Machine Operator - Metal Recycling Yard

Sims Metal Management; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with overtime

Parental leave: 12 weeks

Health and wellbeing support: BUPA

Novated leasing options

Career progression opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Sims Limited is seeking an Operator to join our Adelaide metal recycling yard. You will safely operate mobile equipment, sort and process metals, and support yard duties in a fast-paced environment.

You will ensure safe, compliant operations while handling materials for recycling, with a focus on quality and efficiency, and provide strong service to drivers and suppliers on site.

Qualifications

• An excavator ticket and forklift licence are required.
• Experience operating material handlers with grapples and shears preferred.
• Strong commitment to workplace health and safety.

Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently load and unload trucks, trailers, and skip bins.
• Operate a range of mobile plant and equipment, including forklifts, material handlers, loaders, and excavators.
• Sort, grade, and process ferrous and non-ferrous metals in line with operational and quality requirements.
• Assist with the receival, processing, storage, and dispatch of recyclable materials.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe yard environment at all times.
• Adhere to environmental, health and safety, and operational policies, procedures, and standards.
• Identify, report, and assist in addressing hazards, incidents, and unsafe work practices.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to drivers, suppliers, and customers, ensuring a positive site experience.

Skills

Excavator ticket

Forklift licence

Material Handler experience

Job description

Founded in Australia in 1917, Sims Limited (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling and circular solutions for technology. We play a critical role in advancing circularity and decarbonisation by supplying recycled materials and re-purposed products that help preserve our planet.

At Sims, we believe in developing our people. With a strong promote-from-within philosophy and a range of programmes that support continuous learning, we offer opportunities for meaningful, long-term careers. Employing more than 4,100 people worldwide, we operate over 155 facilities across 13 countries. As an ASX-listed company, Sims provides the stability, transparency, and professional growth opportunities of a publicly traded organisation, all driven by our purpose: to create a world without waste.

Operator

Reporting directly to the Yard Manager, you will be a key contributor to the day-to-day operations of our recycling yard. You'll operate a range of mobile equipment, including excavators and forklifts, to sort, process, and prepare ferrous and non-ferrous metals for recycling.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‑on work in a fast‑paced environment. Alongside equipment operation, you'll assist with material handling, loading and unloading activities, site housekeeping, and general yard duties. As part of a supportive team, you'll help ensure the site operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all operational, environmental, and quality requirements.

What you’ll be doing

• Safely and efficiently load and unload trucks, trailers, and skip bins.
• Operate a range of mobile plant and equipment, including forklifts, material handlers, loaders, and excavators.
• Sort, grade, and process ferrous and non-ferrous metals in line with operational and quality requirements.
• Assist with the receival, processing, storage, and dispatch of recyclable materials.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe yard environment at all times.
• Adhere to environmental, health and safety, and operational policies, procedures, and standards.
• Identify, report, and assist in addressing hazards, incidents, and unsafe work practices.
• Support general yard operations and undertake additional duties as required to meet business needs.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to drivers, suppliers, and customers, ensuring a positive site experience.

What you’ll bring

• An excavator ticket with previous operating experience is a must as is a forklift licence Experience operating Material Handlers, including five-grapple and shear attachments (desirable)
• Strong commitment to workplace health and safety.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to mentor and train colleagues.
• Relevant licences, tickets, and certifications applicable to the role.

Why work for us

• Join an environmentally conscious organisation
• A competitive salary with overtime
• Opportunity to gain further certification and career progression
• Company Paid Parental leave: 12 weeks for primary carers, 6 weeks for secondary carers
• Health and wellbeing support: BUPA discounts and an Employee Assistance Program
• Novated leasing options providing convenience and savings
• Access exclusive superannuation sessions tailored to enhance your understanding and management of superannuation benefits

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organisation whose goal is to be the world's safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero‑harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

At sims together we are a diverse group of employees who are supported by our equal opportunity policy. To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Pillars of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.