Equipment Operator

Sims Metal; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Sims Metal is seeking an Equipment Operator to safely operate heavy equipment in our metal recycling operations and support production through loading, unloading, sorting, and moving scrap. The role emphasizes safety, equipment maintenance, and housekeeping within an industrial environment.

You will work with front-end loaders, forklifts, bobcats, and skid steers, performing inspections, fueling, and routine maintenance while maintaining a clean, safe work area and adhering to environmental

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 12 months of related equipment operating experience preferred.
• Experience working in scrap recycling, manufacturing, construction, or industrial environments is an asset.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to perform physical labor and lift up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Operate front-end loaders, forklifts, bobcats, skid steers, and other material-handling equipment safely and efficiently.
• Perform pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections and complete required documentation.
• Conduct routine maintenance, including fueling, lubricating, and cleaning equipment.
• Load and unload trucks, railcars, barges, and other transport vehicles.
• Sort and prepare scrap materials according to quality and specification requirements.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area through sweeping, shoveling, and general housekeeping activities.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and environmental regulations.
• Assist with other operational duties as assigned.

Skills

Safe operation of heavy equipment

Forklift and loader experience

Attention to safety and detail

Teamwork and communication

Problem-solving and adaptability

Basic equipment maintenance knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as at any time in our long history.

Equipment Operator

Sims Metal

Job Summary

The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating heavy equipment used in metal recycling operations, including front-end loaders, forklifts, bobcats, and skid steers. The position supports production activities by loading, unloading, sorting, and moving scrap materials while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, equipment maintenance, and housekeeping standards. This role combines equipment operation with general labor duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate front-end loaders, forklifts, bobcats, skid steers, and other material-handling equipment safely and efficiently.
• Perform pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections and complete required documentation.
• Conduct routine maintenance, including fueling, lubricating, and cleaning equipment.
• Load and unload trucks, railcars, barges, and other transport vehicles.
• Sort and prepare scrap materials according to quality and specification requirements.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area through sweeping, shoveling, and general housekeeping activities.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and environmental regulations.
• Assist with other operational duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 12 months of related equipment operating experience preferred.
• Experience working in scrap recycling, manufacturing, construction, or industrial environments is an asset.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to perform physical labor and lift up to 40 pounds.

Skills

• Safe operation of heavy equipment
• Forklift and loader experience
• Attention to safety and detail
• Teamwork and communication
• Problem‑solving and adaptability
• Basic equipment maintenance knowledge

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization 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.

Sims is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of all of our employees and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute, advance on merit, and realize their full potential. Sims does not discriminate with regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, housing status, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to any employment decision, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. qualified applicants with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation may request such without fear of reprisal or discrimination.

To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.