Heavy Equipment Operator

McGill Environmental Systems | McGill Compost; Wantage (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay Rates

On-demand "Daily Pay" Option

401(K) with Company Match

Medical

Vision

Health Saving Accounts

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Training & Development

Job summary

McGill Environmental Systems is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator in Wantage, NJ to safely run loaders, excavators, and related machinery for compost production. You’ll move materials, perform blending and screening, and uphold strict safety and environmental standards as part of a team focused on quality and efficiency.

We offer competitive pay, an on-demand pay option, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for training and development as you help turn organic waste into valuable soil

Qualifications

• Fast-paced, physically demanding environment experience preferred.
• Willingness to work outdoors and in non-climate-controlled areas.
• Experience operating heavy equipment listed in qualifications.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as loaders, excavators, grinders, screeners and backhoes safely.
• Perform daily safety and maintenance checks on equipment and wear PPE.
• Participate in safety training sessions as needed.
• Load trucks and transport materials safely and efficiently.
• Perform blending, screening, and material mixing according to skill level.
• Work independently and maintain a productive schedule.
• Take on additional duties as assigned by Team Lead or Management.

Skills

Front-end loaders

Excavators

Skid Steer

Backhoes

Safety-minded

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Make a Real Impact with McGill Environmental Systems

At McGill, our purpose is to rebuild the soils that support life on our planet. We turn biodegradable waste into high-quality compost that helps restore depleted soils and supports a cleaner, greener future. Using advanced composting technology, we handle a wide range of organic materials—safely, reliably, and with purpose. We believe real environmental change should benefit people, the planet, and the economy. We take pride in our role within the communities we serve, contributing positively to a cleaner, healthier, and sustainable environment.

Driven by our core values of Excellence, Integrity, Accountability and Collaboration, we are committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and strive to create a rewarding, safe, and empowering workplace for all.

When you join McGill, you’re joining a team that values hard work, innovation, and doing what’s right—for our colleagues, our customers, our communities, and the Earth. Whether you’re working with machinery, logistics, or sales, your work directly supports a greener, healthier future.

Purpose of the Role:

As a Heavy Equipment Operator at McGill, you’ll play a key role in turning organic waste into high-quality compost that restores our soil and protects the planet. You’ll operate loaders, excavators, and other machinery to safely and efficiently maintain production standards of high-quality compost, mulch, and soil products derived from biosolids and organic materials. This role ensures efficient material movement, blending, loading, and equipment upkeep, all while maintaining strict environmental and safety compliance standards. This is hands-on, steady work with a close-knit team that values safety, pride in the craft, and real-world impact.

How You Make an Impact:

You take pride in running equipment with care and precision, knowing that every bucket load, windrow turn, or screened batch helps create quality compost, mulch, and soil. You show up focused—ready to move materials safely, spot potential issues early, and keep operations flowing. You pay close attention to how your machine sounds, feels, and performs because you know small details prevent big breakdowns. You’re eager to learn the right way to blend materials, manage biosolids safely, and adapt to different machines and attachments. Whether you're maintaining your loader, adjusting a screener, or helping a teammate hook up an attachment, you understand your role keeps the site efficient and safe. You’re dependable, take ownership of your tasks, and back up your crew by being someone they can count on. You’re not just operating heavy equipment—you’re powering the process that transforms waste into something valuable.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the safe and technically proficient operation of heavy equipment such as heavy trucks, front-end loaders, excavators, grinders, screeners and backhoes.
• Performs daily safety and maintenance checks on equipment and complies with all safety rules and procedures to include personnel protective equipment.
• Participates in safety training sessions as needed.
• Safely loads trucks and transportation of materials.
• Performs either primary or final screen according to skill level.
• Runs either screen according to skill level.
• Performs blending operation including material mixing via heavy equipment to a desired consistency according to skill level.
• Able to work independently and is expected to maintain a productive work schedule.
• Performs additional duties or projects as assigned by Team Lead and/or Management

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
• Willingness to work outdoors and in non-climate-controlled areas.
• Fron-end loaders, Excavators, Skid Steer, and Backhoes experience
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to teamwork.
• Must have dependable transportation to the Delray Beach facility.

Success Profile:

To thrive in this role, the Heavy Equipment Operator will demonstrate:

• Operational Efficiency
  Operate heavy machinery—including front-end loaders, excavators, and backhoes with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency to ensure the smooth and continuous processing of organic materials into compost.
• Safety and Compliance
  Adhere to all company and regulatory safety protocols, perform daily equipment inspections, and proactively address maintenance needs to promote a safe work environment and minimize downtime.
• Quality Control
  Monitor and adjust operations such as screening and blending to maintain consistent product quality standards in line with McGill’s composting specifications.
• Team Collaboration
  Contribute to a culture of mutual support by communicating clearly with team members, assisting others as needed, and participating actively in safety meetings and training sessions.
• Work Schedule Reliability
  Demonstrate consistent attendance and punctuality, manage time effectively, and maintain productivity levels that meet or exceed shift expectations.
• Continuous Improvement
  Identify and report operational inefficiencies or potential hazards and contribute ideas for process enhancements that support productivity and product quality.
• Environmental Stewardship
  Support McGill’s sustainability mission by managing materials with care and minimizing waste or spillage during handling and transport.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach, and use hands and arms to handle or operate tools, equipment, and materials. The employee frequently climbs stairs, bends, stoops, and moves about the facility, including outdoor and uneven terrain. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with or without assistance and may be required to push, pull, or maneuver heavy objects and equipment as part of daily operations. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is conducted in both indoor and outdoor areas of the facility. Employees may be exposed to dust, dirt, mud, loud noise, strong odors, heavy machinery in proximity, and potentially extreme weather conditions. Terrain may be uneven, soft, or shifting. Low/variable lighting and slip, trip, or fall hazards should be expected. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety harness, hard hat, high-visibility apparel, safety footwear, gloves, safety glasses, and issued lighting devices, will be provided and must be worn as required when on site. When applicable, employees required to wear a respirator must successfully complete a company-provided medical evaluation and fit test prior to use and maintain ongoing compliance with all applicable training and certification requirements.

At McGill Environmental Systems, we offer competitive benefits:

• Competitive Pay Rates
• On-demand "Daily Pay" Option
• 401(K) with Company Match
• Medical
• Vision
• Health Saving Accounts
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Training & Development

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The McGill Environmental Systems Family of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, discipline, and termination. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and we encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.