Equipment Operator

Sims Metal; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 51,577,344 - 63,038,976; Full time

Job summary

Sims Metal is seeking an Equipment Operator in Richmond, VA to safely operate a range of machinery including a frontend loader, forklift, bobcat, and skid steer. The role blends equipment operation with hands-on labor and requires adherence to Sims safety regulations and the company’s Golden Rules.

If you thrive in a physically demanding environment and can perform pre- and post-shift inspections, this position offers daily schedule with overtime potential and opportunities to contribute to a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Minimum of 12 months of related experience and/or training.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role; reasonable accommodations may be provided.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance such as lubricating, fueling, and cleaning equipment.
• Complete inspection reports prior to operating machinery.
• Safely operate equipment under the direction of the shift supervisor or production manager.
• Load trucks, pile scrap material, and load/unload barges and rail cars.
• Conduct end-of-shift cleanup and equipment inspections.
• Maintain clean equipment and work areas.
• Sweep and shovel residual waste from processes.
• Follow all safety standards and contribute to a safe work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Forklift experience

Bobcat/skid steer experience

Weights knowledge (gross, net, tare)

Critical thinking

Adaptability

Customer service

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.

Job Summary

The Equipment Operator (EO) is responsible for safely operating a variety of machinery, including a frontend loader with bucket, 12k or smaller forklift with rotator, bobcat, and skid steer. Operators must follow all Sims safety regulations and Golden Rules. This role includes completing pre-shift and end-of-shift inspections, performing routine greasing and maintenance, and maintaining both equipment and work areas.

While the title is Equipment Operator, this position is not 100% equipment-based. As with all roles at Sims, flexibility is essential. The job includes a blend of equipment operation and hands‑on labor.

Major Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance such as lubricating, fueling, and cleaning equipment.
• Complete inspection reports prior to operating machinery.
• Safely operate equipment under the direction of the shift supervisor or production manager.
• Load trucks, pile scrap material, and load/unload barges and rail cars.
• Conduct end-of-shift cleanup and equipment inspections.
• Maintain clean equipment and work areas.
• Sweep and shovel residual waste from processes.
• Follow all safety standards and contribute to a safe work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license.
• Minimum of 12 months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role; reasonable accommodations may be provided.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Previous scrap or industrial experience.
• Knowledge of non‑ferrous materials.
• Forklift experience.
• Bobcat/skid steer experience.
• Critical thinking and adaptability.
• Understanding of weights (gross, net, tare).

Tasks & Competencies

• Prepare materials for shipment, ensuring they meet quality and specification requirements.
• Load and unload trucks using bobcat or forklift.
• Perform and document daily pre‑start inspections.
• Understand balanced loading to achieve proper axle weights.
• Sort commodities to ensure materials meet specifications.
• Provide strong customer service.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and a safety‑first mindset.
• Work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Operate machinery and perform physical labor.
• Lift up to 40 lbs.
• Maintain general housekeeping.
• Problem‑solve effectively.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM. Overtime as needed, including extended hours and occasional Saturdays based on workload.

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.