Equipment Operator

Aerotek; Columbus (NE); On-site; USD 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k)

Weekly pay

Employee discounts

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a General Laborer in Columbus, NE for a permanent, onsite role. The job involves operating a material handler, wheel loader, and dump truck, with duties including loading/unloading trucks and sorting materials in a busy yard.

Entry-level candidates are welcome and training is provided to learn equipment operation. The position follows a first-shift schedule (8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) in an outdoor environment, with responsibilities in recycling and materials handling and

Qualifications

• Ability to lift 50 lbs independently.
• Physical ability for outdoor general labor tasks.
• Interest in operating heavy equipment such as material handlers, loaders, and dump trucks.
• Ability to follow safety rules and standard operating procedures.
• Prior experience in general labor or similar physically demanding environments.

Responsibilities

• Operate a material handler and other heavy equipment under supervision.
• Load and unload trucks, semis, and rail cars with materials.
• Sort and organize yard materials to support recycling and processing.
• Perform general labor tasks such as material handling and site cleanup.
• Assist equipment operators as needed.

Skills

Lift 50 lbs

Outdoor work

Heavy equipment interest

Follow safety rules

Ability to learn new tasks

Job description

Job Title: General Laborer

Job Description

This role involves operating a material handler, similar to an excavator, as well as other heavy equipment such as a wheel loader and articulating dump truck in a facility and yard environment. The general laborer loads and unloads trucks, semis, and rail cars, and assists with sorting materials in the yard. The position is open to entry-level candidates who are eager to learn equipment operation and support daily yard operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate a material handler, similar in style to an excavator, under supervision to move and process materials safely and efficiently.
• Operate heavy equipment including a wheel loader and articulating dump truck in a facility and yard setting.
• Load and unload trucks, semis, and rail cars with various materials while following all safety procedures.
• Sort and organize materials in the yard to support efficient recycling and processing operations.
• Perform general labor tasks such as material handling, basic site cleanup, and assisting equipment operators as needed.

Essential Skills

• Ability to lift 50 lbs independently and 100+ lbs with assistance.
• Willingness and physical ability to perform general labor tasks in an outdoor environment.
• Basic aptitude and interest in operating heavy equipment such as material handlers, loaders, and dump trucks.
• Ability to follow directions, safety rules, and standard operating procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in general labor, construction, or similar physically demanding work environments.
• Experience operating heavy equipment such as loaders or dump trucks.
• Exposure to or experience with metal recycling operations.
• Comfort working around industrial equipment and in a busy yard or facility setting.
• Willingness to learn new equipment and processes under supervision.

Why Work Here?

You will join a hands-on, team-oriented environment where you can build valuable skills in heavy equipment operation and material handling, even if you are just starting your career. The role offers a stable first-shift schedule that supports work-life balance and provides the opportunity to work outdoors rather than in a traditional office setting. You will gain experience in an essential industry, contributing to recycling and materials management while developing skills that can support long-term career growth.

Work Environment

The position is based in an outdoor yard and facility environment where work continues in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow. You will work around heavy equipment such as material handlers, wheel loaders, and articulating dump trucks, as well as trucks, semis, and rail cars used for transporting materials. The role follows a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The environment is physically demanding, with frequent lifting, carrying, and movement of materials, and requires appropriate work attire suitable for outdoor industrial work, including sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Columbus, NE.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $49920.00 - $58240.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

• medical, dental vision, health, 401k

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Columbus, NE.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,NE.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.