Day Shift Tarper & Small Equipment Operator (Tacoma, WA)

Recovery One, a Waste Connections company, seeks a Day Shift Tarper / Small Equipment Operator to support the safe and efficient movement of construction and demolition (C&D) materials at Recovery 1.

This hands‑on role includes tarping and securing loads, assisting customers and drivers, operating small equipment, and performing general site labor. This is an active position in a fast‑paced, high‑volume industrial recycling environment.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:00 am – 4:30 pm

Pay: $22-24 an hour

Key Responsibilities:

Tarper Duties:

  • Secure and tarp loads according to site and safety standards.
  • Inspect incoming and outgoing loads and alert leadership to hazards or issues.
  • Provide assistance to drivers with proper load preparation.

Small Equipment Operation:

  • Operate small equipment (e.g., skid steers, forklifts, yard goats) to move materials safely and efficiently.
  • Support material flow throughout the site.
  • Maintain communication with tip floor staff and heavy equipment operators.

General Labor & Support:

  • Assist with debris cleanup and maintaining safe pedestrian pathways.
  • Support tip floor traffic flow during peak volumes.
  • Follow all company safety policies, PPE requirements, and hazard‑reporting procedures.

Environment / Working Conditions:

Recovery 1 processes high volumes of construction and demolition materials. Employees should expect:

  • Exposure to dust, debris, mud, and varying site conditions.
  • Indoor/outdoor work in heat, cold, rain, and wind.
  • Active wildlife and pest presence, which is common in open‑air recycling and C&D environments.
  • High‑traffic areas with frequent movement of customers, trucks, and heavy equipment.
  • Constant walking, standing, climbing, and lifting throughout the shift.
  • Required use of PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, high‑visibility gear, gloves, etc.) at all times.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Ability to lift 50–75 lbs unassisted.
  • Ability to work safely around heavy equipment in a high‑activity environment.
  • Reliable attendance and the ability to work the scheduled day shift.
  • Willingness to learn and operate small equipment (training provided).
  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior experience in recycling, C&D, warehouse, or construction environments.
  • Experience operating small equipment (forklift, skid steer, or similar).
  • Strong communication skills and teamwork approach.
  • Familiarity with daily equipment inspections and reporting maintenance issues promptly

We offer excellent benefits including: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, long term & short term disability, life insurance, 401K retirement and unlimited opportunities to "Connect with Your Future".

A link to our benefits overview can be found here:

Waste Connections is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or protected veteran status.

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