RECYCLE OPERATOR

Nexus Disposal; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) Match

Job summary

Nexus Disposal is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to support our recycling and landfill diversion operations in an open-air environment. You will operate forklifts, loaders, excavators, backhoes, and other machinery, while also sorting materials and ensuring safe handling procedures.

Experience is preferred (6+ months), with emphasis on physical stamina, teamwork, and the ability to follow detailed safety guidelines.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform physically demanding labor in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.
• Comfortable working around odors, noise, dust, and debris.
• Capable of standing, walking, bending, lifting, and climbing for extended periods (up to 12 hours per day).
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs regularly.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Willingness to learn and follow safety procedures and recycling material identification.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy equipment including forklifts, wheel loaders, skid steers, excavators, backhoes, and bulldozers.
• Operate and maintain recycling machinery such as balers, wood grinders, shredders, and sorting stations.
• Inspect materials and sort by type, size, or condition into designated containers or piles.
• Sort recyclable materials including concrete, plastics, wood, metals, and cardboard (OCC).
• Assist with baler machine operations to prepare materials for shipment.
• Maintain a clean recycling yard (sweeping, raking, moving barrels/bins, removing debris).
• Direct drivers to proper loading/unloading areas and assist with material handling.
• Participate in weekly safety meetings and follow all safety guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Physical stamina

Teamwork

Communication

Safety procedures

Material identification

Job description

Nexus Disposal is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer (M/F/V/D). We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and rewarding workplace for all employees.Schedule & PayWork Days: Monday – SaturdayShift: 5:30 AM – 3:00 PM (hours may vary by season and weather)Hourly Rate: 18.00/HRPosition SummaryWe are seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to join our recycling and landfill diversion operations. This role involves operating a variety of heavy equipment and recycling machinery while also performing manual and semi-skilled labor in an open-air recycling environment. Unlike recycling assistants, this position requires less supervision, advanced equipment operation skills, and strong knowledge of recyclable materials.Key ResponsibilitiesSafely operate heavy equipment including forklifts, wheel loaders, skid steers, excavators, backhoes, and bulldozers.Operate and maintain recycling machinery such as balers, wood grinders, shredders, and sorting stations.Inspect materials and sort by type, size, or condition into designated containers or piles.Sort recyclable materials including concrete, plastics, wood, metals (copper, brass, aluminum), and cardboard (OCC).Assist with baler machine operations to prepare materials for shipment.Maintain a clean recycling yard (sweeping, raking, moving barrels/bins, removing debris).Direct drivers to proper loading/unloading areas and assist with material handling.Participate in weekly safety meetings and follow all safety guidelines.Perform other duties as assigned.QualificationsEducation & ExperienceEducation: Not required.Experience: 6+ months of relevant work experience preferred.Skills & AbilitiesAbility to perform physically demanding labor in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.Comfortable working around strong odors, noise, dust, and debris.Capable of standing, walking, bending, lifting, and climbing for extended periods (up to 12 hours per day).Able to lift up to 30 lbs regularly.Strong teamwork and communication skills.Ability to follow oral and written instructions.Willingness to learn and follow safety procedures and recycling material identification.Work EnvironmentOutdoor, open-air work site.Frequent exposure to dirt, odors, noise, rodents, and weather extremes.Occasional exposure to occupational risks (cuts, burns, chemicals, etc.).Full range of body movement required.BenefitsNexus Disposal offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:Medical, Dental, and Vision InsurancePaid Time Off and HolidaysCompany 401(k) MatchAdditional employee perks and programs