Wheel Load Operator
Clifton, CO
Full Time
Mid Level
Wheel Loader Operator
Department: Operations
Reports To: MRF Manager
Location: MRF, Clifton, CO
Salary Range: $25- $28/Hour DOE
Position Overview
We are seeking a safety-focused and dependable Wheel Loader Operator to join our operations team. This position plays an important role in receiving and inspecting inbound single-stream recyclable material, maintaining an organized tip floor, and safely loading material into the system drum feeder to support daily production goals.
The ideal candidate has experience operating heavy equipment, demonstrates strong attention to detail, and understands the importance of safe equipment operation, material quality, and effective communication in a fast-paced industrial environment. CDL required.
Key Responsibilities
Inbound Receiving and Material Quality
This position requires extended periods of equipment operation, frequent use of controls, repeated entry into and exit from the equipment cab using three points of contact, and walking on industrial surfaces. Employees must be able to observe material and surrounding traffic, respond to safety warnings, and perform assigned inspections and housekeeping.
The work environment includes moving trucks and machinery, dust, noise, vibration, odors, recyclable waste, and varying temperatures. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) and established safety procedures must be followed. Shift schedules and overtime may vary based on facility needs.
Performance Expectations
Successful performance in this role includes:
Department: Operations
Reports To: MRF Manager
Location: MRF, Clifton, CO
Salary Range: $25- $28/Hour DOE
Position Overview
We are seeking a safety-focused and dependable Wheel Loader Operator to join our operations team. This position plays an important role in receiving and inspecting inbound single-stream recyclable material, maintaining an organized tip floor, and safely loading material into the system drum feeder to support daily production goals.
The ideal candidate has experience operating heavy equipment, demonstrates strong attention to detail, and understands the importance of safe equipment operation, material quality, and effective communication in a fast-paced industrial environment. CDL required.
Key Responsibilities
Inbound Receiving and Material Quality
- Coordinate with the scale house and operations team to confirm incoming loads, unloading locations, and special handling requirements.
- Visually inspect inbound material for recyclable content, contamination, excessive moisture, oversized items, and potentially hazardous or prohibited materials.
- Apply approved material grading criteria and accurately document load quality, contamination, and inspection findings.
- Promptly report questionable loads, prohibited items, and potential safety hazards to the appropriate supervisor.
- Support load audits and acceptance or rejection decisions in accordance with facility procedures and assigned authority.
- Maintain organized stockpiles, clear travel routes, designated unloading areas, and emergency access.
- Move and rotate material according to inventory needs and processing priorities.
- Remove or segregate visible oversized and prohibited objects using approved equipment and safe handling practices.
- Feed the drum feeder at a controlled rate consistent with equipment capacity, material characteristics, and system requirements.
- Communicate with the system operator and stop feeding when required due to system stoppages, jams, or unsafe conditions.
- Complete and document required pre-shift equipment inspections.
- Operate the wheel loader safely and within facility traffic rules, equipment limits, and established operating procedures.
- Report equipment defects, leaks, damage, and maintenance concerns promptly.
- Perform assigned cleaning, fueling, lubrication, and basic operator maintenance within training and authorization.
- Follow all applicable PPE, traffic management, fire prevention, hazardous material response, and energy-control procedures.
- Maintain an orderly work area and immediately report incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions.
- Maintain accurate load grading, inspection, equipment, and shift records.
- Communicate material quality concerns, held loads, stockpile conditions, and equipment issues during shift handoffs.
- Work collaboratively with the scale house, system operator, maintenance team, and supervisors to support safe, efficient operations.
- Demonstrated experience operating wheel loaders or comparable heavy equipment is preferable.
- Recycling, solid waste, transfer station, or materials recovery facility (MRF) experience preferred.
- Ability to identify common recyclable materials and contamination and apply facility grading standards following training.
- Ability to maneuver equipment safely in an active industrial environment and respond appropriately to changing conditions.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, complete required documentation, and communicate clearly by radio and in person.
- Successful completion of company-required equipment training and a practical operating evaluation before independent operation.
- Commitment to safe work practices, teamwork, reliable attendance, and consistent job performance.
This position requires extended periods of equipment operation, frequent use of controls, repeated entry into and exit from the equipment cab using three points of contact, and walking on industrial surfaces. Employees must be able to observe material and surrounding traffic, respond to safety warnings, and perform assigned inspections and housekeeping.
The work environment includes moving trucks and machinery, dust, noise, vibration, odors, recyclable waste, and varying temperatures. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) and established safety procedures must be followed. Shift schedules and overtime may vary based on facility needs.
Performance Expectations
Successful performance in this role includes:
- Consistent compliance with safety procedures and safe equipment operation.
- Accurate and timely inbound material grading and documentation.
- Controlled, consistent feeding of the drum feeder within system operating limits.
- Organized stockpiles and a clean, accessible tip floor.
- Proper equipment inspections, care, and timely reporting of maintenance needs.
- Reliable attendance, effective communication, and teamwork.
- Support of production goals without compromising safety or material acceptance requirements.
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