Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Kennewick, WA

Jammie's Environmental, Inc. (JEI) is the preferred company to call when our customers—including some of the largest manufacturers in the Pacific Northwest—have industrial cleaning, hydro-blasting, vacuum excavation, hazardous or non-hazardous waste cleanup needs. We also support derailments and other railroad-related operations. Our continued growth is driven by our commitment to safety, quality, and exceptional customer service. Our employees take pride in their work and enjoy being part of a strong, dependable team. Come grow with us!

JEI is seeking a reliable and hardworking CDL Driver / Heavy Equipment Operator to safely operate CDL vehicles and heavy equipment in support of industrial services, transportation, and railroad-related work. This role involves transporting equipment and materials to job sites, operating various trucks and equipment, and assisting with industrial and railroad projects as needed.

This is not a "sit and wait" driving job—our drivers are hands-on, versatile, and involved in the work from start to finish. Previous heavy haul and/or railroad experience is preferred, but not required. We will train the right candidate on our specialized equipment.

Due to the nature of our work—including mill shutdowns and emergency response—this position may require varied shifts, weekends, overtime, holidays, on-call work, and occasional travel. Employer-paid travel expenses include lodging and daily per diem.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include, but are not limited to the following:

• Uphold and follow all company, state, federal, and customer-specific safety rules and protocols, including proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Safely operate CDL vehicles including vacuum trucks, roll-off trucks and trailers, dump trucks, tankers, and tractor-trailers.
• Transport standard, oversized, and overweight loads while adhering to DOT regulations and permit requirements.
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip vehicle and equipment inspections.
• Mobilize equipment to job sites and utilize appropriate equipment for safe and efficient project completion.
• Load, unload, stage, and secure materials and equipment for transport and job execution.
• Operate heavy equipment such as excavators, wheel loaders, backhoes, dozers, forklifts, and other job-specific equipment as trained.
• Assist with railroad-related activities including rerailing, track material handling, load transfers, and site cleanup as needed.
• Assist with rigging, chaining, cables, winches, and specialty lifting during derailments or railroad operations.
• Perform preventative maintenance, fueling, cleaning, and decontamination of equipment after job completion.
• Identify mechanical issues and assist with minor repairs; report major issues to the Shop Manager or Foreman.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and timely, including e-logs, time sheets, job cards, manifests, and work orders.
• Maintain required certifications and complete assigned training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old and authorized to work in the U.S. (we use E-verify)
• Must have a high school diploma, or a GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must have a valid Class A CDL with one to three years related driving experience as a CDL driver
• Must be able to pass DOT-regulated drug & alcohol testing (we test for marijuana and THC as well as other controlled substances since we are federally regulated), background checks, and be insurable by our commercial vehicle insurance
• Work at a variety of customer sites and be available to work overtime Ability and willingness to work varied hours, including but not limited to evenings and weekends, as well as some out of town travel
• Heavy haul and/or railroad construction or operations experience preferred, but not required.
• Must have and maintain excellent driving/safety record and be insurable with our plan.
• A current driving abstract and proof of all certifications and licenses is required. (We pull MVR report for last 5 years and check Clearinghouse record) Must pass pre-employment, random, and regular updates for DOT and non-DOT physical/drug tests and background checks.
• Must participate in JEI's DOT and non-DOT drug and alcohol program, to include random testing
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs
• Previous experience operating a forklift preferred but not required
• Previous experience working in a manufacturing, construction, or railroad setting preferred but not required
• Must demonstrate the ability to perform duties in a safe and effective manner and pass a drive test
• Must be able to work indoors as well as outdoors in all weather conditions
• Must be able to work in confined spaces
• Must be able to follow directions and procedures for each job, vehicle, and piece of equipment

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must have valid Class A CDL or Class B
• HazMat, Doubles/Triples and Tanker endorsements a plus
• TWIC Card or the ability to get a TWIC card preferred
• Proof of all certifications and licenses required

Benefits

• Health/Dental/Vision (Employee Coverage is 100% Employer-Paid)
• Health Savings Account (with election of a HDHP)
• Basic Employee Life/AD&D Insurance (100% Employer-Paid)
• Long-Term Disability (100% Employer-Paid)
• Voluntary Life/AD&D for Employee, Spouse, Child(ren) (100% Employee-Paid)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (100% Employee-Paid)
• Voluntary Critical Illness & Cancer Insurance (100% Employee-Paid)
• Voluntary Hospital Indemnity Insurance (100% Employee-Paid)
• Voluntary Accident Insurance (100% Employee-Paid)
• Voluntary Whole Life (100% Employee-Paid)
• 401K Retirement Plan (100% vested in 4% Employer-Paid Safe Harbor Match)
• Employee Assistance Program with limited free counseling sessions (100% Employer-Paid)
• Marketplace savings and discounts on pet/home/auto/boat/rv/renters insurance, identity theft protection, legal services, extended vehicle warranties, and employee perks
• Paid Holidays (8 days)
• Paid Time Off
• Some jobs are prevailing wage
• Opportunity for promotion

As this is a safety-sensitive position, our drug/alcohol testing is not limited to but does include testing for THC metabolites.

JEI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in all our employment practices. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.