Heavy Equipment Operator

About Coastal Waste & Recycling

At Coastal Waste & Recycling, we're building more than a company, we're building a team. As one of the fastest-growing privately held waste and recycling companies in the Southeast, we're looking for people who take pride in their work, put safety first, and are ready to grow with us.

Operate Heavy Equipment. Build Safer Operations.

Do you enjoy operating heavy equipment in a fast-paced environment where safety, teamwork, and efficiency matter? As a Heavy Equipment Operator at Coastal Waste & Recycling, you'll play a critical role in keeping our post-collection operations running safely and efficiently while helping protect the environment and serve our communities.

At Coastal, our Heavy Equipment Operators do more than move material—they help keep our facilities operating safely, maintain equipment, and support the teams that keep our business moving.

Your Role

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you'll safely operate yellow iron heavy equipment to move, load, sort, and transport materials throughout our transfer stations, recycling facilities, landfills, and other post-collection operations. You'll perform equipment inspections, maintain a safe work environment, and partner with your teammates to maximize productivity while ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental standards.

What You'll Do

• Safely operate heavy equipment such as loaders, excavators, skid steers, forklifts, material handlers, compactors, and other equipment as assigned.
• Move, load, transport, and organize waste and recyclable materials while maximizing operational efficiency.
• Perform pre-shift and post-shift inspections to ensure equipment is operating safely and efficiently.
• Identify equipment concerns and communicate maintenance needs promptly.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance and routine equipment care.
• Follow traffic patterns, operational procedures, and site-specific work instructions.
• Work closely with teammates, spotters, and supervisors to safely coordinate equipment movement throughout the facility.
• Maintain accurate equipment inspection reports and other required documentation.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of safety hazards.
• Assist with general site operations and other duties as needed to support business needs.
• Reinforce company safety policies while maintaining compliance with OSHA, environmental regulations, and company standards.
• At Coastal, we win as a team. Our Heavy Equipment Operators work safely, communicate effectively, support one another, and do whatever is necessary to keep our operations running efficiently.

What You'll Bring

• One (1) or more years of experience operating heavy equipment in waste and recycling, construction, mining, aggregates, utilities, landscaping, agriculture, or another industrial environment.
• Experience operating loaders, excavators, skid steers, forklifts, or similar heavy equipment.
• Strong understanding of equipment safety, preventive maintenance, and daily inspections.
• Commitment to safety, teamwork, and operational excellence.
• Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with teammates and leadership.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Waste industry experience, bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Creole), and experience operating multiple types of heavy equipment are a plus.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive Pay
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Employee Referral Program
• Career Growth & Equipment Training Opportunities
• Opportunity to operate a variety of heavy equipment
• Collaborative team environment where safety comes first
• Opportunity to build your career with one of the fastest-growing environmental services companies in the Southeast

If you're someone who takes pride in operating equipment safely, enjoys working outdoors, and wants to make a meaningful impact every day, we'd love to have you join the Coastal Waste & Recycling team.

Coastal Waste & Recycling is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.