Small 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!

Small Equipment Operators are responsible for operating equipment including, but not limited to, paper balers, bobcats, and forklifts to transport or bind paper or loose materials to facilitate handling as well as load or unload materials into trailers and/or railcars. 

Responsibilities of Position:

• Perform safe driving practices while transporting, loading, and unloading loose or baled materials and always operate equipment in a safe manner in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and Company policies


• Safely stack baled material in a manner that does not endanger personnel, equipment, or materials


• Organize and secure the stored materials in accordance with policy


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


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


• Monitor for signs of unacceptable material


• Weigh, tag, log, and prepare baled materials for transport


• Professionally interact with internal and external customers


• Clean waste from equipment body and wheels throughout the day


• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position will not manage employees

Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:

• Ability to maneuver equipment through tight areas with high equipment and pedestrian traffic


• Ability to pass a written and operational test to be certified to operate a forklift and bobcat


• Good verbal communication skills to be able to communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external customers


• Must be able to read and speak the English language well enough to communicate, understand, and respond to questions, directions, traffic signs, signals, and safety training

Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:

• Previous experience operating equipment preferred

Physical Requirements in a Regular Workday:

• Continuously lifting/carrying a max of 10 lbs


• Frequently lifting/carrying a max of 35 lbs


• Occasionally lifting/carrying a max of 50 lbs


• Rarely lifting/carrying a max of 100 lbs


• Occasionally pushing/pulling a max of 50 lbs


• Rarely pushing/pulling a max of 100 lbs


• Continuously working outside in changing temperatures, wet/humid conditions


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


• Continuously stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling


• Continuously climbing and/or balancing


• Continuously sitting/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

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.