Heavy Equipment Operator

GFL Environmental Inc.; Illinois; On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

GFL Environmental Inc. seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator to manage and load waste materials efficiently. This role involves operating various heavy machinery, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety standards. Ideal candidates will have a strong commitment to safety and environmental sustainability, contributing to cleaner communities.

Benefits

15 days of paid time off

Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans

Health Savings Account with employer match

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) with employer match

Supplemental health plans through Aflac

Employer paid basic life insurance

Mental health support

7 paid holidays annually

Qualifications

• Forklift certification required.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to obtain necessary certifications.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment to load and bale waste.
• Maintain and inspect equipment daily.
• Communicate with co-workers using a two-way radio.

Skills

Ability to follow instructions

Basic math skills

Proficient in English

Education

High school diploma or GED

Forklift certification

Transfer Station/Landfill Operations Certification

Job description

Pay: $25/hour

Benefits:

• 15 days of paid time off
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plan options
• Health Savings Account with employer match option
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) with an employer match up to 4%
• Supplemental health plans through Aflac
• Employer paid basic life insurance
• Employee paid short-term disability option
• Employer-paid long-term disability
• Mental health support through Employee Assistance Program
• 7 paid holidays annually

Safely operate and/or have the ability to operate various equipment including excavator, front loader, bulldozer, or other heavy equipment and/or steer equipment to bale, load and move waste material.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate necessary equipment to bale and load waste or other material into trailers.
• Perform inspection and maintenance checks of equipment daily.
• Grease/lubricate equipment, check and add fluids to equipment daily.
• Steer, guide, and/or drive the above-listed equipment at the assigned site, using steering wheel, shifters, levers, buttons, and pedals.
• Substitute for another operator if someone is absent or as needed.
• Clean trash from tracks of heavy equipment daily or more often if needed.
• Use a two-way radio to communicate with co-workers regarding work activities and priorities.
• Conform to all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Maintain the appearance of grounds and facilities.
• Attend safety and branch meetings.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Completion of forklift certification.
• Ability to obtain Transfer Station/Landfill Operations Certification if needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to follow instructions and work independently.
• Apply basic math and understand equipment gauges.
• Proficient in English (reading, speaking, understanding, writing).
• Frequently lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Ability to stand, sit, walk, use hands, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, climb, balance, taste, and smell.
• Visual requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception.
• Frequently lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions:

• Exposed to loud noise, humidity, weather, mechanical parts, vibration, chemicals, fumes, and airborne particles.
• Work environment is usually moderate to loud.
• Work outdoors in various weather conditions, sometimes in high places.

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

GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all. For accommodations, contact [e-mail]

Current GFL Employees: Visit the internal GFL Jobs Hub for current openings.

Welcome!

At GFL, our greatest asset is our people. We believe in great careers, environmental impact, and supporting personal growth. We aim to create opportunities that align with your goals and support your journey. We’re proud to foster a culture of safety, sustainability, and growth, united as "Team Green" to provide environmental solutions. Working for GFL is more than a job; it’s a chance to make a difference and grow tremendously. We support your ambitions, whether advancing in your career, learning new skills, or pursuing personal goals.

Our teams include:

• Field Operations: Opportunities for growth and skill expansion as the front line of our organization, creating cleaner and sustainable communities.
• Professional Services: Positions in key North American offices focusing on client relations, program management, and operational efficiency.