Equipment Operator

Cleveland-Cliffs; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Education assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Cleveland-Cliffs is seeking an Equipment Operator at our Detroit, MI location to process scrap metals and operate a range of heavy equipment. The role requires adherence to safety standards, manual material handling, and precise sorting of materials.

You will work with loaders, balers, forklifts and other machinery in a dynamic, outdoor setting. The position emphasizes physical labor, daily inspections, and collaboration with mechanics and drivers to move materials efficiently.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to read, write and perform basic math.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload materials using mobile equipment or by hand.
• Sort recycled materials and metals and remove non-conforming metals.
• Operate and maintain heavy equipment including front end loaders, manlift, yard vehicle, car crusher, shear, and yard switch tractor.
• Perform daily inspections and general housekeeping at the plant site.

Skills

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Reading & math

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Front end loader

Forklift

Job description

Location: Detroit, MI

Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT) is one of North America’s premier processors, buyers, sellers and recyclers of scrap metals of all kinds and is a key supplier to the metals industry of North America. FPT is a wholly-owned business of Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opportunity for an Operator at one of our Detroit MI locations . The Equipment Operator is responsible for the processing of scrap metals using various tools and equipment including front end loaders.

Summary Of Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to safety standards including use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), remove hazards as identified, and maintain cleanliness of the site.
• Load and unload materials from storage, production areas, docks, delivery vehicles, staging areas, or containers using mobile equipment or by hand.
• Sort a variety of recycled materials and metals to separate out high‑grade metals and removes any non‑conforming metals.
• Operate & maintain heavy equipment including but not limited to front end loaders, manlift, yard vehicle, car crusher, shear, and or yard switch tractor.
• Operate & maintain baler and remove finished bales from the baler, weigh and properly place them in finished goods inventory.
• Operate & maintain mobile equipment including but not limited to forklifts, skid steers, manlifts, street sweeper, and/or water trucks.
• Perform tasks involving physical labor using tools, including but not limited to standard hand tools, torch, bander, saw zall, and wire snips.
• Identify scrap including the grade and type of material and any undesirable elements within the material.
• Responsible for positioning trailers and containers around the yard and emptying gaylord boxes as required.
• Responsible for switching rail cars, locomotive operation.
• Remove fluids from incoming materials or vehicles as required.
• Perform cleaning duties related to plant equipment and general housekeeping
• Assists mechanics in the maintenance of equipment including plant equipment
• Interacts with customers or drivers to direct or assist them
• Performs other general laborer tasks as required
• Performs daily inspections of equipment

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma/GED or may consider 1+ years of equipment operator experience.
• Ability to work independently
• Must be able to read, write, and perform basic math.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain accurate records
• Ability to follow oral and written communication
• Ability to climb ladders or steps to reach objects
• Ability to endure physical and outdoor work on a daily basis.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Work cooperatively with other employees and the public
• Must be able to work in an environment where routinely exposed to dust, dirt, vibrations, extreme climate and changes in weather.
• Pre-Employment background, physical, and hair drug screen required

Ferrous Processing and Trading is a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., the largest flat‑rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. Cleveland-Cliffs is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunities, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off, and more.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] or call 1-[phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this e‑mail address. Application materials sent to this e‑mail address will not be considered.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug‑free workplace and conduct pre‑employment screening as a condition of employment.