Heavy Equipment Operator

Rumpke Waste & Recycling, a family-owned and operated company with a long history in the waste and recycling industry, is looking for a Heavy Equipment Operator in Delaware, Ohio. The role is based onsite and full-time, with the company stressing safety, service and environmental responsibility while supporting the growth of its people. If you like steadier work, hands-on machinery and a straightforward, team-focused environment, this could be a good fit.

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you’ll work with machines that spread, compact and load waste and recyclables, and you may also move earth for site development or landfill projects. The job combines field duties with the occasional earthmoving task, all performed to keep neighborhoods and businesses serviced efficiently and safely.

This is a solid opportunity for someone who comes from a hands-on background, takes pride in accuracy and reliability, and wants a steady role in a large, service-minded organization.

A day on the site: what you’ll actually do

You’ll operate a range of heavy equipment, bulldozers, graders, excavators, backhoes, front end loaders, wheel loaders, and off-road dump trucks among others, while following local, state and federal rules as well as company policies. Before and after each shift you’ll inspect the equipment and complete the required paperwork, and you’ll perform routine maintenance like lubricating and cleaning to keep machines ready for work. For site prep, earth moving, landscaping or snow removal, you’ll put the equipment to use, staying alert to your surroundings and ensuring downtime is minimized. You’ll interact with customers and coworkers in a professional manner, and you’ll keep the equipment clean, both inside and out, to avoid debris buildup. On-site roll-off duties may be required to switch out trash compactors, and you’ll operate the yard tractor to move and stage trailers as needed. In some cases tied to Boyd, you’ll manage hazardous waste to move materials safely without risking damage to tanks or endangering people or equipment. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support operations.

What you bring to the job

Here’s what the team needs to see you bring to the role, along with the right mindset to handle daily operations.

• Proficiency with heavy equipment and the ability to operate it safely and effectively
• Willingness to complete training on other landfill equipment when required
• Dependable, self-motivated and capable of recognizing and carrying out daily tasks
• Clear, professional communication with colleagues and customers
• Skill in maneuvering machines through tight driving spaces with people and vehicles nearby
• Ability to read and speak English well enough to understand directions and safety training

• About three years of hands-on experience operating machines such as excavators, backhoes, dozers and off-road trucks or similar gear
• Willingness to pass written and practical tests to become certified to operate each piece of equipment
• If assigned to Boyd, hazardous waste management training within six months of starting, plus an annual review of the initial training

Pay, benefits and practical details

The company offers competitive pay and a broad benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, a matching 401(k), life insurance and paid vacation, among other offerings. The position is onsite in Delaware, OH and requires working with a team to keep operations moving smoothly.

What you’ll need to know about schedule and travel: the role may require flexible hours, including nights and weekends, and overtime or additional shifts as needed. Travel between offices may be required, and you must be legally eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver’s license may be required where applicable, and pre-employment testing is part of the process. You must be able to read and speak English to follow directions and safety training. The job also carries physical demands typical of heavy equipment operation, described below.

Physical requirements you should expect on a regular day include continuous sitting and frequent indoor work, with exposure to outdoor conditions in changing temperatures and wet or humid environments. You’ll also encounter ongoing exposure to dust, odors, mist, gases and other airborne matter, with occasional stooping, kneeling and crawling, and frequent climbing and balancing. You’ll push and pull with different loads, lift and carry varying weights, and handle tasks that require long periods of standing or walking based on the day’s workflow.

Additional working conditions may involve exposure to high traffic areas and tight driving zones, and the possibility of travel between sites or offices as needed. The role may include nights, weekends or holidays and requires the ability to fulfill pre-employment tests. You must be able to read and speak English and to work legally in the United States.

This job description outlines the general nature, complexity and level of work to be performed by employees in this position and is not exhaustive of duties or responsibilities. It may change at the discretion of the company.

Rumpke Waste & Recycling is an equal opportunity employer, providing the same opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability.

Advice for applicants

Lead your resume with your hands-on equipment experience. Put the strongest machines you’ve operated up front, especially if you have 3+ years in roles involving excavators, backhoes or dozers, and mention any off-road trucks you’ve used. If you’ve worked in environments where hazardous waste handling was part of the role, call that out clearly and note any related training or certifications.

When you describe your must-have skills, back them up with examples. If you say you’re dependable and a self-starter, cite a project or routine you improved or a daily task you consistently managed without supervision. If you highlight your English communication, share a moment when clear instructions or safety briefings helped operations run smoothly or protected people on site.

Prepare for interviews by revisiting your experience with inspections and pre-trip/post-trip checks, plus any certification tests you’ve completed. Be ready to discuss how you’ve kept equipment in good working order through routine maintenance, and how you respond when you face tight driving areas or high-traffic conditions on a job site.

Ask a thoughtful question about Boyd-specific requirements, such as the hazardous waste training timeline and what an annual review looks like for that training. You can also ask how often nights and weekend shifts occur and what a typical week looks like for the Heavy Equipment Operator in Delaware, OH.