Equipment Operator

Action Environmental; Athens (TN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Action Environmental is seeking an Equipment Operator in Athens, TN. The role involves operating commercial vehicles and specialized cleaning equipment for industrial services while maintaining high safety standards.

Applicants must hold a valid CDL and be prepared for physically demanding tasks and potential travel. The company offers a supportive work environment focused on safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• Must meet DOT physical qualification requirements.
• Ability to pass DOT drug screening.
• Minimum one year of commercial driving experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate commercial vehicles in accordance with regulations.
• Transport equipment and materials to job sites.
• Conduct inspections of vehicles and equipment.
• Perform industrial cleaning services and respond to emergencies.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Commitment to safety

Ability to operate light and heavy equipment

Ability to engage in physically demanding work

Education

Valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Valid REAL ID / STAR ID

Tools

Heavy equipment

Industrial cleaning tools

Job description

Description: Equipment Operator

Department: Direct Labor

Location: Athens, TN

Business Unit: Environmental

Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt

Reports to: Field Supervisor

Action Environmental is a full-service environmental and industrial services contractor. Committed to safety and environmental compliance in everything we do, we have successfully completed thousands of turnkey projects over the past 30 years. Our work is made possible by the experience of our management team, the knowledge of our dedicated employees and our commitment to health, safety and the environment.

Job Summary

The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating commercial motor vehicles and specialized industrial cleaning equipment to perform environmental and industrial cleaning services at customer facilities. This position requires a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and the ability to operate vacuum trucks, hydroblasting equipment, combination vacuum/hydro excavation units, roll‑off trucks, and other heavy equipment while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer service. Work is performed in industrial environments, including manufacturing facilities, refineries, chemical plants, power plants, municipalities, and construction sites. Employees must be willing to travel, work overtime, and perform physically demanding tasks in varying weather conditions.

What You’ll Do

• Safely operate Class A or Class B commercial vehicles in accordance with DOT regulations and company policies.
• Transport equipment, tools, and materials to and from customer job sites.
• Operate industrial cleaning equipment, including vacuum trucks, hydroblasting equipment, combination vacuum/hydro excavation trucks, roll‑off trucks, high‑pressure water blasting systems, pumps, and related equipment.
• Perform industrial cleaning services, including tank cleaning, hydro excavation, vacuum loading, line flushing, high‑pressure water blasting, confined space cleaning, and spill response support.
• Conduct pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections of commercial vehicles and equipment.
• Complete daily vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs), driver logs, and required DOT documentation.
• Inspect equipment before, during, and after each job to ensure safe operation.
• Load, secure, transport, and unload equipment safely.
• Follow all OSHA, EPA, DOT, and company safety regulations.
• Properly wear and maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Assist with equipment setup, breakdown, maintenance, and cleanup.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, customers, and team members.
• Respond to emergency response projects, including nights, weekends, and holidays when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong work ethic and willingness to perform physically demanding work.
• Commitment to safety and following established procedures.
• Ability to work long hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel when required.
• Ability to work in industrial environments with varying conditions (heat, cold, noise, etc.) including atmospheres and locations with the potential for exposure to various chemical and physical agents, some of which may be hazardous, toxic, or corrosive.
• Ability to engage in strenuous physical labor, including lifting and pulling heavy objects up to 75 lb.
• Ability to operate light and heavy equipment, handle various hand tools, use powered industrial tools, and work with vibration‑producing tools.
• Ability to work in potentially elevated noise levels, confined spaces, including lifting in areas of low clearance.
• Ability to work at elevations, including working from ladders and scaffolding.
• Ability to be on call for emergency response on a rotating basis every other week.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with an acceptable driving record.
• Valid REAL ID / STAR ID.
• Must meet DOT physical qualification requirements.
• Ability to pass DOT drug screening requirements.
• Minimum one year of commercial driving experience preferred.
• Ability to travel as needed, including overnight travel.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and on-call schedules.

If you’re ready to work hard, learn valuable skills, and be part of a company that’s on the move, we’d like to hear from you.