Heavy Equipment Operator

Job summary

Operate heavy machinery such as skid steers and loaders to efficiently transfer bulk recyclable materials into trailers. Ensure accurate weight distribution, perform routine equipment inspections, and maintain site safety and cleanliness standards.

Job details

We are seeking a detail-oriented Equipment Operator to join our materials recovery team. In this role, you will safely operate heavy machinery (such as skid steers, front-end loaders, or material handlers) to load bulk recyclable materials into open-top trailers for transport. You will play a critical role in maintaining facility throughput, ensuring accurate weight distribution, and adhering to strict environmental and safety standards. Key Responsibilities Trailer Loading & Material Transfer: Operate loaders and material handlers to efficiently scoop, sort, and transfer bulk recyclables (paper, cardboard, plastics, metals) into open-top trailers. Payload & Distribution Management: Monitor material levels to ensure loads are distributed evenly across trailer axles, avoiding top-heavy packing and staying within legal highway weight limits. Quality Control: Visually inspect incoming and loaded recyclables to identify visible contaminants or non-recyclable debris before shipping. Equipment Maintenance: Perform mandatory pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections. Clear debris from tracks/tires, check fluid levels, and report mechanical issues to maintenance personnel immediately. Site Safety & Cleanliness: Tarp or secure trailer tops as required, assist drivers with proper positioning, and keep loading zones, ramps, and staging areas clear of spillages and hazards. Qualifications & Requirements Experience: Minimum 1–2 years of experience operating heavy equipment (skid steer, wheel loader, excavator, or material handler), preferably in a waste management, recycling, scrap yard, or construction environment. Certifications: Valid heavy equipment operator certification preferred; high school diploma or GED required. Skills: Strong spatial awareness, excellent hand-eye coordination, and a firm grasp of weight distribution mechanics. Physical Capabilities: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, climb equipment ladders, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions for extended periods. Work Environment & Schedule Fast-paced industrial recycling facility exposed to ambient indoor/outdoor temperatures, noise, and dust. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required at all times (steel-toe boots, high-visibility vest, safety glasses, hard hat, and dust mask/respirator as needed). We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact myworkdayrecruitment@gflenv.com Please note that GFL does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Valid work authorization in the country where the job is located is required. Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documentation confirming their eligibility to work in the country where the job is located prior to their start date. This hiring process may utilize machine-based systems to assist in screening and assessing applicants. Final selection decisions are made by our recruitment team.

What you’ll do

Operate heavy machinery such as skid steers and loaders to efficiently transfer bulk recyclable materials into trailers. Ensure accurate weight distribution, perform routine equipment inspections, and maintain site safety and cleanliness standards.

Requirements

Requires 1-2 years of experience operating heavy equipment in a waste management or construction environment. Candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED and the physical ability to perform manual tasks in an industrial setting.

Listed skills

• Heavy equipment operation · Preferred
• Safety Compliance · Preferred
• Quality Control · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Heavy equipment operation
• Skid steer operation
• Front-end loader operation
• Material handler operation
• Spatial awareness
• Hand-eye coordination
• Weight distribution management
• Equipment maintenance
• Safety compliance
• Quality control
• Site cleanliness
• Trailer loading
• Equipment Inspection
• Front End Loaders
• Spatial Abilities
• Equipment Maintenance
• Lifting Ability
• Axles
• Construction
• Cleanliness
• Heavy Equipment
• Recycling
• Distribution Management Systems
• Waste Management
• Mechanics
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Tires
• Safety Standards
• Staging Area
• Coordinating
• Quality Control
• Detail Oriented

Job areas

• Trades
• Logistics
• Manufacturing
• Environmental & Sustainability
• Construction
• Heavy Equipment Operator
• Operating Engineer / Heavy Equipment Operator
• Earthmoving and Related Plant Operators
• Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

More jobs from GFL Environmental Inc.