Heavy Equipment Operator

Casella Waste Systems, Inc; Town of Chateaugay (NY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Maternity & Parental Leave

Flexible Spending Accounts

Discounted Stock Program

401K

Employee Awards

Employee Assistance Plan

Wellness Incentive

Tuition Assistance

Career Pathways

Job summary

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to safely run on-site machinery at the Grasslands Facility. You will operate loaders, forklifts, skid steers, and tractors, performing inspections and supporting maintenance to keep equipment in optimal condition.

The role emphasizes safety, efficiency, and regular documentation, with potential weekend hours and opportunities for career progression through defined apprenticeship and operator levels.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Legally eligible to work in the US.
• High school diploma or GED; two years of prior heavy equipment operation preferred.
• Physical ability to perform duties in varying weather conditions.
• Proven commitment to safety and effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre/post operation inspections of equipment to ensure safety and readiness.
• Operate heavy equipment such as front-end loaders, forklifts, skid steers, and tractors as required.
• Assist in routine maintenance and minor repairs; refer major issues to maintenance shop.
• Collaborate with mechanics on preventive maintenance and equipment diagnostics.
• Maintain facility appearance and cleanliness as required for safe operations.
• Follow all safety policies, procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Be available for occasional weekend work as needed.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety protocols

Mechanical skills

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

The Heavy Equipment Operator ensures the safe operation of heavy equipment at the Grasslands Facility for the purpose of material movement on site in an efficient and safe manner. This role operates one or more types of heavy construction equipment including front-end loaders, forklifts, skid steers and tractors, and will operate and monitor any material processing equipment as determined by the Division Manager. Some mechanical skills preferred to help with preventative maintenance and repairs on heavy equipment.Hiring Range $19-21 per hour based on experience#INDSJ

Key Responsibilities

• Assists in the maintenance and upkeep of the facility to ensure the appearance is always presentable and tidy.
• Performs pre/post operation inspection of equipment in accordance with Casella safety standards as well as state and federal regulations to ensure all safety equipment and devices are operational and secured properly to equipment.
• Supports the Grasslands Facility’s commitment to full regulatory compliance.
• Monitors the condition of the equipment frequently and cleans equipment as needed to ensure it is always operationally ready to minimize downtime.
• Performs and documents minor service on equipment, referring to more complicated mechanical issues to maintenance shop for repair.
• Works with the mechanic on preventive maintenance and corrections on heavy equipment such as inspections, hydraulic, fuel, exhaust, brakes, suspensions, electrical, HVAC, and emission systems.
• Operates processing equipment following all safety and training protocols and ensures that the facility is properly maintained.
• Operates heavy equipment following all safety and training protocols and ensures that the facility is properly maintained.
• Observes operation of heavy equipment performing trouble shooting procedures as necessary.
• Assists technicians with maintenance and ensures communication of mechanical issues.
• Follows all required safety policies and procedures, provides correct and timely required documentation.
• Availability for minimal weekend working hours as needed and defined by the Division Manager.
• Takes all required steps to complete daily functions to ensure a minimal impact from any emergency situation that may arise.
• Participates in training and other learning opportunities to expand knowledge of the company, products, sales, and services and performs any other duties needed to help drive our vision, fulfill our mission, and/or abide by our core values.

Career Path Definitions & Distinctions:

Apprentice: 0-2 years of experience operating heavy equipment. Demonstrates the ability to operate one type of yellow iron equipment. Possesses a complete knowledge and understanding of safety protocols and procedures necessary for operating the equipment.

Operator I: 2-4 years of experience operating heavy equipment. Demonstrates the ability to safely operate two types of yellow iron equipment involved in composting operations. Possesses a strong knowledge and understanding of safety protocols and procedures necessary for operating the equipment.

Operator II: 4-6 years of experience operating heavy equipment. Demonstrates the ability to safely operate three types of yellow iron equipment involved in composting operations. Possesses an expert level knowledge and understanding of safety protocols and procedures necessary for operating the equipment.

Lead Operator: 6+ years of experience operating heavy equipment. Demonstrates the ability to develop training plans and mentor employees to achieve successful outcomes. Demonstrates the capability to operate all types of yellow iron equipment involved in composting operations. Exhibits an ability to prioritize, delegate, and communicate clearly to the team and managers.

Education, Experience & Qualifications

The successful candidate will be a self-directed person, at least 18 years of age, have a demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and be legally eligible to work in the US. It is required to have a high school diploma or GED and two years of prior experience in heavy equipment operation is preferred. Physical ability to perform duties in various weather conditions.

Proven commitment to work and safety, excellent communication and problem solving skills are required.

Attributes

Positive, team-oriented individual who has a strong work ethic, is committed to safety, customer driven, open to personal and professional training and development, and results-oriented with the ability to see the larger picture while focusing on detailed information.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance, Maternity & Parental Leave, Flexible Spending Accounts, Discounted Stock Program, 401K, Employee Awards, Employee Assistance Plan, Wellness Incentive, Tuition Assistance, Career Pathways, and More.