Heavy Equipment Operator - 1st Shift

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC; Gray Court (SC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) matching program

Paid time off

Employee assistance program

Job summary

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator for its facility in Gray Court, SC. The role involves safely operating forklifts, loaders, and excavators to manage waste materials. Candidates should have 1-3 years of relevant experience, a valid driver license, and a high school diploma or GED. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, making VLS a great place to contribute to environmental sustainability while enjoying a balanced work-life.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of shipping, receiving, and warehouse experience.
• Valid driver license required.
• Able to lift up to 75 lbs.
• Climbing, balancing, bending, stooping, crawling.
• Ability to operate forklift and other heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate a variety of heavy equipment to handle materials and waste.
• Perform daily inspections and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Load and unload waste materials according to safety standards.
• Monitor equipment to maintain production flow.

Skills

Shipping and receiving experience

Heavy equipment operation

Teamwork

Use of power tools

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Excavators

Loaders

Telehandlers

Job description

About VLS & Divisions

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.

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 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.

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

This position is responsible for operating Heavy Equipment in our alternative engineered fuel facility in Gray Court, SC, First shift.

Job Duties

• Ensures Health & Safety is the number one priority by following all company policies, procedures, and safe work practices.
• Operates a variety of heavy equipment—including forklifts, loaders, excavators, skid steers, telehandlers, and other machinery, as needed to safely handle, move, load, and unload materials and waste.
• Performs daily inspections, pre‑operation checks, and preventive maintenance (PM) on all assigned heavy equipment and reports any mechanical issues or damage to supervision immediately.
• Loads and unloads waste materials in accordance with Company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations.
• Offloads and checks in inbound waste streams, ensuring all documentation and manifests accurately match materials received.
• Monitors and operates assigned equipment safely and efficiently to maintain production flow and prevent downtime.
• Uses proper tools and equipment to obtain samples of materials for analysis and compatibility testing.
• Keeps equipment and work areas clean, organized, and free from debris or obstructions.
• Understands and applies the company's labeling, coding, and container management systems.
• Wears and maintains appropriate PPE at all times, including boots, gloves, suits, and eye/ear protection.
• Assists with shoveling, sweeping, and general cleanup duties as necessary to maintain a safe and organized work environment.
• Performs any other duties or operates any additional equipment as assigned by the Plant Manager or Supervisor; no equipment is off limits when properly trained and authorized.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of shipping, receiving, and warehouse experience.
• Valid driver license required.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Able to operate forklift and other heavy equipment.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Lift up to 75 lbs.
• Climbing, balancing, bending, stooping, crawling.
• Standing, sitting.
• Pushing, pulling.
• Use of power tools.

Benefits

At VLS our employees are the core of our business. We provide first‑class, high‑value benefits and resources that support physical, mental, and financial wellbeing while promoting a proper work‑life balance.

Physical and Mental Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with high‑quality, low‑premium plans, concierge services, and 2nd MD offering; flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA) with employer contribution; 11 company‑paid holidays, paid time off and voluntary time off plans; 24/7 employee assistance program; and free virtual telemedicine visits.

Financial and Retirement Planning: 401(k) matching program after 90 days of employment, life and disability insurance, voluntary life and health protection plans, recognition programs, free one‑on‑one financial planning with a certified coach, and employee discount program.

VLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.