Lead Equipment Operator (INTERNAL ONLY)

Wasatch Front Waste and Recycling; Midvale (UT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District is seeking a Lead Equipment Operator to manage a team responsible for safe waste, recycling, and other commodity collection operations. The role involves hands‑on training, coaching, and direct support for route execution, equipment checks, and safety adherence.

The Lead Operator will work with Supervisors and management to onboard new hires and retrain current operators, ensuring efficiency and compliance with district procedures and DOT rules.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of closely related experience driving or operating commercial motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment.
• Possession of a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with valid DOT Medical Card at hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead an assigned team to ensure safe, efficient operations and completion of daily routes.
• Coach and mentor operators; report deficiencies to supervisor or management.
• Perform pre-trip/post-trip inspections and ensure PPE usage and safety procedures.
• Coordinate and adjust workload to address breakdowns or schedule changes.
• Train new hires and operator retraining with hands‑on instruction and ride‑alongs.
• Maintain equipment and write fleet service orders.

Skills

Leadership

Safety awareness

Communication

CDL knowledge

Problem solving

Tools

GPS software

Mapping applications

Job description

*** THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT WFWRD EMPLOYEES ONLY ***

JOB SUMMARY

Leads an assigned team to ensure the safe, efficient, and effective operation in the collection and transportation of waste, recycling, and other commodities using specialized equipment. Oversees and supports the assigned team to ensure adherence to District policies and procedures and compliance with the operation of commercial motor vehicles and heavy equipment. Assists with supervisory functions, providing direction and support for assigned team members.

This position plays an active, hands-on role in the training of new hires and the retraining of current operators. The Lead Equipment Operator's day-to-day engagement, coaching, and feedback directly contributes to the success of new hire onboarding and operator retraining in partnership with the Equipment Operator Trainer, Safety and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Supervisors, and District management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Three (3) years of closely related experience in driving or operating commercial motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment; waste and recycling collection experience preferred. Possession of a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with valid DOT Medical Card at the time of hire.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the work performed by the incumbent(s) in this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of specific duties and responsibilities will not preclude it from the position.

Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Leads an assigned team or group of operators involved in daily waste, recycling, and other commodity collection activities to ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations and satisfactory completion of daily routes and operator duties.
• Oversees and supports assigned team to ensure adherence to District policies and procedures and compliance with the operation of commercial motor vehicles. Coaches and mentors other equipment operators and reports deficiencies to the appropriate Collections Supervisor or District management.
• Serves as a leadership model for other operators by properly performing daily duties such as pre-trip/post-trip inspections, truck care and cleaning, wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), following District policies and procedures, and demonstrating safety as a top priority.
• Supports the assigned team to complete all routes prior to returning to the yard and, as needed, redirects team and directly assists other collection groups and commodities.
• Makes active adjustments to team work assignments throughout each workday to compensate for breakdowns, uncovered routes, or similar issues. Communicates constraints and adjustments to an on‑duty Supervisor or Manager.
• Supports and assists in the coordination and response to accidents, incidents, injuries, and spills.
• Ensures proper care and maintenance of assigned equipment. Writes fleet service orders and supports assigned team to ensure the same.
• Monitors and adjusts workload distribution, troubleshoots operational issues, and recommends service enhancements to ensure consistent, high‑quality customer service; escalates unresolved matters to supervisor as appropriate
• Conducts daily team meetings to provide information and discuss issues and potential solutions. Participates in occasional leadership team meetings and attends all District safety training, stand down, and employee recognition events.
• Actively trains, mentors, and evaluates new hires and operators undergoing retraining, including hands‑on instruction and ride‑alongs; provides regular, constructive performance feedback and insight into equipment operator performance.
• Follows the District's standard training protocols and completes an auditable record for each training or retraining event, including training dates, topics covered, and employee attendance documentation, in coordination with the Equipment Operator Trainer and Safety and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.
• Drives and operates a variety of refuse collection equipment on residential and city streets and highways to safely collect waste, recycling, and other commodities from District residents and customers.
• Completes all required pre‑ and post‑trip inspections, including accurate completion of the District's Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR), and ensures equipment is clean and in proper working condition in accordance with District Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Follows a complicated map; ensures all listed parcels, streets, and other service locations are satisfactorily serviced and residents and other customers receive excellent customer service.
• Loads, compacts, transports, and unloads waste, recycling, and other commodities at designated facilities; understands and follows facility rules and procedures.
• Manages commodity loads and weights within legal limits and follows all applicable laws and regulations.
• Functions as a member of several teams and works in multiple programs performing a wide variety of activities across all commodities (waste, recycling, and other materials) as needed.
• Ensures that open and complete communication occurs throughout the day to keep team members and other Lead operators apprised of progress, problems, and completion of the daily workload.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

Knowledge of:

• Safe work practices in a dynamic outdoor work environment
• Effective leadership skills and ability to delegate assignments, establish priorities, and organize projects.
• General operation and preventive maintenance of commercial motor vehicles and equipment.
• District Policies and Procedures
• Laws regarding waste and recycling transportation. All regulations governing CDL operators.
• Basic computer use.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Drive and operate commercial motor vehicles and heavy equipment in a safe manner.
• Work as a team member and identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; follow both written and verbal instructions.
• In accordance with 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2), possess sufficient proficiency in the English language to converse with the general public, understand and respond to highway traffic signs and signals in English, respond to official inquiries (e.g., from law enforcement or DOT/safety inspectors), and make entries on required reports and records (e.g., inspection reports, training records, and other District documentation).
• Complete basic mathematical functions.
• Effectively manage and resolve conflict.
• Work independently and effectively solve problems.
• Read, understand, and follow safety procedures.
• Read and interpret complex route collection maps.
• Use technology, including GPS/routing software and mapping applications, to plan, follow, and adjust collection routes.
• Interact with the public and coworkers in a professional, cooperative manner.
• Work well with diverse people.
• Work under stressful conditions.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires a full range of motion in the shoulders, arms, hands, wrists, legs, and feet. Must be able to push, pull, or lift up to 100 pounds as necessary to ensure route is complete and free of debris. Must possess manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination.

Must drive and sit in uncomfortable positions for extended periods where there is constant exposure to traffic hazards, inclement weather, noise, dust, fumes, grease, and potentially unsanitary conditions. The use of personal protective equipment is mandatory. Must climb into and out of equipment on a regular basis.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS POSITION

The work week consists of four 10-hour days with a rotating day off each week. This position is subject to being called to work prior to or after the scheduled shift. Schedule includes working holidays. Must be available during an emergency or disaster.

Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District is an Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace. All offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a pre‑employment drug screen. The District is committed to providing a healthy, safe, and secure work environment free from the negative effects of alcohol or the illegal use of drugs.