Full-Time
Lead Heavy Equipment Operator
Athens Services
201-500 employees
Waste collection, recycling, and environmental services
Compensation Overview
$35.12/hr
Victorville, CA, USA
In Person
 Building Trades |
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- Must have five (5) years’ experience working in a municipal solid waste landfill.
- Ability to handle the day-to-day operations of the landfill and manage the site when the supervisor is offsite.
- Provide outstanding customer service to the public, county inspectors, and staff.
- High School Diploma and/or GED.
- Ability to read and understand safety rules, operating manuals, and maintenance instructions pertaining to assigned vehicles.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
- Ability to understand and interpret site plans.
- Ensure the tipping table is clean and orderly to accept each day’s trash.
- Keep tipping table trash safely arranged to allow the loader to remove recyclables.
- Inspect assigned equipment and prepare pre-trips and post-trips as required.
- Keep hazardous and otherwise prohibited wastes out of the transfer station and landfills.
- Keep the tipping table clear of trash so customers can unload safely.
- Be aware of emergency contacts and procedures.
- Perform other duties assigned by the landfill supervisor.
- Report unsafe situations to the direct supervisor.
- Work overtime as needed.
- Operate heavy equipment to compact and push waste with a dozer.
- Place soil cover over trash using loaders, excavators, and rock trucks.
- Operate other equipment, including water trucks, roll-off trucks, and backhoes.
- Five (5) years’ experience as a Lead Heavy Equipment Operator in a municipal solid waste landfill.
- Bilingual ability in English and Spanish.
- Obtain 40 hours of HazWopper training, First Aid, and CPR within six (6) months of employment.
Athens Services provides waste collection, recycling, and environmental services for residential, commercial, and public-sector customers in the greater Los Angeles area. It operates through a fleet of trucks and local facilities to collect trash, recycle materials, and compost waste, and it uses reuse and recycling to divert resources from landfills. The company emphasizes personalized, community-focused service and investment in people, technology, and the environment. It differentiates itself by being family-owned and operating with a focus on The Athens Way—great service, strong people, safety, and sustainability—rather than competing purely on scale. The goal is to deliver reliable service while fostering a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment for generations to come.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
La Puente, California
Founded
N/A
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Irwindale MRF targets 70 tons hourly and nearly 200,000 diverted tons annually.
- Athens expanded Ventura County service starting January 1, 2024, deepening recurring revenue.
- June 2026 hiring events and training programs signal continued volume growth and labor demand.
What critics are saying
- AIG's March 24, 2026 lawsuit could exhaust defense cash and distract management.
- PFAS-linked environmental claims threaten Athens' land-application model and insurance availability.
- WM and Harrison can undercut bids, risking contract losses in Ventura and Los Angeles.
What makes Athens Services unique
- Athens opened Irwindale MRF on April 3, 2026, using AI sorting and solar power.
- Its Southern California franchise density creates hauling, transfer, and disposal synergies.
- Athens pairs municipal contracts with workforce training programs for Pomona and Ventura.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Professional Development Budget
Exceptional Work Environment
Company News
Athens Services hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for Irwindale MRF. Home - news - Athens Services hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for Irwindale MRF. Irwindale MRF ribbon-cutting ceremony marks major milestone. Athens Services recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in the City of Irwindale. What is the Irwindale MRF? The Irwindale MRF is a state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facility operated by Athens Services that processes residential, commercial, and construction waste using advanced AI-powered sorting technology to improve recycling efficiency and sustainability. State-of-the-Art Irwindale MRF facility features and capabilities. This facility processes a mix of material streams including residential and commercial single stream recycling, C&D materials, organic materials, as well as being open to the public for self-hauling. Sitting on 17-acres and powered in part by solar energy, the Silver LEED Irwindale MRF is equipped with AI and advanced sorting technology. Irwindale MRF supports sustainability in the 626 region. "This facility proudly represents Athens Services' commitment to investing in modern technology to help our cities divert waste from landfills and focus more on sustainable practices, "noted Gary Clifford, Senior Executive Vice President, Government Affairs. "Our presence in Irwindale has always been strong. Along with this highly advanced MRF, we have our hauling yard, our Irwindale Office Center, and provide service to both residential and commercial customers. We greatly value our role as a trusted and collaborative partner to the City." Gary Clifford, Senior Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, Athens Services Anthony Bertrand, Executive Vice President, Athens Services Irwindale MRF leadership highlights vision & impact. Anthony Bertrand, Executive Vice President described the Irwindale MRF as "a labor of love... nearly two decades in the making," emphasizing the strong collaboration between Athens Services, its partners, and the City of Irwindale. Highlighting the facility's impact, they noted it will be "among the highest producing material recovery facilities in the nation," capable of processing massive volumes with advanced technology that captures up to 95% of recoverable materials. Beyond innovation, the project reflects a deeper mission - "a meaningful commitment to environmental stewardship and regional sustainability" - while also creating jobs and long-term opportunities, proving what's possible when "public and private partners share a long-term vision." Irwindale MRF: 20 years in the making. With more than 20 years in the making, this flagship MRF represents a significant milestone not only for Athens Services, but also for the City of Irwindale and Southern California. City of Irwindale leadership supports the new MRF. "Athens Services has been a valued part of the Irwindale community for many years, and we're proud to celebrate the opening of this new MRF in our city," said Irwindale Mayor H. Manuel Ortiz. "This investment brings advanced recycling technology, supports local jobs, and reflects our shared commitment to building a more sustainable future for our region." H. Manuel Ortiz, Mayor of Irwindale
Athens Services proudly supports CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive. Athens Services is proud to support the California Highway Patrol's annual CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive, a meaningful holiday tradition that helps deliver new, unwrapped toys to children and teens in need across Southern California. As a family-owned company rooted in the communities Company serve, giving back is part of who Company is, and CHiPs for Kids is one of the ways Company come together to spread kindness and joy during the season. This year, Athens teamed up with CHP and community partners at multiple toy drive locations including West Covina, Ontario, Commerce, and Thousand Oaks. The CBS Los Angeles coverage captured the heart of the effort, highlighting the generosity of residents who showed up to donate and the incredible teamwork that helps make the toy drive successful year after year. Company is grateful to everyone who donated, volunteered, and helped make a difference. Every toy collected represents a brighter holiday moment for a child, and Company is honored to play a role in supporting families throughout its service areas. From all of Company at Athens Services, thank you for helping bring holiday cheer to its communities. CBS News Los Angeles Emmy Award - winning anchor Amy Johnson speaks with Rondi Guthrie, Vice President of Government Affairs at Athens Services. CBS News coverage of CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive. Athens Services was featured on CBS Los Angeles for its participation in the CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive. Watch the full segments below:
In June 2025, Athens Services launched its Irwindale MRF, processing 70 tons per hour.
Company is proud to share that Athens Services has been named the 2025 business of the year by the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce.
Athens is set to host the inaugural Europe-Africa Tourism Investment Summit on Monday, May 5, at the Grand Resort Lagonissi, gathering top-level officials, investors, and industry leaders to accelerate green and sustainable tourism development across Africa.