Heavy Equipment Operator-Portsmouth

Salary: $20.87 - $26.09 Hourly
Location : Portsmouth, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: HEO PTS
Department: Transfer/Recycling
Division: Portsmouth Transfer Station
Opening Date: 02/05/2026

Description
The Heavy Equipment Operator safely and efficiently performs heavy equipment operation to move, load, and compact solid waste at SPSA's Transfer Stations or Tire Processing Facility. Observes instruments and surroundings while vehicle is in motion. Knows and follows all spotter rules. Performs daily preventive maintenance and safety checks in a timely and efficient manner. Effectively monitors waste stream for hazardous and dangerous materials.

Work is performed under regular supervision and is carried out in accordance with standardized equipment operation practice and general work instruction. Direction is given through verbal and written communications.

Examples of Duties
Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The approximate amount of time spent on essential duties & responsibilities areas are as follows:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

% of Time

• Safely and efficiently performs heavy equipment operation to move, load, and compact solid waste.

65%

• Performs daily preventive maintenance and safety checks in a timely and effective manner.

15%

• Effectively monitors waste stream for hazardous and dangerous materials

10%

• Performs routine clerical duties such as completing station logs.

10%

• Safely and efficiently performs heavy equipment operation to move, load, and compact solid waste at SPSA's Transfer Stations or Tire Processing Facility.
• At Transfer Stations, utilize heavy equipment to push and pack household waste deposited on the floor into transfer vehicles.
• At Tire Processing Facility, utilizes heavy equipment to move and stack discarded tires onto tire shredder equipment to produce cover material for Landfill and other purposes.
• Knows and follows all spotter rules. Safely directs traffic and keeps wait time to a minimum. Maintains safe distances between vehicles and equipment.
• Performs daily preventive maintenance and safety checks in a timely and effective manner. Maintain basic fluid levels on assigned equipment.
• Inspects equipment for proper operating condition and loose or worn parts. Reports defects or damage to equipment to the appropriate authority.
• Monitors performance of assigned equipment and provides accurate and timely reports of deficiencies or other needs to supervisor.
• Observes instruments and surroundings while vehicle is in motion.
• Responsible for the proper use, operation, and cleanliness of the equipment. Conscientiously operates equipment in a manner which promotes longevity and maximum value.
• Effectively monitors waste stream for hazardous and dangerous materials and for evidence of unacceptable waste.
• Ability to spot and make determination of possible hazardous or other non-acceptable waste and advise supervisor of potential hazard immediately.
• Performs routine clerical duties such as completing station logs, field and time reports and requisitions.
• Participates in cleanup activities as directed.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Experience & Education

• Required Education - High school diploma or the equivalent required.
• Required Experience - Three years of experience in the operation of heavy construction equipment with at least one year as the primary operator of assigned equipment. Experience requirements may be reduced if the candidate has successfully completed an approved SPSA on-the-job training course.
• Required Licenses - Valid driver's license and safe driving record required to operate SPSA owned or leased vehicles.

An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Knowledge & Skills

• Thorough knowledge of heavy equipment, components, and operating techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of heavy equipment use in a solid waste transfer facility environment.
• Knowledge of traffic and safety rules and accident prevention.
• Skill in the safe and efficient operation of assigned equipment under adverse conditions.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and skills.
• Basic computer skills to complete daily logs, reports, and…