Heavy Equipment Operator

GFL Environmental; Florida; On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay (45+ hours)

Weekends off

Paid time off (PTO) 15 days

Health, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

GFL Environmental Inc. is seeking a hands‑on Heavy Equipment Operator in Florida to run excavators, loaders, balers, and compactors for waste processing. You will perform daily inspections, keep machines well‑maintained, and uphold site safety guidelines while coordinating with ground crews.

The role offers year‑round essential work with overtime opportunities and a strong benefits package. Prior forklift certification and the ability to obtain required certifications is preferred.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience operating heavy equipment in industrial settings.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and maintain equipment.
• Good communication and basic math for gauges and measurements.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy machinery such as excavators, loaders, and compactors to move and process waste materials.
• Perform daily pre-trip inspections, fluid checks, and routine maintenance to keep machines safe and on track.
• Maintain site cleanliness and coordinate with ground crews; adhere to safety standards on site.
• Support team operations and assist fellow operators as needed.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Forklift certification

Safety compliance

English communication

Physical stamina

Job description

Safely operate and/or have the ability to operate various equipment including forklift, bobcat, backhoe, track hoe, compactor and/or steer equipment to bale, load and move waste material.

Why Join Our Crew?

If you’re a hands‑on operator who thrives running heavy machinery in an industrial setting and wants a reliable schedule with solid weekly overtime, this is the spot for you. We provide year‑round, essential work—no seasonal layoffs, no sitting around waiting for weather delays, just predictable hours and weekly overtime pay.

What We Offer

• Consistent Overtime: 45+ hours standard per week (6:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Mon–Fri)
• Work-Life Balance: Weekends off to rest and spend time with family
• Job Security: Essential industry with guaranteed year‑round work and stability
• Generous Paid Time Off: 15 days of PTO right out of the gate, plus paid company holidays
• Comprehensive Benefits: 4 medical plan options (including HSA with employer contribution & match), plus complete dental and vision coverage
• Financial Future: 401(k) plan with company match
• Employee Well-Being: Free counseling services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career Growth: Stability in an essential, recession‑resilient industry with real opportunities for promotion into higher management roles

What You’ll Be Doing

• Operate Heavy Machinery: Run excavators, track hoes, wheel loaders, track loaders, bulldozers, balers, and compactors to move, sort, and process waste and recycled materials
• Daily Maintenance & Rig Upkeep: Perform daily pre‑trip inspections, fluid checks, and greasing to keep your machine running smoothly and safely
• Site & Equipment Care: Clear track gear/mechanisms at the end of shifts, maintain facility grounds, and communicate active job priorities with ground crews and operators via two‑way radio
• Team-First Mentality: Step in for fellow operators as needed and adhere to site safety guidelines and environmental standards

What We’re Looking For

• Hands‑on Experience: Proven track record operating heavy equipment (yellow iron/track hoe/loader/excavator) in an industrial, scrap, landfill, or transfer station environment
• Certifications: Forklift certification required (or ability to obtain). Ability to obtain Transfer Station / Landfill Operations certification if needed
• Safety First: Strong commitment to federal, state, and site safety protocols. Safety boots and eye protection required
• Physical Capability: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work in outdoors/all-weather cabs (100% field setting), and perform routine mechanical greasing/cleaning
• Communication & Basic Math: Good verbal/written English communication and basic math skills to read equipment gauges and operational meters

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

Please note that GFL does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Valid work authorization in the country where the job is located is required. Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documentation confirming their eligibility to work in the country where the job is located prior to their start date. This hiring process may utilize machine-based systems to assist in screening and assessing applicants. Final selection decisions are made by our recruitment team.

At the heart of GFL lies our greatest asset—our people. So, we’re glad you landed here! We believe in great careers, making a positive impact on the environment and supporting our people with their life ambitions. We aspire to create the right jobs in a way that brings you along with us. At GFL, growth isn’t just for our business—it’s for our people. Because we see the potential in all our employees to do whatever it is they set their mind to, and we’re proud to support them in that journey. We consider our employees’ personal goals, helping them create the career, and life, that they desire—whether it’s advancing in their job, learning new skills, forming lasting relationships, or mentoring others, while having time to pursue other life ambitions. With safety and sustainability at the core of what we do, we all come together to form “Team Green”—united by our shared purpose to provide environmental solutions that enable our customers and the communities we serve to be Green For Life. We’re proud to say that working for GFL is more than a job. It’s an opportunity to make a difference and grow tremendously along the way. Regardless of the work we’re doing today, we’ve got our sights set on the big picture—not just tomorrow, but for life. GFL empowers those looking for growth in their career and lives, whether that’s on our Field Operations teams or Professional Services teams. Field Operations – Our Field positions offer candidates across North America the potential for limitless growth and skill expansion as the front line of our organization, making them central to our company's vision of creating cleaner and more sustainable communities. Professional Services – Our Corporate positions located in key North American offices grow candidates to form strong client relations, manage key programs and accounts, and ensure our Field teams are operating at maximum efficiency.