Equipment Operator I
Location: Deer Trail, CO
Shift: Day Shift | Monday - Friday
Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour
Clean Harbors in Deer Trail, Colorado is seeking an Equipment Operator I to safely operate heavy equipment in support of facility operations. This position is responsible for operating equipment such as backhoes, heavy‑duty forklifts, track hoes, and cranes while ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
Why Work for Clean Harbors?
- Health and Safety is our #1 priority—we live it 3-6-5.
- Competitive pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits beginning after 30 days of full‑time employment
- 401(k) with Company match
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Company‑paid training and tuition reimbursement
- Opportunities for career growth and advancement
- Work for an industry leader committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship
Key Responsibilities
- Operate heavy equipment including backhoes, heavy‑duty forklifts, track hoes, and cranes.
- Operate forklifts and other powered industrial equipment as needed.
- Complete daily equipment inspections and operational checklists.
- Safely load, unload, transport, and position materials and waste containers.
- Ensure equipment is operated safely and in accordance with company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Complete and submit required documentation for waste tracking and equipment operations.
- Verify containers are properly secured using chock blocks, jack stands, and other required safety measures.
- Follow all company, local, state, provincial, and federal environmental, health, and safety regulations.
- Safely operate vehicles and equipment in accordance with DOT requirements, where applicable.
- Assist with site remediation, equipment decontamination, and hazardous material handling as required.
- Participate in an emergency response on‑call rotation (every other week).
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Previous experience operating one or more of the following:
- Backhoe
- Heavy‑duty forklift
- Track hoe
- Heavy‑duty crane
- Ability to work safely in a team‑oriented industrial environment.
- Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position.
- Successfully pass a background check, drug screen, and physical examination.
- Must be able to wear a respirator. Per OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134), employees required to wear respirators must comply with Clean Harbors' facial hair policy.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous hazardous waste or environmental services experience.
- Experience working in an industrial or heavy equipment environment.
What Does it Take to Work at Clean Harbors?
- High School diploma or equivalent required
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Previous heavy equipment operating experience required
- Forklift experience preferred
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work overtime and participate in an on‑call rotation as needed
Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.
Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1‑844‑922‑5547.
Clean Harbors is proud to be a Military & Veteran Friendly employer.