Heavy Equipment Operator - Industrial Recycling Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Express Employment Professionals seek skilled Heavy Equipment Operators . This is not a basic forklift role. We are seeking candidates with strong hands-on experience operating wheel loaders, front-end loaders, and excavators in an industrial or construction environment. If you’re safety-focused, mechanically skilled, and ready to work in a high-performance industrial setting, apply today.

Compensation: $25.00 per hour - Up to $2,000 annual bonus potential

Shifts: Primarily 2nd & 3rd shift (9-hour shifts)

$2/hour shift differential for hours worked between 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM

Position Overview

The Heavy Equipment Operator plays a critical role in supporting safe and efficient recycling operations. This position is responsible for the movement, blending, loading, and unloading of non-ferrous raw materials while maintaining strict environmental and safety standards. You will operate large mobile equipment, manage material flow, maintain accurate inventory records, and contribute to continuous process improvement efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Equipment & Material Handling
• Safely operate wheel loaders, excavators, and forklifts
• Load and unload trucks and manage material flow across departments
• Weigh, tag, scan, wrap, and document materials in SAP
• Conduct inventory cycle counts and maintain accurate stock records
• Maintain clean and organized yard/warehouse areas
• Ensure proper segregation to prevent contamination
• Safety & Compliance
• Follow OSHA and DOT regulations
• Participate in safety meetings, inspections, and audits
• Ensure proper PPE usage at all times
• Report and correct unsafe conditions
• Operational Excellence
• Support Lean and process improvement initiatives
• Monitor KPIs related to safety, quality, and efficiency
• Collaborate with maintenance, production, EHS, and logistics teams
• Maintain accurate operational data in SAP and MS Office

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum 3 years of heavy equipment experience (industrial, recycling, or construction preferred)
• Hands-on experience operating wheel loaders and/or excavators (required)
• Pass a background and drug screening
• Valid driver’s license
• Strong understanding of workplace safety standards
• Ability to work 2nd or 3rd shift
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
• Comfortable working in high-heat industrial environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in metals or recycling operations
• SAP experience
• Lean or Six Sigma exposure
• Ability to read technical drawings
• Bilingual (German a plus)

Please Note: If you do not qualify, but know someone who might, please inform them of this great opportunity.

(DJ)