Heavy Equipment Operator

Cleveland--cliffs-1; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Education assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT) in Detroit, MI is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to process scrap metals using a range of equipment, including crawlers and magnet-based tools. The role emphasizes safety, inspections, and collaboration with drivers and customers in a busy yard environment.

Responsibilities include operating heavy machinery, loading balers and shredders, sorting metals, and assisting mechanics.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High School Diploma or GED; or 1+ years heavy equipment operator experience.
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic math.
• Able to work independently and in a team.
• Physically capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and working outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain heavy equipment (e.g., crawlers, forklifts, skid steers) safely.
• Load/unload materials and assist with sorting and processing of scrap metals.
• Inspect equipment daily and perform basic maintenance with mechanics as needed.
• Assist with yard organization, positioning trailers, and handling containers.

Skills

Communication skills

Reading/Writing

Math/basic math

Independent work

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Heavy equipment operation

Forklifts

Job description

Location: Detroit, MIFerrous 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 and has an immediate opportunity for a Heavy Equipment Operator at our Detroit, MI location. The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the processing of scrap metals using various tools and equipment including crawlers.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.Operate and maintain heavy equipment including but not limited to wheeled crawler and pedestal crawlers from various manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Sennebogen and Liebherr.Operate and maintain equipment movement in response to hand signals or radio commands.Load and unload materials from storage, production areas, docks, delivery vehicles, staging areas, or containers using equipment including but not limited to a magnet and grapple.Sort a variety of recycled materials and metals to separate out high-grade metals and removes any non-conforming metals.Load baler and shredder using grapple or magnet.Operate and 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.Perform daily inspections on all equipment as required.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.Perform cleaning duties related to plant equipment and general housekeeping.Assist mechanics in the maintenance of equipment including plant equipment.Interact with customers or drivers to direct or assist them.Perform other tasks and operates & maintains other equipment as required.Minimum Qualifications:Must be at least 18 years of age.High School Diploma/GED or may consider 1+ years of heavy equipment operator experience.Must be able to read, write, and perform basic math.Ability to work independently.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, 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 email address. Application materials sent to this email 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.