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Heavy Duty Operator

Equipment Operation

  • Operate heavy-duty plant and equipment including but not limited to: landfill compactors, bulldozers (D6/D8 class), hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, motor graders, water bowsers, and tipper trucks as assigned

  • Carry out waste spreading, compaction, and daily cover placement operations on the landfill working face as directed by the Assistant Landfill Supervisor

  • Perform earthmoving, cut-and-fill, and grading activities for cell construction, access road maintenance, drainage works, and capping operations

  • Operate equipment safely and efficiently, following all site traffic management rules, speed limits, and operational procedures

  • Respond promptly to supervisor instructions and adjust operations to meet daily site targets

Pre-Shift Inspections & Equipment Care

  • Conduct a thorough pre-shift walk-around inspection of assigned equipment before each shift in accordance with the checklist; record findings and report defects to the Workshop/Fleet team immediately

  • Ensure assigned equipment is clean, properly fuelled, and ready for operation at the start of each shift

  • Monitor equipment performance during operation and report any unusual sounds, vibrations, or warning indicators to the supervisor without delay

  • Participate in post-shift equipment checks and ensure the machine is secured and parked safely at the end of each shift

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

  • Comply at all times with Zoomlion Kenya’s health, safety, and environmental policies and site-specific rules

  • Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) during every shift including hard hat, high-visibility vest, safety boots, and gloves

  • Observe site speed limits, no-go zones, pedestrian exclusion areas, and safe working distances at all times

  • Report all accidents, near-misses, and unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately

  • Ensure equipment operations do not damage leachate pipes, gas extraction wells, monitoring boreholes, or other site infrastructure

  • Participate in daily toolbox talks and safety briefings

Fuel & Consumables

  • Log fuel uptakes accurately in the fuel register at each refuelling; report excessive fuel consumption or suspected leaks

  • Monitor equipment fluid levels (engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant) and alert the Workshop team when levels require topping up or servicing

  • Handle fuel and lubricants safely to prevent spills and environmental contamination

Operational Support

  • Assist with manual tasks on site when equipment is not in operation, as directed by the supervisor

  • Support the Workshop team during scheduled servicing or breakdown recovery as required

  • Assist with orientation of newly assigned operators on site rules and equipment-specific procedures

  • Any other duties as assigned by the Assistant Landfill Supervisor or Operations Manager

Qualifications

  • Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) minimum grade D+ or equivalent

  • Valid plant operator licence/certification for relevant equipment classes (e.g. NITA-certified or equivalent plant operator training)

  • Valid Kenyan driving licence Class BCE or higher preferred

  • First Aid certificate is an advantage

Experience

  • Minimum of 3–5 years of experience operating heavy plant in a landfill, quarrying, road construction, mining, or similar industrial site environment

  • Proven experience operating at least two of the following: landfill compactor, bulldozer, hydraulic excavator, wheel loader, or motor grader

  • Experience working on a permitted landfill or waste management site is preferred

  • Good understanding of site safety procedures and equipment pre-shift inspection requirements

Technical Skills

  • High level of operating skill across multiple classes of heavy plant

  • Ability to read and understand site plans, cell maps, and supervisor instructions

  • Basic mechanical awareness — ability to identify and report equipment defects

  • Understanding of NTSA vehicle and plant regulations and equipment compliance requirements

Core Competencies

  • Excellent hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness for safe equipment operation

  • Strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental compliance at all times

  • Reliable, punctual, and physically fit for demanding outdoor site work

  • Ability to follow instructions accurately and work effectively within a team

  • Calm under pressure with the ability to respond appropriately to hazardous situations

  • Responsible and diligent in equipment care, fuel management, and record-keeping

See also

Management jobs by country — openings, pay and top skills →

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