Heavy Equipment Operator Job at Rumpke Waste & Recycling in Georgetown

Heavy Equipment Operator – Rumpke Waste & Recycling

Rumpke Waste & Recycling is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator. Join a family-owned company that delivers waste and recycling solutions to communities with a strong commitment to safety, service, the environment, and employee growth. This is a full-time position in Georgetown, KY.

Overview
The Heavy Equipment Operator safely operates heavy equipment to spread, compact, and/or load municipal solid waste (MSW) or recyclable materials. This role requires operating equipment such as bulldozers, graders, excavators, backhoes, front end loaders, wheel loaders, off-road dump trucks, and other equipment as needed. Pre-trip and post-trip inspections, routine maintenance, and on-site coordination with teams are essential components of this role.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment safely and efficiently, including bulldozers, graders, excavators, backhoes, front end loaders, wheel loaders, off-road dump trucks, and other equipment as required
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and complete necessary documentation
• Perform routine maintenance (lubrication, fueling, cleaning) on equipment
• Prepare sites and assist with general tasks such as landscaping, snow removal, and related assignments
• Monitor equipment operation and maintain awareness of surroundings to minimize downtime
• Interact with internal and external customers
• Clean waste from equipment body, cab, and wheels as needed
• On-site Roll Off work to switch trash compactors as required by location
• Operate yard tractor to move and stage trailers as needed
• Specific to Boyd County: hazardous waste management to safely move materials without damaging tanks/containers or endangering personnel
• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibility

• This position does not manage employees.

Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency on heavy equipment
• Ability to complete training on other landfill equipment as necessary
• Dependable, self-starter, able to identify and perform daily operational requirements
• Good communication skills; able to communicate effectively and professionally

Experience & Knowledge

• Minimum of three years’ experience operating heavy equipment (e.g., excavator, backhoe, dozer, off-road truck) or similar
• Must pass written and operational tests to be certified on each piece of equipment
• Specific to Boyd County: hazardous waste management training within six months of employment or assignment, with annual review

Physical Requirements

• Frequent lifting up to 10 lbs; occasional up to 20 lbs; rarely up to 100 lbs
• Continuous/persistent pushing/pulling with varying weights
• Work outside in changing temperatures, wet/humid conditions
• Work in areas with dust, odors, gases
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling
• Frequent climbing/balancing; continuous sitting; rare standing/walking

Additional Working Conditions

• Possible exposure to high traffic areas and moving containers
• Exposure to residential and commercial waste
• Ability to travel between offices as required
• Flexible hours; may require nights and weekends
• Overtime, weekends, and/or holidays may be required
• Legally eligible to work in the United States
• Valid driver’s license (if applicable)
• Pre-employment testing required
• Able to read and speak English
• Occasional work around or moving hazardous waste containers (Boyd County)

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not exhaustive and may change at the company’s discretion. This description does not establish an employment contract.

Rumpke Waste & Recycling is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.