiatives.
• Conduct field observations at division sites to validate route designs, gather feedback, and assess real-world operating conditions.
• Present project plans, progress updates, and results to senior leadership and executive teams.
Training & Continuous Improvement
• Mentor and support team members on GIS tools, routing software, and analytical best practices.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures for route design, optimization, and implementation workflows.
• Identify and recommend technology enhancements, process improvements, and industry best practices to strengthen the Logistics department.
Salary Range: $85,000 - $105,000
Athens will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and any other applicable state, federal or local laws. EEO/M/F/disability/veteran
Who We Are:
Athens Services is a family-owned and operated waste collection and recycling company. We started hauling with one truck in 1957 on the simple principle of providing exceptional, personalized service. Today, we serve more than 275,000 customers in 50 communities throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
What We Do:
We provide innovative, reliable, and high-quality waste processing, recycling, and other environmental services for residential, commercial, and public-sector customers. We are a regional leader in the industry, known for investing in the communities we serve, the people we employ, and the technology that will foster a sustainable environment for generations to come. Through reuse, recycling and composting, Athens diverts valuable resources from landfills.
What We Believe:
Athens’ mission remains much as it has always been: Provide great service to our customers; employ and develop great people; and foster a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment. That’s what we call The Athens Way. We are more than a corporation; we are family-owned and operated, and always will be.
