Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator

About the role

The Landfill Lead Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at the landfill for transferring, spreading, covering, loading, and/or compacting waste or soil efficiently and safely. This role also coordinates the activities of other Equipment Operators.

Responsibilities

• Performs pre- and post-operation inspection of equipment to ensure windows, lights, mirrors, and rear-view cameras are clean.
• Safely and efficiently operates equipment, including forklifts, excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders, and other machinery using proper safety standards.
• Monitors waste for evidence of unacceptable materials.
• Ensures equipment is operationally ready to minimize downtime; cleans tracks or wheels as needed.
• Performs and documents minor equipment service; refers complex mechanical issues to the Maintenance Shop.
• Completes Equipment Condition Reports and other necessary documentation; reports repairs to supervisors.
• Follows and enforces all required safety policies and procedures.
• Ensures the shop is clean, serviced, and stored at the end of each shift.
• Trains or assists in training new employees.
• Studies production schedules and estimates hour requirements for job completion.
• Establishes or adjusts work procedures to meet production schedules.
• Recommends improvements for production methods, equipment performance, and quality.
• Suggests changes in working conditions and equipment use to increase efficiency.
• Directs employees in completing work; interprets instructions, specifications, blueprints, or job orders as needed.
• Confers with supervisors or managers to coordinate activities across departments or shifts.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of related experience in equipment operation.
• Minimum of 1 year of prior experience working at sites regulated by OSHA.
• Mechanical, equipment, or trade school certificate or training.
• Prior supervisory or lead experience.

Qualifications

• Good customer service skills to meet and exceed customer expectations; acts professionally and courteously toward customers and co-workers.
• Strong time management skills to complete responsibilities efficiently and safely.
• Ability to follow through on tasks and adhere to work schedules.
• Adheres to Company policies and promotes safety standards; avoids inappropriate risks.
• Takes pride in work and strives to achieve all goals.

Benefits

Eligible employees can elect to participate in:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health care and dependent care spending accounts.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employee discount programs.
• Retirement plan with a generous company match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Paid Time Off (PTO).

More details: Republic Services Benefits

About the company

Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) is a leader in the environmental services industry, providing customers with recycling, waste, special waste, hazardous waste, and field services. The company is committed to advancing circularity and supporting decarbonization to create a more sustainable world.

In 2025, Republic’s total company revenue was $16.6 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $5.3 billion. The company serves 13 million customers and operates over 1,000 locations, including collection and transfer stations, recycling and polymer centers, treatment facilities, and landfills. Republic Services maintains a high employee engagement score of 86 and positively impacted 5.1 million people in 2024 through charitable initiatives.