Drop Ball Crane Operator-Heavy Equipment

Harsco Environmental; Pueblo (CO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k with company matching

Life insurance and disability plans

Job summary

Harsco Environmental is seeking a Drop Ball Operator for its steel mill service operations in Pueblo, CO. The role involves operating heavy equipment to break down slag and by-products, while maintaining safety and environmental standards.

You will inspect machinery, follow established procedures, and coordinate with mill personnel to ensure efficient production. The position requires flexibility for rotating shifts and overtime and offers competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment in industrial settings.
• Ability to safely operate cranes, excavators, or loaders.
• Strong understanding of industrial safety practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willing to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Operate drop ball cranes and related heavy equipment to reduce oversized materials.
• Inspect equipment before, during, and after operation for safety and performance.
• Conduct daily pre-operational inspections and report defects.
• Follow procedures for handling slag, scrap, and other by-products.
• Coordinate with laborers, operators, supervisors to maintain safe work zones.
• Monitor work areas for hazards and report unsafe conditions.
• Maintain production targets while adhering to safety and environmental requirements.
• Assist with housekeeping and maintain clean work areas.
• Complete operational reports and production documentation as required.
• Participate in safety meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support additional mill service operations as assigned.

Skills

Industrial safety

Teamwork

Shift work

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Cranes

Excavators

Loaders

Job description

Company Description

Harsco Environmental is the premier provider of material processing and environmental services to the global steel and metals industries. Our onsite mill services and resource recovery services offer sustainable solutions that maximize environmental benefit and return valuable raw material into production. We also have developed a range of by-products for specialized applications across industry, construction and agriculture, which utilize Harsco’s expertise in mineral materials.

Company Description

Harsco Environmental is the premier provider of material processing and environmental services to the global steel and metals industries. Our onsite mill services and resource recovery services offer sustainable solutions that maximize environmental benefit and return valuable raw material into production. We also have developed a range of by-products for specialized applications across industry, construction and agriculture, which utilize Harsco’s expertise in mineral materials.

Job Description

$29.62 per hour

Position Summary

The Drop Ball Operator is responsible for safely operating heavy equipment used to break down oversized slag, scrap metal, refractory materials, and other steelmaking by-products through the use of a drop ball crane system. Working in an industrial steel mill environment, the operator supports Harsco Environmental's mission of providing safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible mill services to steel manufacturing customers.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Operate drop ball cranes and related heavy equipment to reduce oversized materials to manageable sizes.
• Inspect equipment before, during, and after operation to ensure safe and efficient performance.
• Conduct daily pre-operational inspections and report any mechanical defects or safety concerns.
• Follow established operating procedures for handling slag, scrap, refractory, and other steel mill by-products.
• Coordinate with laborers, equipment operators, supervisors, and steel mill personnel to maintain safe work zones.
• Monitor work areas for hazards and immediately report unsafe conditions.
• Maintain production targets while adhering to all safety and environmental requirements.
• Assist with housekeeping activities to keep work areas clean and free of hazards.
• Complete operational reports, inspection forms, and production documentation as required.
• Participate in safety meetings, training programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support additional mill service operations as assigned.

Work Environment

• Heavy industrial steel mill setting with exposure to:
  • Heat, dust, noise, and vibration
  • Moving machinery and heavy equipment
  • Elevated work areas
  • Outdoor weather conditions year-round
• Safety-sensitive position requiring strict compliance with company and customer safety rules.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous experience operating heavy equipment in industrial, construction, mining, demolition, or steel mill environments preferred.
• Ability to safely operate cranes, excavators, loaders, or similar heavy equipment.
• Strong understanding of industrial safety practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

Preferred Skills

• Steel mill or slag processing experience.
• Mobile crane or heavy equipment operating experience.
• Industrial maintenance knowledge.
• OSHA and industrial safety awareness.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions and industrial environments.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and equipment access points.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed boots, respirator, and fire-resistant clothing where required.

Additional Information

We offer competitive benefits, including health insurance, life insurance and disability plans, as well as a 401k with company matching.

Harsco Environmental is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.