GIS Route Analyst

GIS Route Analyst

Position Summary

The GIS Route Analyst reports to the Logistics Manager and is responsible for designing, optimizing, and implementing routes across Athens Services’ municipal service areas in the greater Los Angeles region. Using GIS platforms and route optimization software, this role transforms spatial and operational data into efficient route plans that reduce costs, improve service quality, and support contract compliance across multiple lines of business. The GIS Route Analyst works from a centralized office location with travel to division sites for field observations, data validation, and coordination with operations teams.

Essential Responsibilities

Route Design & Optimization

• Design, build, and optimize routes across all lines of business — residential collection, commercial front-load, roll-off, back yard service (BYS), and street sweeping — using RouteSmart, Descartes, or comparable route optimization software.
• Develop dynamic daily route plans for on-demand service lines including roll-off container delivery/pickup and bin/cart equipment replacement operations.
• Plan and optimize multi-vehicle coordinated routing for operations that require sequenced vehicle timing, including scout operations (staging equipment ahead of main collection vehicles) and Back Yard Service (BYS) operations (coordinating smaller service trucks with centralized mother truck staging locations to minimize downtime across the fleet).
• Perform spatial analysis including geocoding, network analysis, buffer analysis, and service area mapping to support route planning decisions.
• Create and maintain accurate digital route maps, service day assignments, route sequence plans, and disposal trip routing.
• Analyze route performance data (stops, lifts, tons, miles, disposal trips, shift times) to identify optimization opportunities including load consolidation and service day rebalancing.
• Implement route changes into the system of record (Soft-Pak) and driver-facing tablets (MobilePak), ensuring data accuracy and operational readiness.
• Support new contract implementations, service area expansions, barrel conversion deployments (e.g., 2-stream to 3-stream, SB 1383 compliance), and service day changes requiring municipal coordination and approval.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Collect, interpret, and analyze logistics data including route efficiency metrics, asset utilization, and service performance indicators.
• Develop and maintain GIS databases, shapefiles, and geospatial datasets to support routing and operational analysis.
• Prepare reports and visual presentations on route performance, recommending process improvements to leadership and operations teams.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure routing accuracy and operational efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with division operations teams to coordinate route implementations, communicate changes to drivers, and resolve service issues.
• Work with billing and revenue teams to ensure route data accuracy supports proper customer billing and account reconciliation.
• Coordinate with IT and software vendors on system integrations, data feeds, and technology enhancements.
• 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, assess real-world conditions, and gather driver feedback.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 2–5 years of experience in GIS analysis, route optimization, logistics planning, or a related analytical role.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in GIS, Geography, Urban Planning, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• GIS Proficiency: Hands-on experience with ArcGIS, QGIS, or comparable GIS platforms including spatial analysis, geocoding, and map production.
• Route Optimization Software: Experience with route planning tools such as RouteSmart, Descartes, Roadnet, or similar platforms.
• Data Analysis: Strong proficiency in Excel for data analysis; experience with Tableau, Power BI, or similar visualization tools preferred.
• Communication: Ability to communicate technical findings and route recommendations to non-technical stakeholders including operations managers and drivers.
• Driver’s License: Valid Class C Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in waste management, solid waste collection, or environmental services industry.
• Familiarity with waste management ERP systems (Soft-Pak or similar).
• Experience with GPS/telematics platforms (Samsara, Verizon Connect, or similar) for building route baselines, monitoring post-optimization route adherence, and analyzing driver behavior patterns.
• Familiarity with on-vehicle camera systems (Samsara, 3rd Eye, Waste Vision, or similar) for reviewing stop-level service footage, verifying pickup locations, and conducting time studies on equipment service times.
• Knowledge of municipal contract requirements, service area management, and regulatory compliance (e.g., SB 1383).
• Experience with parcel-level data audits and account reconciliation to ensure routing accuracy and billing alignment.
• Database querying experience (SQL) for extracting and analyzing operational data.
• GISP certification or equivalent professional GIS credential.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Frequent sitting and use of computer-based tools and GIS software for extended periods.
• Occasional standing, walking, and travel to division site locations for field observations and meetings.
• Occasional exposure to environmental factors such as noise, dust, or outdoor weather conditions during site visits.
• Capability to perform the physical requirements of the role with or without reasonable accommodations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit package: Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401K with Profit Sharing and Company Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Recognition Programs
• Professional Development and Learning Opportunities