Heavy Equipment Operator/Laborer

GFL Environmental Inc.; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

GFL Environmental Inc. in Traverse City, MI, is seeking an operator capable of safely operating heavy equipment used to bale, load, and move waste materials. You may also substitute for absent crew members to keep operations running smoothly.

The role requires daily equipment checks, fuel and fluids topped up, and adherence to safety procedures, with opportunities to advance certification such as Transfer Station / Landfill Operations Certification.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment to bale and load waste or other material into trailers.
• Perform daily inspections and maintenance checks of equipment.
• Grease/lubricate equipment, check and add fluids daily.
• Use a two-way radio to communicate with coworkers about work priorities and activities.
• Conform to laws and company policies; maintain the grounds and attend safety meetings.

Skills

Operate heavy equipment

English literacy

Read gauges

Safety awareness

Education

GED or high school diploma

Job description

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
• Operator will steer, guide and or drive the above listed equipment at the assigned site, if the equipment is used at the particular site(s) using steering wheel, shifters, levers, buttons and pedals.
• Operator will substitute for another operator if someone is absent from the work crew or as needed / required.
• Operator will clean trash from tracks of heavy equipment by pulling and or cutting material away from tracks and gear mechanisms at least once daily or more if needed.
• Operator will use a two-way radio to communicate with co-workers in the field and or office regarding work activities, Requirements: and priorities for the work day.
• Conform in all respects with applicable federal, state / provincial and local laws, regulations, ordinances and other orders and to all company policies, procedures and directives from supervisors.
• Maintain appearance of the grounds and facility.
• Attend safety and branch meetings.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or general education degree ( GED ) desired, but not required.
• Completion of forklift certification.
• Ability to obtain Transfer Station / Landfill Operations Certification if needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate ability to follow instructions and work under little supervision.
• Apply commonsense understanding to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in a standardized setting
• Ability to perform the four basic functions of math and to be able to read and understand the meaning of equipment gauges.
• Must have the ability to read, speak, understand and write the English language.
• Must be able to frequently lift / push / pull up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift / push / pull up to 50 pounds.

Physical / Mental Demands

• Ability to stand, sit, walk, use hands and fingers, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, climb, balance, taste, and smell.
• Visual Requirements: include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to frequently lift / push / pull up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift / push / pull up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions

• Constantly exposed to loud noise, humidity, outside wavely conditions, moving mechanical parts, vibration, toxic and caustic chemicals, fumes and airborne particles
• Work environment is usually moderate to loud.
• Work in outdoor environment inside heavy equipment covered cab, but exposed to all weather conditions, except lightning storms.
• Occasionally work in high precarious places.
• Work in outdoor environment 100% of the time.

GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

Please note that GFL does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Valid work authorization in the country where the job is located is required.

Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documentation confirming their eligibility to work in the country where the job is located prior to their start date.

This hiring process may utilize machine-based systems to assist in screening and assessing applicants.

Final selection decisions are made by our recruitment team.

At the heart of GFL lies our greatest asset—our people. So, we're glad you landed here! We believe in great careers, making a positive impact on the environment and supporting our people with their life ambitions. We aspire to create the right jobs in a way that brings you along with us. At GFL, growth isn’t just for our business—it’s for our people. Because we see the potential in all our employees to do whatever it is they set their mind to, and we’re proud to support them in that journey. We consider our employees’ personal goals, helping them create the career, and life, that they desire—whether it’s advancing in their job, learning new skills, forming lasting relationships, or mentoring others, while having time to pursue other life ambitions. With safety and sustainability at the core of what we do, we all come together to form “Team Green”—united by our shared purpose to provide environmental solutions that enable our customers and the communities we serve to be Green For Life. We’re proud to say that working for GFL is more than a job. It’s an opportunity to make a difference and grow tremendously along the way. Regardless of the work we’re doing today, we’ve got our sights set on the big picture—not just tomorrow, but for life. GFL empowers those looking for growth in their career and lives, whether that's on our Field Operations teams or Professional Services teams. Field Operations – Our Field positions offer candidates across North America the potential for limitless growth and skill expansion as the front line of our organization, making them central to our company's vision of creating cleaner and more sustainable communities. Professional Services – Our Corporate positions located in key North American offices grow candidates to form strong client relations, manage key programs and accounts, and ensure our Field teams are operating at maximum efficiency.