Heavy Equipment Operator

Role overview

Walsh Waste & Recycling is hiring a Heavy Equipment Operator to join its materials recovery facility in Deerpark Industrial Estate, Oranmore, County Galway. The position reports to the Solid Waste Operations Manager and involves working with a team to sort, move, and load incoming and outgoing waste materials.

Main duties

• Use a materials handler fitted with a sorting grab to separate incoming waste into designated stockpiles.
• Load outgoing waste onto walking floor trailers with a materials handler.
• Use a loading shovel to place outgoing waste into trucks and trailers.
• Move trailers around the site as needed.
• Feed sorting lines with a materials handler to support waste segregation.
• Oversee and operate sorting lines on a daily basis.
• Carry out regular yard washing and general site housekeeping.
• Keep accurate records and ensure safe unloading of third-party customer loads.
• Follow the planned maintenance schedule for all machinery used in the MRF.
• Work effectively within the team and understand the job system.

Experience and requirements

• At least 3 years of experience in waste and recycling or construction.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to work independently.
• Comfortable working as part of a team and alongside site supervision and management.
• Capable of performing well in a busy, fast-moving environment while meeting deadlines without reducing safety or output standards.
• Self-driven, positive, and committed to succeeding in the role.
• Valid full, clean driving licence required.
• C and C1 licences are preferred but not mandatory.
• Current Safe Pass and Manual Handling certificates required.
• Valid CSCS card for a 360 excavator is essential; other construction tickets would be an advantage.
• Comfortable operating equipment in the 5.0T to 25T range.

About the company

Walsh Waste & Recycling focuses on sustainable and fair growth by providing environmentally responsible and cost-effective services. The business invests in people, uses modern technology, and supports a circular economy through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling while maintaining strong customer service.

Sustainability achievements

• Reduced CO₂ emissions by 50%.
• Improved collection route efficiency by 20%.
• Is moving its car and van fleet to electric vehicles.
• Plans to plant 50,000 trees to offset operational emissions.
• Uses 100% renewable electricity for operations.
• Is expanding renewable energy capacity with solar panels on office roofs.

Workplace culture

The company is known for a friendly, inclusive environment where employees from varied backgrounds work together to deliver high-quality service. Staff development and training are actively supported. All departments are located at the Oranmore site, which is close to local amenities and about a 2-minute drive from the M6 motorway. The business provides well-maintained equipment, an upgraded vehicle fleet serviced on site, and modern refurbished office spaces designed with energy efficiency in mind.

Additional information

The closing date for applications is Friday 17th July, 2026. The role is full time. Salary is based on experience.