Wheel Load Operator
About The Position
The Wheel Loader Operator is a safety-focused operations role responsible for receiving and inspecting inbound single-stream recyclable material, maintaining an organized tip floor, and safely loading material into the system drum feeder to support daily production goals. The role requires heavy-equipment operation, attention to material quality, and effective communication in a fast-paced industrial environment. A CDL is required. The operator coordinates with the scale house and operations team, inspects and grades inbound loads, maintains stockpiles and travel routes, and feeds the drum feeder within system requirements. The position also includes completing equipment inspections and records, reporting maintenance and safety concerns, and collaborating with coworkers to support safe and efficient facility operations. The work involves extended equipment operation, frequent use of controls, repeated entry into and exit from the cab, and walking on industrial surfaces. The environment includes moving trucks and machinery, dust, noise, vibration, odors, recyclable waste, and varying temperatures. PPE and established safety procedures must be followed. Shift schedules and overtime may vary based on facility needs.
Requirements
- A CDL is required.
- Ability to identify common recyclable materials and contamination and apply facility grading standards following training.
- Ability to maneuver equipment safely in an active industrial environment and respond appropriately to changing conditions.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, complete required documentation, and communicate clearly by radio and in person.
- Successful completion of company-required equipment training and a practical operating evaluation before independent operation.
- Commitment to safe work practices, teamwork, reliable attendance, and consistent job performance.
- Ability to perform the physical duties described, including extended equipment operation, frequent control use, repeated cab entry and exit using three points of contact, walking on industrial surfaces, observing material and surrounding traffic, responding to safety warnings, and completing inspections and housekeeping.
- Follow required PPE and established safety procedures.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated experience operating wheel loaders or comparable heavy equipment.
- Recycling, solid waste, transfer station, or materials recovery facility (MRF) experience.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate with the scale house and operations team to confirm incoming loads, unloading locations, and special handling requirements.
- Visually inspect inbound material for recyclable content, contamination, excessive moisture, oversized items, and potentially hazardous or prohibited materials.
- Apply material grading criteria and document load quality, contamination, and inspection findings.
- Report questionable loads, prohibited items, and potential safety hazards to the appropriate supervisor.
- Support load audits and acceptance or rejection decisions in accordance with facility procedures and assigned authority.
- Maintain organized stockpiles, clear travel routes, designated unloading areas, and emergency access.
- Move and rotate material according to inventory needs and processing priorities.
- Remove or segregate visible oversized and prohibited objects using approved equipment and safe handling practices.
- Feed the drum feeder at a controlled rate consistent with equipment capacity, material characteristics, and system requirements.
- Communicate with the system operator and stop feeding when required because of system stoppages, jams, or unsafe conditions.
- Complete and document required pre-shift equipment inspections.
- Operate the wheel loader safely and within facility traffic rules, equipment limits, and established procedures.
- Promptly report equipment defects, leaks, damage, and maintenance concerns.
- Perform assigned cleaning, fueling, lubrication, and basic operator maintenance within training and authorization.
- Follow PPE, traffic management, fire prevention, hazardous material response, and energy-control procedures.
- Maintain an orderly work area and immediately report incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions.
- Maintain accurate load grading, inspection, equipment, and shift records.
- Communicate material quality concerns, held loads, stockpile conditions, and equipment issues during shift handoffs.
- Work collaboratively with the scale house, system operator, maintenance team, and supervisors to support safe, efficient operations.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
