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Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator / Loader / Skid Steer)
Location: Hamtramck Recycling – 3333 Hamtramck Dr, Hamtramck MI 48211
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Yard Supervisor / Operations Manager

Job Summary

Hamtramck Recycling & Transfer Station is seeking a skilled, safety-focused Heavy Equipment Operator to support day-to-day operations. In this role, you will operate loaders, skid steers, and other machinery to manage the flow of recyclable materials, load compactors, and help maintain a clean and efficient transfer station and recycling yard. This includes conducting pre- and post-operation checks, identifying and reporting equipment issues, and supporting safe and organized truck traffic throughout the facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Equipment Operation: Operate heavy equipment such as front-end loaders, skid steers, and forklifts to move, stack, and load materials including plastics, cardboard, metals, construction, and cleanout debris.

• Loading Compactors & Trailers: Efficiently load materials into compactors and transfer trailers. Monitor compactor performance and communicate with dispatch when loads are ready for transport.

• Transfer Station Support: Keep tipping floors and loading areas clear of obstructions. Constantly manage the material flow to ensure a safe and efficient transfer of waste and recyclables.

• Pre- and Post-Checks: Perform daily inspections of equipment before and after use. Check fluids, tire pressure, hydraulics, and safety features.

• Issue Reporting: Identify any equipment malfunctions or concerns and immediately report them to supervisors or maintenance.

• Material Handling: Assist with sorting and staging different material streams as needed. Ensure proper separation of recyclables from landfill waste.

• Yard & Floor Maintenance: Clean around compactors, loading docks, and dumping areas. Keep the site organized and free from excess debris to prevent hazards.

• Safety Compliance: Follow all OSHA regulations and site-specific safety protocols, including high-visibility wear, seat belt usage, and safe driving practices.

• Team Communication: Work closely with truck drivers, scale house staff, and operations personnel to support smooth and timely material flow.

• Documentation: Log machine hours, inspection checklists, material loads, and any incidents or near misses.

Qualifications

• Experience: At least 1 year operating heavy equipment in a recycling yard, transfer station, or similar environment.

• Certifications: Valid equipment certifications (e.g., loader, skid steer, forklift). CDL a plus.

• Mechanical Awareness: Ability to recognize and report mechanical or operational issues with equipment.

• Physical Fitness: Able to lift 50 lbs, operate equipment for extended periods, and work in all weather conditions.

• Safety-Oriented: Strong understanding of safe machine operation, vehicle traffic awareness, and workplace safety.

• Communication Skills: Capable of clear communication with coworkers and supervisors in a fast-paced environment.

• Adaptability: Willingness to handle changing priorities and support other yard tasks when needed.

Preferred Skills

• Experience operating CAT, CASE, Volvo, or Bobcat equipment

• Knowledge of compactor operations and load balancing

• Familiarity with recycling material types and contamination prevention

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Vocational or safety training in equipment operation preferred

What We Offer

• Competitive wages and benefits

• Opportunities for advancement

• A stable, year-round work environment

• A team-oriented, supportive workplace

Hamtramck Recycling is a waste recycling company located in Hamtramck Michigan. Our facility sorts and recycles material from the industrial and commercial waste stream that would otherwise find its home in one of the states many landfills. Our company is making an impact not only in our local community but in the entire metro Detroit area.