Equipment Operator

Lautenbach Recycling; Friday Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

L&I coverage

Job summary

Lautenbach Recycling's San Juan Transfer Station in Friday Harbor, WA is seeking a Transfer Station Equipment Operator & Scale House Attendant for a full-time role that supports heavy equipment operation, scale-house duties, and customer service to keep daily operations running smoothly.

You will operate equipment, load garbage and recyclables, weigh vehicles, process transactions, assist customers, and perform safety checks in a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment and machinery.
• Mechanically inclined with strong troubleshooting skills.
• Comfortable using computers for scale house operations.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to lift heavy parts and work in a physically demanding environment.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Reliable, flexible, and safety-focused with a team-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment to process and load residential garbage, recycling, and construction & demolition debris.
• Loading materials for off-island recycling transport.
• Operate the scale house, including weighing vehicles, processing transactions, and accurate data entry.
• Assist customers and patrons with a friendly, helpful, and professional attitude.
• Handling basic customer transactions and answering questions.
• Perform daily safety inspections and basic equipment maintenance.
• Drive large trucks and equipment safely around the facility.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment.
• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure smooth daily operations.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Customer service

Troubleshooting

Computer use

Communication

Physical stamina

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Scale house software

Job description

Lautenbach Recycling – San Juan Transfer Station

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA $28.00–$35.00 per hour | Full-Time (40+ hours/week)

Join Lautenbach Recycling as a Transfer Station Equipment Operator & Scale House Attendant at our San Juan Transfer Station in Friday Harbor! This role is ideal for someone who enjoys operating equipment, working with customers, and keeping daily operations running smoothly in a team-focused environment.

Why Work With Us?

At Lautenbach Recycling, we're more than just a recycling company — we're a locally owned business with deep roots in Washington State since 1991. As the largest locally owned recycler in the state, we take pride in serving our communities and supporting our employees.

What we offer:

• Competitive hourly pay: $28.00–$35.00
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% employer-paid after 3 months)
• Paid sick time, vacation, and holidays
• 401(k) with company match after 1 year
• Company-paid L&I coverage
• Supportive, family-oriented culture with company events
• Stable, year-round, full-time work

What You'll Do

This position combines heavy equipment operation, scale house duties, and customer service.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operating heavy equipment to process and load residential garbage, recycling, and construction & demolition debris
• Loading materials for off-island recycling transport
• Operating the scale house, including weighing vehicles, processing transactions, and accurate data entry
• Assisting customers and patrons with a friendly, helpful, and professional attitude
• Handling basic customer transactions and answering questions
• Performing daily safety inspections and basic equipment maintenance
• Driving large trucks and equipment safely around the facility
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient work environment
• Working collaboratively with team members to ensure smooth daily operations

What We're Looking For

• Experience operating heavy equipment and machinery
• Mechanically inclined with strong troubleshooting skills
• Comfortable using computers for scale house operations
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to lift heavy parts and work in a physically demanding environment
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
• High school diploma or GED
• Reliable, flexible, and safety-focused with a team-oriented mindset

Work Environment

This role is based at our fully operational transfer station in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. The environment includes frequent vehicle traffic, outdoor conditions, dust, and noise.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lautenbach Recycling is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.