Heavy Equipment Operator

Oregon Metro•Metro South Transfer Station, OR

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

This recruitment is open continuous and those interested are encouraged to apply without delay. The first review date will be September 25th, 2026. Screening will be ongoing as applications are received. Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow. Metro’s Waste Prevention and Environmental Services (WPES) department is looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator to join the team at the Metro South Transfer Station. Heavy Equipment Operators play an important role in keeping the facility safe and operating efficiently by using large equipment to move and manage solid waste. This is hands-on work in a busy public and industrial setting where you will operate equipment around employees, contractors and members of the public. You will also support tipping floor operations, material recovery, equipment maintenance and employee training. This is a great opportunity for an experienced equipment operator who enjoys hands-on work, working as part of a team and providing an essential public service.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED, and One (1) to four (4) years of experience operating heavy equipment or machinery in solid waste, transfer station, landfill, or related setting, or Any combination of experience, education and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential job duties.
Must possess, be able to obtain, maintain or complete the following training, licenses, and certifications:
Possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), as required. Street Sweeper drivers require a CDL with a tank endorsement.
Within one (1) year of hire: Forklift certification First Aid/CPR certification Asbestos Awareness training Bloodborne Pathogens training
Ability to work the assigned schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays as operationally required.
Ability to work safely in a high-traffic transfer station environment around moving equipment, solid waste, hazardous materials and members of the public.
Ability to perform the physical and environmental requirements of the position, including regular standing, walking, bending, climbing, operating equipment and lifting up to 50 pounds, with occasional lifting of objects weighing more than 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating heavy equipment in a solid waste, transfer station, landfill, recycling or related industrial environment.
Experience operating dozers, front-end loaders, compactors, roll-off trucks, street sweepers or similar heavy equipment.
Experience working in a high-hazard, high-traffic industrial or processing environment.
OSHA-10 certification.
Forklift certification.
HAZWOPER 40-hour certification.
First Aid/CPR certification.
Asbestos awareness training.
Bloodborne pathogens training.
Experience providing equipment training or guidance to coworkers.

Responsibilities

Safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment, including dozers, front-end loaders, compactors, roll-off trucks, street sweepers and other assigned equipment.
Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and identify, document and report equipment defects or unsafe conditions.
Perform routine operator-level maintenance, including checking fluid levels, lubricating equipment, cleaning machinery and completing required maintenance and inspection records.
Maintain situational awareness while operating equipment in a high-traffic environment around employees, contractors and members of the public.
Identify hazardous or prohibited materials in the waste stream and follow established procedures for isolation, notification and disposal.
Perform transfer station technician duties, including assisting with unloading vehicles and recovery activities on the tipping floor as needed.
Transport materials on-site and off-site as operational needs require and operate vehicles requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) when qualified and assigned.
Assist with training Transfer Station Technician II staff in the safe operation of heavy equipment after required qualifications and training have been completed.
Participate in training to develop lead skills and perform Transfer Station Lead duties in a training capacity when qualified and assigned.
Follow Metro safety policies, procedures and standard operating procedures while contributing to a safe, clean and welcoming transfer station for employees and customers.