Heavy Equipment Operator (Graham, WA)

Equipment Operator

Join LRI, A Waste Connections Company, at our 304th Landfill team in Graham, Washington, as an Equipment Operator. This is a full-time, year-round union position operating heavy equipment in a safety-focused landfill environment.

Candidates with experience operating loaders, excavators, dozers, compactors, graders, or similar heavy equipment are encouraged to apply.

People are our greatest asset, and we are seeking individuals who demonstrate professionalism, accountability, teamwork, respect, and a strong commitment to safety. If you're looking for stable employment, competitive pay, career growth opportunities, and the chance to work with a close-knit team that values collaboration and operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Please Note: Due to the high volume of applications received for this position, candidates who have participated in an in-person interview for this role within the past 12 months and were not selected will generally not be considered for re-interview unless their qualifications, certifications, or relevant work experience have significantly changed since their previous interview.

LRI provides environmentally responsible waste disposal, recycling, and resource recovery services throughout Pierce County. Our team is committed to operating safely, protecting the environment, delivering exceptional customer service, and maintaining a workplace built on mutual respect and accountability.

Why Join LRI?

• Stable, Year-Round Employment: Enjoy consistent work in an essential industry that serves the community every day.
• Competitive Union Pay: Starting wage of $31.08 per hour (80% of contract scale), increasing to $34.97 per hour (90%) after 6 months and $38.85 per hour (100%) after 1 year. This position is represented by Operating Engineers, Local 612.
• Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
• Excellent Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and other valuable benefits available in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• Career Growth: Opportunities to develop equipment skills, increase responsibility, and build a long-term career with Waste Connections.

About the Team

The LRI landfill operation is a small, highly collaborative team where every employee plays an important role in the success of the site. Team members work closely together in a safety-sensitive environment and rely on one another to keep operations running safely and efficiently.

We are looking for individuals who contribute positively to the workplace and demonstrate the values that define Waste Connections. The most successful employees on our team are:

• Safety-focused in every task and decision.
• Reliable, dependable, and accountable.
• Respectful toward coworkers, customers, contractors, and the public.
• Able to communicate professionally and work through challenges constructively.
• Team-oriented and willing to support coworkers when needed.
• Committed to maintaining a positive, respectful, and solution-focused work environment.

What You'll Do

• Safely operate heavy equipment including compactors, dozers, loaders, excavators, graders, skid steers, top picks, grinders, and other site equipment.
• Move, spread, compact, and manage waste materials in accordance with site procedures.
• Load and unload materials while maintaining safety and efficiency.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and report maintenance needs.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance and equipment care.
• Direct traffic and assist customers in navigating the facility safely.
• Identify and report safety concerns, hazards, and operational issues.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional work environment.
• Work collaboratively with site personnel to achieve operational goals.
• Follow all company safety policies, environmental regulations, and operating procedures.

Qualifications

• Previous heavy equipment operating experience required.
• Experience operating landfill, construction, excavation, aggregate, quarry, mining, forestry, or similar heavy equipment is strongly preferred.
• Experience operating loaders, excavators, compactors, dozers, graders, or related equipment preferred.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Ability to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work around dust, noise, odors, uneven terrain, and other conditions common to landfill operations.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and attention to detail.
• English proficiency required for safety communication, training, and operational purposes. Bilingual English/Spanish skills are a plus.

Safety Sensitive Position: YES

This position is designated as safety-sensitive and may be subject to pre-employment and other testing under applicable laws and company policies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage through the applicable union benefit plan
• Pension and/or retirement benefits as provided under the collective bargaining agreement
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Company-paid life insurance (if applicable)
• Additional benefits available under the collective bargaining agreement

To be considered for any of our current openings, you must complete an application at Once you select your position of interest, you will find application information and additional instructions.

Waste Connections is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or protected veteran status.