Heavy Equipment Operator

Vls-Environmental-Solutions; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC is seeking a front end loader and forklift operator at our Petersburg, VA site. The role emphasizes safe operation, loading/unloading waste, and maintaining compliant, clean work areas while following company safety policies.

The position requires 1–3 years in shipping/receiving, high school diploma, and ability to operate heavy equipment. Teamwork and attention to detail are essential for daily duties and quality checks.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years shipping/receiving and warehouse experience.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Able to operate heavy equipment including forklift.
• Ability to work well with others.

Responsibilities

• Operate front end wheel loader and forklift with attachments to support daily operations.
• Unload and load wastes in accordance with company rules; manage stockpiles and load outbound materials.
• Perform daily PM and inspections on operating equipment.
• Check waste types/quantities vs. manifests and report nonconforming loads.
• Take material samples for analysis and compatibility checks and maintain a clean, safe work area.

Skills

Shipping receiving

Heavy equipment operation

Forklift operation

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40+ locations across North America.

VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.

Railcar Services

VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance.

Marine Services

VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the‑art barge cleaning, repair, and gas‑free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.

Job Summary

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for operating a front end wheel loader and other heavy equipment including an excavator and forklift at our Petersburg VA site.

JOB DUTIES

Ensures Health & Safety is the number one goal by following policies, processes, and always acting in a safe manner.

2. Monitors equipment assigned to the area and notifies the supervisor of major/minor issues and breakdowns.

3. Responsible for the unloading and loading of wastes in conformance to company rules and regulations. This includes managing stockpiles and loading commercial vehicles with outbound materials.

4. Oversee the offloading of inbound waste streams and perform quality control checks on all loads.

5. Must perform daily PM and inspections on operating equipment.

6. Operate a front end wheel loader and forklift with attachments to support daily operations.

7. Check for inconsistencies with manifested waste types and quantities with actual containers received in accordance with Company rules and regulations and report to management any non‑conforming load.

8. Use proper equipment to remove samples of materials for analysis and compatibility checks.

9. Responsible for keeping work areas, walls, and floor in a clean and safe condition.

10. Understand waste labeling to handle and manage containers.

11. Position handles materials and will often require the use of PPE: Boots, Gloves, Suits, Eye/Ear Protection, and Respirator.

12. Shovels, sweeps, and cleans the area in which they are assigned periodically throughout the day.

13. Any other duty assigned by the Facility Manager.

REQUIREMENTS

• 1-3 years of shipping receiving and warehouse experience
• High School Diploma/GED
• Able to operate heavy equipment/forklift
• Ability to work well with others

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Lift up to 50 lbs
• Pushing/Pulling
• Use of power tools

Pay Range

$25 - $30

What's in it for you!

At VLS our employees are the core of our business. As such, we value our employees' physical, mental, and financial wellbeing by providing first class, high value benefits and resources that are centered around a proper work-life balance.

Physical and Mental Wellbeing: VLS is committed to supporting our employees' physical and mental health by providing:

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance - Based on each employee's need, we offer various high quality, low-premium medical, dental and vision plans, which include our first-in‑class concierge service (available in Spanish) and 2nd MD Offering.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Healthcare Saving Accounts (HSA) -- Set aside pre‑tax money to use toward your health care spending. VLS provides an employer contribution to all HSA accounts.

Time Off - We offer 11 (eleven) company‑paid holidays, in addition to our paid time off and voluntary time off plans.

Employee Assistance Program -- 24/7 assistance and counseling services that are 100% confidential and free to all employees and their dependents.

Telemedicine -- All employees and dependents receive free virtual visits by licensed practitioners any time, any day...including holidays!

Financial and Retirement Planning: At VLS we offer the following to assist our employees with planning around their finances and saving for retirement:

401(k) - Generous 401(k) matching program after 90 days of employment. VLS will match up to 5% of your pay every pay period. Matching contributions are 100% vested immediately.

Life and Disability Insurance -- Employer‑paid life insurance, along with short‑term and long‑term disability coverage provided to all full‑time employees.

Voluntary Life Protection Plans -- Employees and their dependents can elect coverage in our voluntary life/add, critical illness, hospital indemnity and accident plans.

Rewards and Recognition Programs -- We celebrate our employees! From birthdays to anniversaries and other various milestones/achievements, we have programs in place to recognize our employees.

Financial Planning - Free One on One financial planning with a certified Financial Planner/Coach.

Employee Discount - Employee Discount Program for savings on everyday goods and services at various retailers throughout the US.

EEO is the Law