Heavy Equipment Lead Operator

ZipRecruiter; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Rumpke is seeking a Heavy Equipment Lead Operator to provide leadership and operate various heavy machinery. This role involves managing staff and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, while providing essential waste and recycling services. Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits are offered, making this an excellent opportunity for someone with the right experience.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Matching 401(k)

Paid vacation

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience operating heavy equipment safely.
• Strong mechanical knowledge of landfill construction equipment.
• Ability to train on additional equipment and pass certification tests.

Responsibilities

• Assign work to heavy equipment operators and provide training.
• Operate bulldozers, graders, excavators, and backhoes safely.
• Ensure compliance with maintenance schedules and manage workflow.

Skills

Teamwork

Verbal communication

Written communication

Mechanical aptitude

Dependability

Self-motivation

Job description

Job Description

6:00AM-8:00PM M-F

Rumpke is a family owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment, and the growth of our people.

When you join Rumpke, you’ll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.

This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!

The Heavy Equipment Lead Operator provides leadership and direction to staff. Heavy Equipment Operators are responsible for safely operating various heavy equipment used for spreading and compacting construction, demolition, and waste at landfills or post-collection facilities. Equipment operators are exposed to unpleasant odors, sights, and weather conditions.

Responsibilities of Position:

• Assign work to heavy equipment operators.
• Provide training and support for landfill operations and equipment use.
• Coordinate with landfill operations to schedule tasks to optimize productivity.
• Ensure compliance with scheduled maintenance and manage workflow.
• Operate bulldozers, graders, excavators, backhoes, loaders, dump trucks, and other equipment safely and efficiently.
• Move materials safely without endangering personnel or equipment.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and complete necessary documentation.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance, such as lubricating, fueling, and cleaning.
• Operate equipment for site preparation, landscaping, snow removal, and related tasks.
• Monitor equipment to ensure proper operation and minimize downtime.
• Maintain records and files related to operations and maintenance.
• Clean waste from equipment throughout the day.
• Handle waste materials carefully to avoid damage or safety hazards.
• Maintain trucks, tools, storage containers, and yard to ensure safety and organization.
• Implement safety programs by conducting observations, toolbox talks, meetings, and audits.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose equipment issues.
• Dig tracks as necessary and assist with applying Alternate Daily Cover (ADC).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:

• Strong teamwork, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
• Effective communication with internal and external customers.
• Ability to read and speak English sufficiently to understand instructions, signs, and safety information.
• Physical ability to perform tasks involving sitting, standing, reaching, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, and climbing.
• Willingness to train on additional equipment and pass certification tests.

Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:

• Minimum of three years of experience operating excavators, backhoes, dozers, or similar equipment safely.
• Strong mechanical knowledge of landfill construction equipment and ability to interpret schematics and manuals.
• Mechanical aptitude.

Physical Requirements in a Regular Workday:

• Occasional lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent outdoor work in varied weather conditions, including dust, odors, and gases.
• Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, and balancing.
• Continuous sitting, standing, and walking in an office environment.

Additional Working Conditions/Aspects:

• Exposure to high traffic and tight driving areas.
• Exposure to residential and commercial waste.
• Ability to travel between locations as needed.
• Flexible working hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Legally eligible to work in the U.S., with a valid driver’s license if applicable.
• Pre-employment testing required.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities or skills and is subject to change at the company's discretion.

Rumpke Waste and Recycling is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in all employment practices.