Job Title

Recovery 1, a trusted name in environmental services and a proud member of the Waste Connections family, is seeking a skilled and safety-focused Equipment Operator to join our Recycling Center team in Tacoma, WA.This is a hands-on, outdoor role where you'll operate heavy equipment to support essential waste and recycling operations that serve the local community.Pay: $26.00-$26.50 per hour (DOE) with regular wage increasesSchedule: Monday-Friday, 6:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (5-7 hours of overtime per week as needed)This is a hands-on, outdoor position at our sorting facility. You'll operate front loaders and skid steers, help keep work areas clean and organized, and follow safety standards that protect you and your team.At Waste Connections, we value people who show up, work safely, treat others with respect, and take pride in doing the job right. We know great employees come from diverse industrial backgrounds-if your heavy equipment experience is recent and hands-on, we encourage you to apply.What You'll DoSafely operate front loaders and skid steers to support daily site operationsConduct daily equipment inspections, identify issues, and report maintenance needs promptlyMaintain clean, organized, hazard-free work areas and workstationsFollow company safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements at all timesCommunicate clearly with team members and supervisors to meet operational goalsTake direction from senior employees and adapt to changing assignments or equipment needs on short noticeWhat Success Looks LikeYou take safety seriously and follow procedures consistentlyYou can operate heavy equipment independently and stay situationally aware in active yardsYou're reliable: strong attendance, on time, and ready to workYou communicate clearly, support your teammates, and handle changes calmly. You maintain equipment care habits (checks, reporting, basic upkeep)Work Environment & Physical ExpectationsOutdoor work in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind)Frequent standing, walking, climbing stairs, and getting in/out of equipmentAbility to lift 50+ pounds unassisted regularlyExposure to dust, noise, odors, uneven terrain, and moving equipment trafficRequired QualificationsMinimum of 2 years of recent, hands-on heavy equipment experience in an industrial environment (recycling center, transfer station, landfill, construction, quarry, etc.)Verifiable experience operating front loaders and skid steers safely and independentlyAbility to lift 50 lbs unassisted and perform physical duties throughout the shiftAbility to work outdoors year-round with strong situational awarenessProven commitment to safety through consistent PPE use and adherence to proceduresAbility to read, speak, and understand English for safety-critical communication (Spanish is a plus)Reliable attendance and ability to work scheduled hours, including 5-7 hours of overtime as neededWillingness to take direction and adapt to changing tasks or equipmentSafety-Sensitive Position: YesPreferred QualificationsExperience working in a recycling center, transfer station, or landfillAbility to operate additional equipment (excavator, yard goat/hostling, forklift)Experience in safety-sensitive, fast-paced industrial environmentsStrong communication and teamwork skillsFamiliarity with daily equipment inspections and timely reportingTo be considered for any of our current openings, you must complete an application at Once you select your position of interest, you will find application information and additional instructions.We offer excellent benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a flexible spending account, long-term and short-term disability insurance, life insurance, a 401 (k) retirement plan