Heavy Equipment Operator

GFL Environmental • Tallassee, AL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

At GFL Environmental, our goal is to invest in our people and provide opportunities to Grow For Life! We are seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our elite "Team Green." In this role, you aren’t just moving material; you are managing the advanced machinery that keeps our communities clean and sustainable. If you take pride in your equipment and are looking for a stable, essential career with top-tier benefits, we want to hear from you. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you are the backbone of our facility operations. You will be responsible for steering, guiding, and operating high-capacity machinery—such as front-end loaders, compactors, and balers—to process waste and load trailers. This role is perfect for a precision-focused professional who enjoys the autonomy of the cab and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Requirements

• Certification: Possession of (or ability to obtain) a Forklift Certification.
• Growth Potential: Willingness to obtain Transfer Station/Landfill Operations Certification (supported by GFL).
• Skills: Demonstrated ability to work under minimal supervision and follow complex instructions.
• Technical Savvy: Ability to read and understand equipment gauges and perform basic math functions for operational reporting.
• Education: High school diploma or GED is desired, but not required.
• Machinery Agility: Ability to coordinate limbs while sitting or standing to operate complex controls.
• Strength: Ability to frequently lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Sensory: Visual requirements include depth perception and the ability to adjust focus for maneuvering in high-traffic/tight areas.
• Resilience: Comfortable working in an outdoor environment 100% of the time, primarily within a covered cab.

Responsibilities

• Advanced Operation: Masterfully operate heavy equipment (steering wheels, shifters, levers, and pedals) to bale and load waste or other materials into trailers.
• Equipment Stewardship: Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections. You are responsible for the daily "health" of your machine, including greasing, lubricating, and fluid checks.
• Preventative Maintenance: Proactively clean trash from tracks and gear mechanisms at least once daily to prevent downtime and maintain machine longevity.
• Strategic Communication: Utilize two-way radios to coordinate with field crews and office staff, ensuring work priorities and safety standards are met.
• Facility Excellence: Maintain the professional appearance of the grounds and facility, participating in safety and branch meetings to ensure a "Safety First" environment.
• Team Collaboration: Substitute for other operators when needed and perform other job-related duties to keep the facility running at peak efficiency.

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: 15 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays.
• Investment in You: GFL provides and pays for your Transfer Station/Landfill Operations Certifications .
• Financial Security: 401(k) with a competitive company match.
• Full Coverage: 4 Medical plan options (including HSA with employer match), Dental, and Vision.
• Modern Fleet: Operate high-quality, well-maintained heavy equipment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED