Heavy Equipment Operator-Suffolk

Salary: $20.87 - $26.09 Hourly
Location : Suffolk Transfer Station, 1 Bob Foeller Dr. Suffolk, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: HEO STS
Department: Transfer/Recycling
Division: Suffolk Transfer Station
Opening Date: 03/02/2026


Description
The Heavy Equipment Operator safely and efficiently performs heavy equipment operation to move, load, and compact solid waste at SPSA's Transfer Stations or Tire Processing Facility. Observes instruments and surroundings while vehicle is in motion. Knows and follows all spotter rules. Performs daily preventive maintenance and safety checks in a timely and efficient manner. Effectively monitors waste stream for hazardous and dangerous materials.

Work is performed under regular supervision and is carried out in accordance with standardized equipment operation practice and general work instruction. Direction is given through verbal and written communications.

Examples of Duties
Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The approximate amount of time spent on essential duties & responsibilities areas are as follows:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

% of Time

• Safely and efficiently performs heavy equipment operation to move, load, and compact solid waste.

65%

• Performs daily preventive maintenance and safety checks in a timely and effective manner.

15%

• Effectively monitors waste stream for hazardous and dangerous materials

10%

• Performs routine clerical duties such as completing station logs.

10%

• Safely and efficiently performs heavy equipment operation to move, load, and compact solid waste at SPSA's Transfer Stations or Tire Processing Facility.
• At Transfer Stations, utilize heavy equipment to push and pack household waste deposited on the floor into transfer vehicles.
• At Tire Processing Facility, utilizes heavy equipment to move and stack discarded tires onto tire shredder equipment to produce cover material for Landfill and other purposes.
• Knows and follows all spotter rules. Safely directs traffic and keeps wait time to a minimum. Maintains safe distances between vehicles and equipment.
• Performs daily preventive maintenance and safety checks in a timely and effective manner. Maintain basic fluid levels on assigned equipment.
• Inspects equipment for proper operating condition and loose or worn parts. Reports defects or damage to equipment to the appropriate authority.
• Monitors performance of assigned equipment and provides accurate and timely reports of deficiencies or other needs to supervisor.
• Observes instruments and surroundings while vehicle is in motion.
• Responsible for the proper use, operation, and cleanliness of the equipment. Conscientiously operates equipment in a manner which promotes longevity and maximum value.
• Effectively monitors waste stream for hazardous and dangerous materials and for evidence of unacceptable waste.
• Ability to spot and make determination of possible hazardous or other non-acceptable waste and advise supervisor of potential hazard immediately.
• Performs routine clerical duties such as completing station logs, field and time reports and requisitions.
• Participates in cleanup activities as directed.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Experience & Education

• Required Education - High school diploma or the equivalent required.
• Required Experience - Three years of experience in the operation of heavy construction equipment with at least one year as the primary operator of assigned equipment. Experience requirements may be reduced if the candidate has successfully completed an approved SPSA on-the-job training course.
• Required Licenses - Valid driver's license and safe driving record required to operate SPSA owned or leased vehicles.

An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Knowledge & Skills

• Thorough knowledge of heavy equipment, components, and operating techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of heavy equipment use in a solid waste transfer facility environment.
• Knowledge of traffic and safety rules and accident prevention.
• Skill in the safe and efficient operation of assigned equipment under adverse conditions.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and skills.
• Basic computer skills to complete daily logs, reports, and requisitions.
• Good time management skills to ensure assigned responsibilities are completed in an efficient and safe manner while working through challenges as they may arise.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions
This position will work outdoors at SPSA Transfer Stations or the Landfill facility in all weather conditions, including adverse climatic conditions (i.e., dust, odor, hot, cold, rain, snow). Subjected to work in cold weather, hot sun, extreme heat and around continuous noise, dust, and odor from trash. Requires wearing appropriate personal safety gear. Must be available for shift work at some locations.
Machines, Tools & Equipment
This position will be required to regularly operate heavy and complex equipment, such as excavators or wheel loaders and yard tractors, in a safe and effective manner.
Physical & Mental Requirements
This position requires the ability to:

• Operate heavy industrial equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Follow standardized operation practices and guidelines.
• Spot and make determination of possible hazardous or other non-acceptable waste.
• Demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to relay information.
• Read, write, and comprehend general instructions, safety procedures, and reports.
• Accurately complete daily logs, reports, and requisitions.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions given in English.
• Operate machinery in close working conditions requiring good eye/hand coordination.
• Perform maintenance checks and minor maintenance on equipment.
• Use both hands and both feet to operate equipment pedals, levers, steering wheels, and buttons.
• Physical ability to sit and adapt to constant jerking motions from equipment for extensive periods of time (8- or 10-hour shifts).
• Use provided three-point support system(s) that enables a person to use simultaneously two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand while ascending, descending, or moving about the machine/equipment.
• Reach and extend hands and arms above shoulder and in any direction.
• Manual dexterity to work with hand tools on equipment, surfaces, and components.
• Visually detect defective or worn-out parts and equipment and those which require cleaning and maintenance.
• Perform work in physically demanding environments, working in outdoor conditions year-round.
• Physically able to hold and maneuver water hose discharges of 75 psi and lift up to 80 lbs. with assistance.
• Physically able to exert up to 50 pounds of force at all times and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently.
• Work in a dynamic environment requiring teamwork and responsiveness to changing priorities and needs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Wear appropriate safety gear, including protective clothing, hearing protection, safety goggles, hard hat, and safety steel shank boots.
• Drive an automobile, pick-up truck, and various heavy equipment safely.
• Understand oral and written instructions to perform lock-out on equipment being worked on as per SPSA Safety Policy and Programs.
• Work in a confined area for extensive periods.
• Climb, crouch, stoop, handle repetitive motion, walk, be focused, aware, and communicate.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines, as needed.

SPSA offers a competitive benefits package to all full-time employees.

• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) - SPSA and employee contributions
• Short and Long Term Disability Coverage (VRS)
• Health Insurance (Includes Dental, Vision and Behavioral Health Coverage)
• Basic Life Insurance (SPSA paid)
• Delta Dental Insurance
• Aflac Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional Life Insurance available for Employee and Dependents
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Uniforms provided
• Safety shoes and PPE provided

01


How many years of heavy equipment operation experience do you have?

• 0-3 years
• 3-5 years
• 5-10 years
• 10-15 years
• 15-20 years
• 20+ years

02


Describe the type(s) of heavy equipment you are experienced in operating.
Required Question