Job Description

Heavy Equipment Operator (Waste Management)

Job Number:

3584

Job Type:

Full-Time

Location:

1516 Glasgow St - Waste Operations Centre

Job Category:

Environmental

Number of Positions:

1

Department:

Waterloo A (Waste Operations)

Division:

Engineering and Environmental Services

Hours of Work:

40. Tuesday to Saturday 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Union:

CUPE 1656

Grade:

CUPE 1656 Grade 005

Salary Range:

$32.27 - 33.97 per hour

Posting Date:

October 28, 2025

About Us!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:
Taking only what we need Leaving some for others Keeping the dish clean
This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051.

Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, "Growing with Care," we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

The Role

Loads and unloads waste, recycling, and waste diversion materials at waste management sites; hauls, levels, compacts, and covers landfill tipping face daily. Participates in a heavy equipment rotation, operating heavy equipment such as bulldozers, compactors, hydraulic excavator, articulating dump trucks, roll-off trucks, water trucks, and front end loaders. Maintains areas of the site, heavy equipment, and tools as required.

Duties/Responsibilities

Inspects interior and exterior condition of equipment daily per operator manual (e.g., checks and maintains fluid levels, cleaning, greasing). Completes checklist and advises supervisor/lead hand of requirements for additional service or repair. Operates a rubber tire loader and excavator inside transfer stations. Loads and unloads transport trailers containing waste and recyclable materials for transfer from Cambridge to Waterloo waste management sites. Builds and maintains roadways, staging, and drop off areas. Removes rubble from roadways and stockpiles for reuse. Operates equipment safely amid interruptions and in close proximity of others; watches for other drivers, and adjusts own equipment driving as needed. Operates articulating dump truck to haul material for daily cover, topsoil, and clay for capping, as well as woodchips, aggregates, excavated garbage, and slag. Applies 6 inches of soil, other approved material to cover tipping area daily. Operates tarp machine to install and remove tarps from tipping face. Loads and mixes bales of alternate daily cover material and operates hydro-mulcher to apply daily cover material over the tipping face. Operates hydraulic excavator to load material for daily cover and clay for capping. Operates excavator to clean and dig ditches, install culverts, dig clay keys, and for other projects. Digs trenches to approved gradient. Uses GPS system to build landfill cells, slopes to achieve designed grades, heights, and compaction. Operates compactor to push, compact, and cover refuse or push and compact clay as required at the tipping area. Operates loader to turn leaves for compost pile; maintain brush, metal, tire, and shingle piles. Packs garbage bins at transfer stations. Assists contractors at the Materials Recycling Centre (MRC) by helping stockpile recyclable material. Loads various recyclable, road building, and other materials. Performs snow removal at the waste management site. Operates roll-off truck to pick up bins at waste management sites. Tarps loads and hauls material to designated drop off areas. Operates bulldozer to strip, push and layer material at waste management sites. Digs holes in tipping face to properly dispose of loads requiring special handling. Builds landfill cells to designated/designed elevation and grade. Operates water truck to wet down or flush roads when required at waste management sites. Operates truck to clean heavy equipment. During/post-operating, inspects and maintains equipment, including using hand spade, bar, knife, and pressure washer to clean equipment tracks of mud. Occasionally uses other heavy equipment, wire cutters, bolt cutters, and tow straps to clear wire or metal pieces. Blows radiator clean using air compressor and removes air filters for cleaning or replacement. Notifies lead hand/supervisor regarding issues. Notifies Spotter and lead hand when appropriate when potentially hazardous or banned material is suspected/identified. Assists to maintain equipment (e.g., removing/turning cutting edges, washing equipment, replacing tow cables and tarps). Performs general maintenance duties (e.g., painting and repairing bins, maintaining rear doors on bins, other housekeeping), as required. Maintains heavy equipment, GPS unit, tools and maintenance equipment in good working condition. Refers repairs, maintenance, and service needs to supervisor/lead hand as required. Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Functional knowledge of, and demonstrated skill, ability, and competency in the safe operation of heavy equipment, with a minimum of loader, bulldozer, roll-off truck, and excavator, acquired through a Grade 12 education plus 2 years of directly related experience, or completion of an accredited heavy construction and equipment operation program plus 110 hours of on-equipment experience for a minimum of loader, bulldozer, roll-off truck, and excavator.
+ An equivalency of a Grade 10 education and 3-years directly related experience is also accepted.

Must have a valid Class D driver's licence with Z endorsement and acceptable driving record to operate corporate vehicles/equipment. Where operational requirements permit, applicants may be considered who have a valid G driver's license and acceptable driving record upon hire, and attain a valid class D driver's license with Z-air brake endorsement within probationary period (must provide proof of successful completion of the DZ knowledge/written test and proof of a booked road test within 30 days of hire). Knowledge of and ability to follow job-related corporate and divisional policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures, and Provincial and Federal legislation (e.g., Occupational Health and Safety Act, Environmental Protection Act, Highway Traffic Act). Knowledge of GPS system to build landfill cells, slopes to achieve designated grades, heights, and compaction. Communication skills to exchange/ provide information to contractors, supervisors, co-workers (including using a two-way radio), and customers; and participate as an effective team member. Ability to read and understand owners manuals, GPS system for surveying, safety policies and manuals, maintenance requirements, instructions, labels, Material Safety Data Sheets, memos, policy material. Ability to write notes and recommendations for procedural/equipment changes and complete daily check lists. Awareness and mechanical aptitude to identify maintenance requirements, perform regular equipment maintenance checks, use air compressor, power or hand tools, and comply with safety policy and procedures. Hours of work are determined by shift selection, which could include weekends, evenings, and statutory holidays. Ability to support and demonstrate the Region's values.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Internal 1656 applicants are required to submit a document with their name on it (or an optional resume). 1656 staff are encouraged to internally apply with an updated resume, especially for those job opportunities that are a promotional opportunity, so that their qualifications are appropriately captured during the screening phase.

The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We actively encourage applications from diverse groups, including Black, racialized, First Nations, Metis, Inuit individuals, women, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and are committed to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace.

Accessibility and Accommodations

The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive workplace where all employees can succeed. If you require accommodations at any stage of your employment, whether during onboarding, training, or while performing your role, please let us know. Your hiring manager will reach out prior to your start date to discuss the role, workspace, and typical workday to ensure you have the supports you need to be successful. Accommodations are flexible and may be adjusted as your needs or role evolve. All discussions regarding accommodations are confidential, focused on supporting your success, and respect your choice about what, if any, personal information you wish to share. For questions or to request accommodations during your recruitment, onboarding or employment, please contact talentmanagement@regionofwaterloo.ca, or by calling our Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400.

Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).