Heavy Equipment Operator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Weekly pay

Job summary

Aerotek in Columbus, NE is hiring a Heavy Equipment Operator to load, unload, and sort materials using a material handler, wheel loader, and articulating dump truck in a metal recycling setting.

You will work outdoors on a daytime schedule with safety first, building hands-on skills while contributing to efficient yard operations and smooth material flow.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating heavy equipment such as excavators, material handlers, wheel loaders or dump trucks.
• Experience in metal recycling or similar materials-handling environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs independently and more with assistance.
• Strong safety mindset and adherence to procedures.
• Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Understanding of yard loading, unloading and sorting processes.

Responsibilities

• Operate a material handler to load/unload trucks, semi-trailers and rail cars.
• Use a wheel loader and articulating dump truck to move materials within the facility and yard.
• Sort materials in the yard according to procedures and quality standards.
• Follow safety protocols and report defects or issues with equipment.
• Coordinate with teammates to ensure smooth material flow.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in loading zones and yard.
• Lift and move materials manually with proper technique.

Skills

Heavy equipment experience

Metal recycling

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Safety procedures

Outdoor work

Yard operations

Job description

Now hiring: Heavy Equipment Operator $21-23/hr

Job Description

This role involves safely operating a material handler similar to an excavator, along with other heavy equipment such as a wheel loader and articulating dump truck, to load, unload, and sort materials within a facility and yard environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate a material handler similar to an excavator to load and unload trucks, semi-trailers, and rail cars with various materials.

• Use a wheel loader and articulating dump truck to move, transport, and position materials efficiently within the facility and yard.

• Sort materials in the yard according to established procedures and quality standards, with a focus on metal recycling operations.

• Follow all safety protocols and operational guidelines while handling heavy equipment and materials.

• Inspect equipment before use, report any issues or defects, and support basic upkeep to ensure safe and reliable operation.

• Coordinate with team members and supervisors to ensure smooth loading, unloading, and material flow throughout the facility.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including yard and loading zones.

• Lift and move materials manually as needed, using proper lifting techniques and assistance when required.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating heavy equipment, including excavators or material handlers, wheel loaders, and articulating dump trucks.

• Hands-on experience working in metal recycling or a similar materials-handling environment.

• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs independently and more than 100 lbs with assistance.

• Strong understanding of safe equipment operation and adherence to safety procedures.

• Ability to work effectively in an outdoor, industrial environment in all weather conditions.

• Solid awareness of yard operations, including loading, unloading, and sorting materials.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a facility that handles trucks, semis, and rail cars for material loading and unloading.

• Familiarity with sorting and handling various types of metal and recyclable materials.

• Comfort working in a fast-paced yard environment with multiple pieces of heavy equipment operating simultaneously.

• Strong communication skills to coordinate with team members and supervisors.

• Attention to detail to ensure accurate material sorting and safe equipment use.

Why Work Here?

You will join a hands-on, team-oriented environment where your heavy equipment skills directly contribute to efficient operations and responsible materials handling. The schedule provides consistent daytime hours during the workweek, supporting a stable work-life balance. You will gain valuable experience in metal recycling and heavy equipment operations, with opportunities to develop your skills in a supportive industrial setting that prioritizes safety and reliability.

Work Environment

This position is based in an outdoor industrial facility and yard, where you will work in all weather conditions throughout the year. You will operate heavy equipment such as a material handler similar to an excavator, wheel loader, and articulating dump truck to support loading and unloading of trucks, semis, and rail cars. The role follows a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The environment is active and equipment-intensive, requiring consistent adherence to safety practices, proper use of personal protective equipment, and readiness for physical tasks such as lifting and moving materials.

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, Vision401K w/ employer matchHSA w/ employer matchPaid time offPaid holidays

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 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.