Helper

GFL Environmental Inc.; Elmira Township (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

GFL Environmental Inc. is seeking a The Helper to assist drivers in collecting residential waste and recyclables.

The role emphasizes safety, proper loading, and efficient route execution, with teamwork centered on supporting the driver and maintaining truck readiness. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED, basic reading and communication skills, and the ability to follow instructions and operate standard collection equipment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED desired but not required.
• 1–3 months related experience and/or training desired, but not required.
• Valid driver’s license preferred, but not required.
• Must be able to meet relevant criteria for safety sensitive functions according to Company standards Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

Responsibilities

• Collect solid waste/recyclable materials from customer premises and/or from the curbside if applicable.
• Load solid waste into the rear or side of waste collection vehicle.
• Sort recyclables and deposit materials into the appropriate compartments in collection truck if applicable.
• Assist driver in safe operation of the vehicle by directing the driver in backing up the vehicle and in close space maneuvering.
• Operate equipment on truck to compact trash/materials into vehicle.
• Audit waste collection vehicle for proper equipment prior to leaving branch.
• Report all customer related problems to driver immediately.

Skills

Reading & writing

Follow instructions

Operate equipment

Team communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Helper

The Helper will safely assist drivers and other employees in the collection of solid waste materials from a residential truck.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect solid waste/recyclable materials from customer premises and/or from the curbside if applicable.
• Load solid waste into the rear or side of waste collection vehicle
• Sort recyclables and deposit materials into the appropriate compartments in collection truck if applicable.
• Assist driver in safe operation of the vehicle by directing the driver in backing up the vehicle and in close space maneuvering.
• Operate equipment on truck to compact trash/materials into vehicle.
• Audit waste collection vehicle for proper equipment prior to leaving branch (i.e., broom, shovel, etc.).
• Report all customer related problems to driver immediately
• Identify, tag and notify driver of prohibited waste items and remove the items from the waste cart or can.
• Follow all safety and equipment checks and precautions in performance of all duties.
• Comply with all federal, state/provincial, local and company rules on safety and vehicle operation.
• Work closely with supervisor to improve routing efficiencies.
• Maintain predetermined route quality standards.
• Ensure that all required personal protective equipment be worn at all times (i.e., gloves, reflective vest, safety glasses, work boots, etc.)
• Exhibit a professional demeanor, manner and appearance at all times (i.e., meeting customers and/or the general public while on route or in uniform.)
• Follow all safety and equipment checks and precautions in performance of all duties.
• Assist driver in keeping interior cab and exterior of vehicle clean.
• Assist when necessary in sorting, cleaning carts, cleaning warehouse, stacking pallets/gaylords, placement of cans in roll-off container, operation of cardboard compactor.
• Attend safety and branch meetings.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required or requested by management.

Requirements

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) desired, but not required.
• One (1) to three (3) months related experience and/or training desired, but not required.
• Valid driver’s license preferred, but not required.
• Must be able to meet relevant criteria for safety sensitive functions according to Company standards Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and communicate with others.
• Ability to follow instructions and perform duties under limited supervision.
• Ability to operate any equipment necessary to perform job.

Physical/Mental Demands

• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, reach and lift in an outdoor environment 90% of the time.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers, kneel, crawl, talk, hear, climb and balance.
• Visual Requirements: include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to manually lift/move up to 65 pounds regularly.
• Ability to manually push/move up to 100 pounds with assistance from another employee.

Working Conditions

• Frequently exposed to loud noise, humidity, rainy/stormy, extreme hot and cold weather conditions (depending upon season), moving mechanical parts, vibrations, toxic and caustic chemicals, fumes and airborne particles.
• Work in outdoor environment up to 100% of the time.
• Works route away from branch location on a continuous basis throughout the day.
• Occasionally work in high precarious places.
• Work in motor vehicle traffic conditions constantly.
• Work environment is normally loud.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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.

If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact [e-mail]

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.

Current GFL Employees If you are an existing GFL employee and would like to search and apply to current job openings, please visit the internal GFL Jobs Hub.

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.