Heavy Equipment Operator

Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.

When you join Rumpke, you’ll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.

This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!

Heavy Equipment Operators are responsible for safely operating various heavy equipment that perform the spreading, compaction, and/or loading of commercial and residential Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) or recyclable materials.

Responsibilities of Position:

• Perform efficient safe operation of all heavy equipment including, but not limited to, bulldozers, graders, excavators, backhoes, front end loaders, wheel loaders, off road dump trucks, and other equipment as required


• Conduct pre-trip/post-trip inspections on heavy equipment and complete necessary documentation


• Perform routine maintenance on equipment, (i.e., lubricating, fueling, and cleaning equipment)


• Operate various equipment for general site preparation, landscaping, snow removal, and/or related assignments


• Continuously monitor the equipment to ensure proper operation and minimal down time, while also remaining aware of surroundings


• Interact with internal and external customers


• Clean waste from equipment body, cab, and wheels throughout the day


• Performing on-site Roll Off work to switch trash compactors as needed based on locations


• Operating the yard tractor on site to move and stage trailers as needed based on locations


• *Specific to Boyd County - Hazardous waste management to safely move waste materials in a manner that does not damage the tanks/containers they are held in or endanger personnel or equipment


• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position will not manage employees. 

Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:

• Must be able to show proficiency on heavy equipment


• Must be able to successfully complete training on other landfill equipment, as necessary


• Must be dependable, a self-starter, and able to identify and perform daily operational requirements


• Must possess good communication skills and be able to communicate effectively and professionally with others

Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:

• Minimum of three years experience operating heavy equipment such as an excavator, backhoe, dozer, and off-road truck or similar experience preferred


• Must pass a written and operational test to be certified to operate each piece of heavy equipment


• *Specific to Boyd County - Must successfully complete hazardous waste management training, as provided in the Personnel Training Plan for Hazardous Waste Job Duties, within six months of employment or assignment to such job duties, along with an annual review of the initial training

Physical Requirements in a Regular Workday:

• Frequently lifting/carrying a max of 10 lbs.  Occasionally lifting/carrying a max of 20 lbs.  Rarely lifting/carrying a max of 100 lbs.


• Continuously pushing/pulling a max of 10 lbs.  Frequently pushing/pulling a max of 20 lbs.  Rarely pushing/pulling a max of 100 lbs.


• Frequently working outside in changing temperatures, wet/humid conditions. 


• Continuously working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter.


• Occasionally stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling.


• Frequently climbing and/or balancing.


• Continuously sitting.  Rarely standing/walking.

Additional Working Conditions/Aspects:

• Possible exposure to high traffic conditions and/or tight driving areas.


• Exposure to residential and commercial waste.


• Ability to travel between offices, as required.


• Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed.


• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays.


• Legally eligible to work in the United States.


• Valid driver’s license (if applicable).


• Must successfully complete pre-employment testing.


• Must be able to read and speak the English language.


• *Specific to Boyd County - Occasional work around, or moving of, containers of hazardous waste

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.

Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke’s policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.