Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Summary The Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient handling, movement, and processing of materials throughout the facility. This position operates heavy equipment, including forklifts, front‑end loaders, and excavators, to unload incoming materials, transport materials within the facility, and support processing operations. Operators perform daily equipment and site inspections, maintain housekeeping standards, and assist with quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) activities to ensure materials are managed in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements. Operators are cross‑trained across facility operations and are expected to develop and maintain a working knowledge of all operational processes to provide operational flexibility and support plant efficiency. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Safely operate forklifts, front‑end loaders, excavators, and other powered industrial equipment. Receive, unload, stage, and transport incoming materials throughout the facility. Load and unload trucks, containers, roll‑off boxes, and other material handling equipment. Process materials in the solidification pit by adding required materials, blending, mixing, and preparing waste streams according to operating procedures. Perform routine material handling and movement to support daily plant operations. Conduct daily pre‑use inspections of heavy equipment, forklifts, and powered tools; promptly report equipment deficiencies. Perform daily facility and work area inspections to identify and correct safety, environmental, and operational concerns. Assist with QA/QC activities, including inspection of incoming materials, verification of documentation, sample collection as required, and identification of non‑conforming materials. Follow established operating procedures, work instructions, and environmental compliance requirements during material processing. Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas through routine housekeeping of processing areas, equipment, roadways, and storage locations. Safely use powered and non‑powered hand tools and equipment required to perform assigned duties. Communicate equipment issues, material discrepancies, and operational concerns to supervisors in a timely manner. Support preventive maintenance activities by cleaning equipment and reporting maintenance needs. Comply with all company safety policies, environmental regulations, and standard operating procedures. Participate in safety meetings, training, and continuous improvement initiatives. Cross‑train in multiple operational areas and assist with other facility processes as business needs require. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications and Requirements High school diploma or GED required. One (1) to three (3) years of experience in industrial operations, shipping and receiving, warehouse operations, material handling, or a related field preferred. Experience operating forklifts, front‑end loaders, excavators, and other heavy equipment required; certification or the ability to become certified is preferred. Basic understanding of QA/QC processes, including material inspection and documentation, preferred. Ability to safely inspect, operate, and maintain heavy equipment, powered industrial trucks, and other powered and non‑powered tools. Ability to read, understand, and follow operating procedures, work instructions, safety policies, and environmental regulations. Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a team. Basic math, reading, verbal communication, and written communication skills. Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift up to 51 pounds without assistance. Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks, including standing, walking, bending, climbing, kneeling, and entering/exiting heavy equipment throughout the workday. Ability to work in dusty environments, around industrial equipment and hazardous materials, and in varying indoor and outdoor weather conditions. Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, and successfully pass a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) and respirator fit test. Must be willing to cross‑train and develop operational knowledge of all facility processes to support plant operations and business needs. What’s in it for you! Physical and Mental Wellbeing VLS is committed to supporting employees’ physical and mental health by providing: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with high‑quality, low‑premium plans, concierge service, and 2nd MD offering. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health‑Savings Accounts (HSA) with employer contribution to all HSA accounts. Paid time off and 11 company holidays. Employee Assistance Program offering 24/7 confidential counseling services. Telemedicine service for free virtual visits at any time. Financial and Retirement Planning 401(k) plan with generous matching up to 5% of pay after 90 days of employment (100% vested immediately). Employer‑paid life and disability insurance for full‑time employees. Voluntary life, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident coverage options. Rewards and recognition programs celebrating employee milestones. Free one‑on‑one financial planning with a certified financial planner/coach. Employee discount program at various retailers across the US. #J-18808-Ljbffr VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC