Vending Machine Route Worker

Vending machine route workers usually visit machines in 10 to 20 locations each day. They may have a set route or plan their own routes.

Duties and responsibilities may vary from 1 company to another but, in general, vending machine route workers:

• load supplies in a vehicle such as a van or light truck
• drive to vending machine locations
• open and refill machines
• change product labels if necessary
• collect money, ensure machines are locked and float bags for coin machines are balanced
• record the amount of money collected and stock required to refill machines, or download this information into hand held devices 
• ensure that machines are clean and in good working order
• ensure product dates and health codes are adhered to 
• establish and maintain good customer relations with business owners and operators
• report damage to machines
• make minor repairs and report broken machines.

They also may deliver and install machines that do not require special electrical or plumbing connections.

Vending machine route workers drive in all types of weather conditions but spend most of their time indoors servicing machines. They usually work shifts from early morning to mid-afternoon. They may work weekends and holidays or be on call. Overtime may be required during busy periods or when driving conditions are poor. In rural areas, long distance travel may be required.

Vending machines are usually exposed to pedestrian traffic and working conditions around them often are cramped. The work is physically demanding. Vending machine route workers routinely lift and carry supplies that may weigh up to 20 kilograms, and bend and stoop to load machines.

Personal protective equipment such as steel-toed boots may be required.

Vending machine route workers need the following characteristics:

• honest and reliable
• physically fit
• able to work with little supervision
• well groomed (to present a positive image of their company) 
• able to establish and maintain good customer relations
• aware of security and safety issues.

They should enjoy driving, keeping records and talking to people.

Above-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Vending machine route workers are employed by vending machine companies and food and beverage manufacturers.

Experienced route workers may move into vending machine repair or supervisory positions. For more information, see the Vending Machine Technician occupational profile.

Vending machine route workers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7514: Delivery and courier service drivers. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries: 

• Transportation and Warehousing (PDF)
• Retail Trade (PDF)
• Wholesale Trade (PDF)
• Accommodation and Food Services (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 9,300 Albertans are employed in the Delivery and courier service drivers occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.9% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 177 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As vending machine route workers form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for vending machine route workers. 

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Canadian Automatic Merchandising Association website: www.vending-cama.com

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.