Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

Job Description

A & Associates is a reputable staffing agency with a proven track record in screening and recruiting as well as job placement and career development. With more than ten (10) offices throughout the United States, A & Associates is a company that can be trusted to provide a diverse level of services with excellence, diligence and integrity. “Quality In Everything We Do” is far more than our mantra, it is our standard!!

Explore a career with A & Associates, one of the leading providers for temporary, temp-to-hire, permanent placement services and security guard services.

Job Summary
The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating heavy machinery to move, sort, load, and process recyclable materials throughout the recycling facility. This position plays a key role in maintaining efficient plant operations while following all safety, environmental, and company policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as wheel loaders, excavators, skid steers, forklifts, and material handlers.
• Load and unload recyclable materials from trucks, trailers, and storage areas.
• Feed materials into processing equipment, conveyors, shredders, and balers.
• Sort and separate recyclable materials as needed to meet quality standards.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas by removing debris and ensuring safe traffic flow.
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections and report mechanical issues promptly.
• Conduct routine maintenance, including checking fluid levels, greasing equipment, and cleaning machinery.
• Follow all OSHA regulations, company safety procedures, and environmental compliance requirements.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, truck drivers, and plant personnel to coordinate workflow.
• Assist with general plant operations and other duties as assigned.

Experience: 2yrs require experience

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous experience operating heavy equipment in a recycling, waste management, construction, or industrial environment preferred.
• Ability to safely operate loaders, excavators, skid steers, forklifts, or similar equipment.
• Knowledge of equipment maintenance and inspection procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to safety and detail.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, climb, bend, and walk for extended periods.
• Comfortable working around moving machinery, dust, noise, and vibration.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, gloves, hearing protection, and high-visibility clothing.

Work Environment

• Industrial recycling facility with exposure to heavy equipment, moving vehicles, dust, noise, and changing weather conditions.
• May require overtime, weekends, and holidays based on operational needs.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in scrap metal or recycling operations.
• Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Forklift certification (preferred).
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and teamwork.

This job description can be customized further if the recycling plant specializes in  scrap metal, construction debris (C&D), municipal solid waste, paper, plastics, or electronic recycling .

A & Associates, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.