Heavy Equipment Operator

GFL Environmental Inc.; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

GFL Environmental Inc. in Fort McMurray, Alberta seeks a detail-oriented Equipment Operator to join our materials recovery team.

You will safely operate heavy equipment such as skid steers and loaders to load bulk recyclables into open-top trailers, helping maintain facility throughput and accurate weight distribution. The role requires 1–2 years of experience with heavy equipment, a valid certification preferred, and comfort working outdoors in varying conditions.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment in waste, recycling, scrap yard, or construction environments.
• Valid heavy equipment operator certification preferred; high school diploma or GED required.
• Strong spatial awareness and weight distribution understanding.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in varying weather.

Responsibilities

• Trailer Loading & Material Transfer: Operate loaders to scoop, sort, and transfer bulk recyclables into open-top trailers.
• Payload & Distribution Management: Ensure loads are evenly distributed and within weight limits.
• Quality Control: Visually inspect recyclables for contaminants before shipping.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform pre/post-shift inspections and report issues promptly.
• Site Safety & Cleanliness: Maintain clean loading zones and assist drivers with trailer positioning.

Skills

Spatial awareness

Hand-eye coordination

Weight distribution

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented Equipment Operator to join our materials recovery team. In this role, you will safely operate heavy machinery (such as skid steers, front-end loaders, or material handlers) to load bulk recyclable materials into open-top trailers for transport. You will play a critical role in maintaining facility throughput, ensuring accurate weight distribution, and adhering to strict environmental and safety standards.

We are seeking a detail-oriented Equipment Operator to join our materials recovery team. In this role, you will safely operate heavy machinery (such as skid steers, front-end loaders, or material handlers) to load bulk recyclable materials into open-top trailers for transport. You will play a critical role in maintaining facility throughput, ensuring accurate weight distribution, and adhering to strict environmental and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Trailer Loading & Material Transfer: Operate loaders and material handlers to efficiently scoop, sort, and transfer bulk recyclables (paper, cardboard, plastics, metals) into open-top trailers.

• Payload & Distribution Management: Monitor material levels to ensure loads are distributed evenly across trailer axles, avoiding top-heavy packing and staying within legal highway weight limits.

• Quality Control: Visually inspect incoming and loaded recyclables to identify visible contaminants or non-recyclable debris before shipping.

• Equipment Maintenance: Perform mandatory pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections. Clear debris from tracks/tires, check fluid levels, and report mechanical issues to maintenance personnel immediately.

• Site Safety & Cleanliness: Tarp or secure trailer tops as required, assist drivers with proper positioning, and keep loading zones, ramps, and staging areas clear of spillages and hazards.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 1–2 years of experience operating heavy equipment (skid steer, wheel loader, excavator, or material handler), preferably in a waste management, recycling, scrap yard, or construction environment.

• Certifications: Valid heavy equipment operator certification preferred; high school diploma or GED required.

• Skills: Strong spatial awareness, excellent hand-eye coordination, and a firm grasp of weight distribution mechanics.

• Physical Capabilities: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, climb equipment ladders, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions for extended periods.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Fast-paced industrial recycling facility exposed to ambient indoor/outdoor temperatures, noise, and dust.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required at all times (steel-toe boots, high-visibility vest, safety glasses, hard hat, and dust mask/respirator as needed).

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact [e-mail]

Please note that GFL does not provide visa sponsorship
for this position. Valid work authorization in the country where the job is located is required.Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documentation confirming their eligibility to work in the country where the job is located prior to their start date.

This hiring process may utilize machine-based systems to assist in screening and assessing applicants. Final selection decisions are made by our recruitment team.