Recycling Heavy Equipment Operator

Republic Services; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical benefits

Dental plans

Vision coverage

Health care spending accounts

Short- and long-term disability

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee discounts

401(k) plan with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time Off

Benefits link

Job summary

Republic Services is seeking an Operator – Heavy Equipment to safely operate heavy machinery at our recycling center, landfill or transfer station. The role includes inspecting equipment, loading and spreading material, and ensuring efficient, safe operations daily.

The position emphasizes safety compliance, accurate reporting, and timely maintenance, with a strong focus on customer service and reliable performance in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Two years' prior related experience in heavy equipment operation.
• One year of prior experience working at sites regulated by OSHA.
• Good customer services skills to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre- and post-operation inspection of equipment to ensure safety and cleanliness.
• Safely operate equipment such as forklift, excavator, bulldozer, and front-end loader following safety standards.
• Monitor waste for unacceptable materials and ensure equipment is operationally ready to minimize downtime.
• Perform and document minor service on equipment and report repairs as needed.
• Maintain a clean and serviced shop area and complete required reports.

Skills

Heavy equipment experience

OSHA site experience

Customer service

Time management

Reliability/follow-through

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Operator – Heavy Equipment is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering, loading and/or compacting waste or soil in an efficient and safe manner.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform pre- and post-operation inspection of the equipment in accordance with Company policy to ensure windows, lights, mirrors and rear view camera are clean. Safely and efficiently operate equipment that may include: forklift, excavator, bulldozer, front-end loader and other equipment using proper safety standards. Continuously monitor waste for evidence of unacceptable waste in materials. Continuously monitor the condition of the equipment to ensure it is operationally ready at all times to minimize down time; clean tracks or wheels on equipment, as needed. Perform and document minor service on equipment, referring more complicated mechanical issues to Maintenance Shop for repair. Complete Equipment Condition Report and other reports, as necessary; report any necessary repairs to supervisor, as needed. Follow all required safety policies and procedures. Ensure that shop is clean, serviced and stored at the completion of each shift. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Two years' prior related experience in heavy equipment operation. One year of prior experience working at sites regulated by OSHA. Good customer services skills to meet and exceed customer expectations; acts in a professional, courteous and cooperative manner toward customers and co-workers; works with a sense of honesty and trustworthiness. Good time management skills to ensure assigned responsibilities are completed in an efficient and safe manner. Good follow through ability; ability to adhere to work schedule and follows through on challenges as they arise.. Ability to adhere to Company policies and rules set forth; promotes the Company's safety standards; does not take inappropriate risks. Maintains a feeling of pride in work; strives to achieve all goals.

Hourly range: $21.90 - $32.80/hr Pay Range: The pay range for this position is $21.90 to $30.07* which reflects the minimum wage in multiple jurisdictions. The actual range will depend on the locality in which you are hired.

Bonus Plan Details (if applicable)

Rewarding Compensation and Benefits Eligible employees can elect to participate in:

• Comprehensive medical benefits coverage, dental plans and vision coverage.
• Health care and dependent care spending accounts.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employee discount programs.
• 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Benefits https://jobs.republicservices.com/us/en/about-us/benefits

The statements used herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by an employee in this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required by an incumbent so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

EEO STATEMENT

Republic Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, relationship or association with a protected veteran (spouses or other family members), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. For any concerns relating to Republic Services' commitment to equal opportunity employment, you may contact the AWARE Line at 1-866-3-AWARE-4.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) is a leader in the environmental services industry. We provide customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services. Our industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on our vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world. In 2025, Republic's total company revenue was $16.6 billion, and adjusted EBITDA was $5.3 billion. We serve 13 million customers and operate more than 1,000 locations, including collection and transfer stations, recycling and polymer centers, treatment facilities, and landfills. Although we operate across North America, the collection, recycling, treatment, or disposal of materials is a local business, and the dynamics and opportunities differ in each market we serve. By combining local operational management with standardized business practices, we drive greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational decisions at the local level, closest to the customer. Our customers, including small businesses, major corporations and municipalities, want a partner with the expertise and capabilities to effectively manage their multiple recycling and waste streams. They choose Republic Services because we are committed to exceeding their expectations and helping them achieve their sustainability goals. Our 42,000 team members understand that it's not just what we do that matters, but how we do it. Our company values guide our daily actions: Safe: We protect the livelihoods of our colleagues and communities. Committed to Serve: We go above and beyond to exceed our customers' expectations. Environmentally Responsible: We take action to improve our environment. Driven: We deliver results in the right way. Human-Centered: We respect the dignity and unique potential of every person. We are proud of our high employee engagement score of 86. We have an inclusive and diverse culture where every voice counts. In addition, our team positively impacted 5.1 million people in 2024 through the Republic Services Charitable Foundation and local community grants. These projects are designed to meet the specific needs of the communities we serve, with a focus on building sustainable neighborhoods.

RECENT RECOGNITION

Barron's 100 Most Sustainable Companies CDP Discloser Dow Jones Best-In-Class Indices Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies Fortune World's Most Admired Companies Great Place to Work Sustainability Yearbook S&P Global Job Posting End Date 10-15-2026 The Company expects to accept applications for this position until the posting end date but encourages interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.

Why Work With Us

Republic Services is a place where your effort is always appreciated and your teammates always have your back. When you give us your best, we give you ours. We're constantly investing in new tools and technology that allow you to do your job safely and effectively. We offer plenty of opportunities to learn and grow within your role. And when we say "Sustainability in Action," we mean it. Together, we're leaving the