Operator

Position Overview

This role supports day-to-day operations within a specialized industrial facility that handles heavy equipment, waste processing systems, and material movement. You’ll work as part of a collaborative operations team to safely manage waste streams, operate equipment, and support treatment and disposal activities. The position requires adherence to safety protocols, including work environments where exposure to regulated radiation levels may occur.

Key Responsibilities

• Move materials between receiving, processing, storage, and designated work areas.
• Operate a variety of equipment, which may include stabilization/treatment systems, conveyors, compactors, pumps, valves, and control panels.
• Maintain and operate processing tools such as sorters, mixers, blasters, compactors, and separators.
• Handle and manage waste containers in compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Prepare documentation to track movement and status of waste throughout the facility.
• Collect waste samples from containers and stabilization systems as needed.
• Identify and report container damage or potential leakage.
• Respond to spills and support cleanup activities in alignment with site emergency procedures.
• Operate roll-off trucks, forklifts, industrial trucks, and other material-handling equipment.
• Conduct pre-operation checks and basic preventive maintenance on facility equipment.
• Load and unload transport vehicles and support disposal activities, including mixing waste using heavy equipment (track hoe, prentice arm machinery, etc.).
• Transport waste containers using trucks, forklifts, or container stackers.
• Assist with general labor tasks such as housekeeping, maintenance support, and cross-department collaboration.
• Work alongside other Operators and assist with peer training when needed.
• Support treatment and disposal of hazardous or low-level radioactive waste.
• Perform Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) for routine tasks.
• Apply human-performance and safety principles to minimize errors and maintain safe operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–5 years of experience in heavy equipment operation and/or waste processing, preferably in a highly regulated industrial environment.
• At least 1 year of experience operating cranes and heavy equipment.
• NCCCO certification is preferred, but not required.

Skills & Competencies

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively with team members.
• Basic math skills, including working with whole numbers, fractions, ratios, and percentages.
• Strong practical judgment and ability to solve routine operational problems.
• Familiarity with basic computer applications, including inventory systems and word-processing tools.
• Must pass a mechanical aptitude assessment and meet all physical and safety-related requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, and use of hands for handling materials and equipment.
• Occasional climbing, balancing, kneeling, or crawling in operational settings.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs.
• Must pass physical qualifications for respirator use and HAZWOPER requirements.
• Work may involve loud environments, elevated work areas, and physically demanding tasks requiring stamina, coordination, and balance.