Industrial Heavy Equipment Operator — Environmental Services

Location: Deer Trail, CO

Schedule: Day Shift | Monday–Friday

Starting Pay: $27.00

A day in the life

Sun up in Deer Trail, and you’re in the seat of a well-maintained machine. You begin with pre-op checks and safety walkarounds, then move into a steady rhythm—maneuvering a backhoe to position containers, hopping into a heavy-duty forklift to load outbound materials, and coordinating with your crew to keep the site flowing. Midday, you document materials handled and equipment status, making sure every entry supports accurate waste tracking. Before wrap-up, you verify that containers are chocked and secured, then stage gear for the next shift. When an urgent call comes through, you know your on-call week means you’re part of the response that keeps people and the planet protected.

What you’ll handle

• Operate heavy equipment (backhoes, heavy-duty forklifts, track hoes, cranes) to support facility operations.
• Use forklifts and other powered industrial vehicles as needed across the yard.
• Complete daily inspection checklists and equipment condition reports.
• Load, unload, move, and stage materials and waste containers safely and efficiently.
• Follow company SOPs and safety protocols for every task.
• Record waste movements and equipment activity for compliant tracking.
• Secure containers with chock blocks, jack stands, and other required safeguards.
• Work in full compliance with local, state, provincial, and federal EHS requirements.
• Operate in accordance with DOT rules when applicable.
• Assist with site remediation, equipment decon, and handling of hazardous materials.
• Take part in an emergency response on-call rotation (every other week).
• Perform additional duties that support safe, reliable operations.

What you bring

• Hands-on experience with one or more: backhoe, heavy-duty forklift, track hoe, heavy-duty crane.
• Team-first mindset and a strong safety focus in industrial settings.
• Physical ability to meet the demands of the role, including lifting up to 50 lbs and working outdoors in varied weather.
• Successfully pass a background check, drug screen, and physical examination.
• Ability to wear a respirator; per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, compliance with company facial hair policy is required.
• High school diploma or equivalent; must be at least 18 years old.
• Previous heavy equipment operating experience required; forklift experience preferred.
• Willingness to work overtime and participate in the on-call rotation.
• Bonus points for prior environmental services, hazardous waste, or heavy industrial experience.

Skill spotlight: Proficiency in excavator operation.

Why Clean Harbors

• Health and safety are priority one — we live it 3-6-5.
• Competitive pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits starting after 30 days (full-time).
• 401(k) with company match and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Company-paid training and tuition reimbursement.
• Real pathways for career growth and advancement.
• Work for the industry leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

About Clean Harbors

Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy, and industrial services across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. We help customers solve waste challenges while shrinking environmental footprints—backed by a business that generates more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue. We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and operate North America’s largest re-refining capacity, enabling us to re-refine more than 150 million gallons annually.

PROTECTION. CHOICES. PEOPLE. MAKE GREEN WORK.™

Clean Harbors is proud to be a Military & Veteran Friendly employer.

Legal and policy notices

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.

Successfully pass a background check, drug screen, and physical examination.