Heavy Equipment Operator

This recruitment is open continuous and those interested are encouraged to apply without delay. The first review date will be September 25th, 2026. Screening will be ongoing as applications are received.

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

Metro’s Waste Prevention and Environmental Services (WPES) department is looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator to join the team at the Metro South Transfer Station. Heavy Equipment Operators play an important role in keeping the facility safe and operating efficiently by using large equipment to move and manage solid waste. This is hands-on work in a busy public and industrial setting where you will operate equipment around employees, contractors and members of the public. You will also support tipping floor operations, material recovery, equipment maintenance and employee training. This is a great opportunity for an experienced equipment operator who enjoys hands-on work, working as part of a team and providing an essential public service.

As the Heavy Equipment Operator you will:

• Safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment, including dozers, front-end loaders, compactors, roll-off trucks, street sweepers and other assigned equipment.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and identify, document and report equipment defects or unsafe conditions.
• Perform routine operator-level maintenance, including checking fluid levels, lubricating equipment, cleaning machinery and completing required maintenance and inspection records.
• Maintain situational awareness while operating equipment in a high-traffic environment around employees, contractors and members of the public.
• Identify hazardous or prohibited materials in the waste stream and follow established procedures for isolation, notification and disposal.
• Perform transfer station technician duties, including assisting with unloading vehicles and recovery activities on the tipping floor as needed.
• Transport materials on-site and off-site as operational needs require and operate vehicles requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) when qualified and assigned.
• Assist with training Transfer Station Technician II staff in the safe operation of heavy equipment after required qualifications and training have been completed.
• Participate in training to develop lead skills and perform Transfer Station Lead duties in a training capacity when qualified and assigned.
• Follow Metro safety policies, procedures and standard operating procedures while contributing to a safe, clean and welcoming transfer station for employees and customers.

Attributes for success

• Safety-focused and consistently aware of changing conditions in a busy industrial and public-facing environment.
• Skilled at operating heavy equipment safely, efficiently and with attention to equipment condition and performance.
• Comfortable working outdoors in changing weather conditions and around noise, dust, dirt, odors, traffic, machinery and solid waste.
• Able to recognize hazards, make sound decisions and respond appropriately when conditions change.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills when working with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, customers and members of the public.
• Reliable and accountable, with a commitment to following through on assigned work and maintaining regular attendance.
• Able to follow established procedures while using good judgment when situations require additional problem solving.
• Willing to learn new equipment, procedures and responsibilities and share knowledge with coworkers.
• Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced operational environment.

• Committed to public service, cultural humility, teamwork, accountability, openness to change and effective communication.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.   

Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant. 

Minimum qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED, and
• One (1) to four (4) years of experience operating heavy equipment or machinery in solid waste, transfer station, landfill, or related setting, or
• Any combination of experience, education and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential job duties.

Required qualifications

• Possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), as required. 
  • Street Sweeper drivers require a CDL with a tank endorsement.
• Within one (1) year of hire:
  • Forklift certification
  • First Aid/CPR certification
  • Asbestos Awareness training
  • Bloodborne Pathogens training

• Ability to work the assigned schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays as operationally required.
• Ability to work safely in a high-traffic transfer station environment around moving equipment, solid waste, hazardous materials and members of the public.
• Ability to perform the physical and environmental requirements of the position, including regular standing, walking, bending, climbing, operating equipment and lifting up to 50 pounds, with occasional lifting of objects weighing more than 50 pounds.

Working Conditions

This position works primarily outdoors, with approximately 90 percent of the work performed outside. Work includes regular exposure to changing weather conditions, temperature extremes, noise, vibration, dust, dirt, strong or unpleasant odors, traffic, moving machinery, municipal solid waste and potentially hazardous materials.

The position requires regular standing, walking, bending, climbing, equipment operation and physical activity on uneven surfaces. Employees may occasionally be required to lift objects weighing more than 50 pounds. Personal protective equipment is required as appropriate for assigned duties and working conditions.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Experience operating heavy equipment in a solid waste, transfer station, landfill, recycling or related industrial environment.
• Experience operating dozers, front-end loaders, compactors, roll-off trucks, street sweepers or similar heavy equipment.
• Experience working in a high-hazard, high-traffic industrial or processing environment.
• OSHA-10 certification.
• Forklift certification.
• HAZWOPER 40-hour certification.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Asbestos awareness training.
• Bloodborne pathogens training.
• Experience providing equipment training or guidance to coworkers.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments
• Reference check 
• Driving records check for finalist candidate 

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $30.60 to step 7: $41.02. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $30.60 to the equity range step 4: $35.43.

This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by AFSCME 3580. It is classified as a Heavy Equipment Operator position. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Carrie Gundermann

Email: carrie.gundermann@oregonmetro.gov

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Non-discrimination?in hiring decisions

Metro is committed to equal employment?opportunity?and?complies with?all applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws. Metro employment decisions – including recruitment, screening, interviewing, selection, promotion, compensation, and separation – must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected class.?? 

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework 

This position is designated as “hybrid telework.” You will be required to work onsite and at times have the option to work away from your assigned work location. The specific schedule and balance of onsite and telework will be discussed with the hiring manager at the time of offer. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington to work at Metro. Please note, the designation of hybrid telework may be subject to change at a future time.

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. 

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page. 

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Metro 

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home. 

Salary : $31 - $41