Equipment Operator

Lautenbach Recycling – San Juan Transfer Station

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA $28.00–$35.00 per hour | Full-Time (40+ hours/week)

Join Lautenbach Recycling as a Transfer Station Equipment Operator & Scale House Attendant at our San Juan Transfer Station in Friday Harbor! This role is ideal for someone who enjoys operating equipment, working with customers, and keeping daily operations running smoothly in a team-focused environment.

Why Work With Us?

At Lautenbach Recycling, we're more than just a recycling company — we're a locally owned business with deep roots in Washington State since 1991. As the largest locally owned recycler in the state, we take pride in serving our communities and supporting our employees.

What we offer:

• Competitive hourly pay: $28.00–$35.00
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% employer-paid after 3 months)
• Paid sick time, vacation, and holidays
• 401(k) with company match after 1 year
• Company-paid L&I coverage
• Supportive, family-oriented culture with company events
• Stable, year-round, full-time work

What You'll Do

This position combines heavy equipment operation, scale house duties, and customer service.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operating heavy equipment to process and load residential garbage, recycling, and construction & demolition debris
• Loading materials for off-island recycling transport
• Operating the scale house, including weighing vehicles, processing transactions, and accurate data entry
• Assisting customers and patrons with a friendly, helpful, and professional attitude
• Handling basic customer transactions and answering questions
• Performing daily safety inspections and basic equipment maintenance
• Driving large trucks and equipment safely around the facility
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient work environment
• Working collaboratively with team members to ensure smooth daily operations

What We're Looking For

• Experience operating heavy equipment and machinery
• Mechanically inclined with strong troubleshooting skills
• Comfortable using computers for scale house operations
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to lift heavy parts and work in a physically demanding environment
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
• High school diploma or GED
• Reliable, flexible, and safety-focused with a team-oriented mindset

Work Environment

This role is based at our fully operational transfer station in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. The environment includes frequent vehicle traffic, outdoor conditions, dust, and noise.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lautenbach Recycling is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.