Equipment Operator

Lautenbach Recycling; Mount Vernon (WA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid L&I premiums

Company-paid Medical, Dental & Vision

6 Paid Holidays

PTO accrual-based time off

Paid sick leave

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Lautenbach Recycling in Mount Vernon, WA is seeking a reliable Equipment Operator with strong excavator experience to join our operations team. This on-site, full-time role focuses on safely managing material flow, preventing equipment damage, and supporting daily operations in a busy industrial environment.

You will operate excavators as the main machine, along with loaders and forklifts as needed, perform daily inspections, load and stage recyclables, and coordinate with spotters and drivers

Qualifications

• Proven excavator operating experience and safety focus.
• Understanding of machine limits, safe handling, and damage prevention.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting ability.
• Dependable, self-motivated with strong communication skills.
• Team-first mindset with adaptability to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate excavators as primary machine; loaders and forklifts as needed.
• Handle materials with precision to prevent equipment damage and facility impact.
• Perform daily inspections and basic maintenance to keep equipment running safely.
• Load, unload, sort, and stage recyclable materials in the yard.
• Review incoming loads and ensure safe, accurate placement.

Skills

Excavator operation

Equipment handling

Safety-focused

Team communication

Mechanical aptitude

Adaptability

Education

HS diploma or GED

Tools

Forklifts

Job description

Mount Vernon, WA | On-site | Full-time
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Lautenbach Recycling is looking for a reliable and safety-focused Equipment Operator with strong excavator experience to join our Mount Vernon team. This role plays a key part in safely managing material flow, preventing equipment damage, and supporting smooth daily operations in a busy industrial environment.

What You’ll Do

• Safely operate excavators as your primary machine, along with loaders and forklifts as needed.
• Handle materials with precision to prevent equipment damage, unnecessary wear, and facility impact.
• Perform daily inspections and basic preventative maintenance to keep equipment running safely.
• Load, unload, sort, and stage recyclable materials throughout the yard.
• Review incoming loads and ensure accurate, safe placement.
• Prepare materials for transport or processing.
• Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free work areas.
• Communicate clearly with spotters, drivers, and team members to coordinate safe movements.
• Look for opportunities to improve workflow, reduce downtime, and extend equipment longevity.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven excavator operating experience — precise, controlled, and safety-oriented.
• Understanding of machine limits, safe handling methods, and damage-prevention practices.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting ability.
• Dependable, self-motivated, with strong communication skills.
• Team-first mindset with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record preferred.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and work in all weather conditions.
• Comfortable working around dust, noise, heavy traffic, and industrial equipment.

Pay & Benefits

• $23 – $29/hour DOE
• 100% employer-paid L&I premiums (more take-home pay)
• Company-paid Medical, Dental & Vision (employee coverage)
• 6 Paid Holidays
• PTO Plan (accrual-based paid time off)
• Paid sick leave (1 hr per 40 hrs worked)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Supportive, team-focused environment with room to grow

Work Location & Hours

Mount Vernon Recycling Facility
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (consistent daytime hours)

Equal Opportunity Employment

Lautenbach Recycling is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where all employees can thrive.