Small Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator (MRF / Recycling)Shift Schedule: 6am-4pm (longer if needed)Pay Rate: $18.00 (increase when hired on)Job Summary: Operate heavy machinery and material handling equipment—including balers, front-end loaders, bobcats, densifiers, and forklifts—to move, sort, and process recyclable materials across the facility safely and efficiently.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesEquipment Operation & MaintenanceSafe operation of balers, front-end loaders, bobcats, densifiers, and forklifts.Start up baling equipment on schedule, monitor control displays, react promptly to system prompts/alarms, and track equipment downtime.Feed materials onto conveyors properly and manage material flow into processing equipment.Perform routine preventive maintenance and daily inspections (e.g., lubricating, fueling, and cleaning).Maintain adequate supply levels for operational tools (e.g., baling wire).Material Handling & Inventory ManagementUnload, tag, stack, and move materials in designated storage rows, trailers, and railcars using lifting devices.Transport processed materials, move bales, and empty bins, containers, and gaylords across the facility.Inspect, sort, and grade incoming wastepaper and recyclable materials to ensure quality control prior to baling or shipping.Coordinate daily processing and shipping priorities directly with the MRF Manager.Documentation & ComplianceComplete receiving, loading, unloading, and tally sheets, alongside shipping manifests and bills of lading.Maintain accurate inventory logs and log vehicle condition reports in line with corporate guidelines.Compile daily work tickets according to customer specifications.Maintain a clean work environment, enforce site safety guidelines, and comply with all safety policies.Perform additional operational duties as assigned.QualificationsEducation: None required.Experience: Minimum 6 months of relevant material handling or equipment operation experience.Certifications: Valid Forklift Certification required.Core CompetenciesAbility to read, interpret, and follow technical manuals, safety rulebooks, and standard operating procedures.Basic written and verbal communication skills for completing logs and interacting with team members and customers.Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, ratios, and basic chart reading).Strong practical problem-solving capabilities, sound judgment, and multitasking abilities.Physical Demands & Work EnvironmentPhysical Capabilities: Regularly required to sit, use hands/fingers, and communicate. Frequently required to stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must be able to lift and move specified weight loads (e.g., up to 50 lbs regularly).Vision: Close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth-perception vision required.Environment: Active industrial facility. Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, dust, airborne particles, outside weather conditions, vibration, and elevated noise levels.