Heavy Equipment Operator

M&M Recycling; Locust Grove (GA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

M&M Recycling is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. This hands‑on production role focuses on safely moving, sorting, processing, and staging scrap metal in a fast‑paced yard.

You will operate a wheel loader, sort ferrous and non‑ferrous material, and maintain organized piles while coordinating with ground crews. Pre‑shift safety talks and equipment inspections are part of the daily routine.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment in scrap yard or similar environment.
• Experience operating skid steers, wheel loaders, and more.
• Experience handling and sorting ferrous and/or non-ferrous material.
• Ability to safely work around ground crews using radio communication and hand signals.

Responsibilities

• Operate a wheel loader to sort, move, and stage ferrous and non-ferrous scrap.
• Stage material so processing equipment, trucks, and other operators can access it efficiently.
• Break down oversized material for processing or shipment.
• Maintain clean, organized piles and keep the yard flowing throughout the day.
• Work with ground crews using radio communication and hand signals.
• Perform daily pre-shift safety talks and inspections.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Wheel loader operation

Ferrous/non-ferrous handling

Radio communication

Safety awareness

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator - Scrap Metal Recycling

M&M Recycling is looking for an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team. This is a hands‑on production role for an operator who knows how to safely and efficiently move, sort, process, and stage scrap metal in a fast‑paced recycling yard.

What You'll Do

• Operate our WHEEL LOADER to sort, move, and stage ferrous and non-ferrous scrap.
• Stage material so processing equipment, trucks, and other operators can access it efficiently.
• Break down oversized material for processing or shipment.
• Maintain clean, organized piles and keep the yard flowing throughout the day.
• Work closely with ground crews using clear radio communication and hand signals.
• Stop equipment immediately whenever a person, vehicle, unstable load, or other hazard enters the work area.
• Participate in daily pre-shift safety talks.

Equipment Safety & Inspections

• Complete required pre- and post-shift equipment inspections.
• Perform full walk‑around inspections before operating equipment.
• Immediately report leaks, warning lights, unusual noises, damage, or other mechanical concerns.
• Record required equipment and hour‑meter information.
• Keep the cab, windows, mirrors, and cameras clean for maximum visibility.
• Assist with greasing and basic operator‑level equipment care.

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment in a scrap yard or similar heavy‑material‑handling environment.
• Proven experience operating skid steers, wheel loaders, and more.
• Experience handling and sorting ferrous and/or non‑ferrous material.
• Ability to safely work around ground crews using radio communication and hand signals.
• Ability to perform daily equipment inspections and identify potential mechanical problems.
• Dependable attendance and willingness to work full shifts in a fast‑paced outdoor environment.
• Ability to climb on and off equipment and lift up to 50 lbs. when needed.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to pass pre‑employment and random drug and alcohol screening.
• Team‑oriented attitude and ability to take direction from yard leadership.

What Success Looks Like

• Keeps material moving so processing equipment isn't waiting to be fed.
• Sorts material correctly the first time.
• Keeps piles organized and properly staged.
• Anticipates what the yard needs next instead of waiting to be told.
• Completes equipment inspections every shift.
• Reports equipment problems immediately.
• Maintains constant awareness of everyone working around the machine.
• Never sacrifices safety for production speed.

Our Core Values

Protect What Matters

The safety of the people around your machine comes first. Every swing, lift, and movement begins with knowing where your coworkers are.

Jump In, No Matter What

See something that needs to be moved, sorted, cleared, or processed? Step up and help keep the yard moving.

Get So Good, It's Obvious

Your work speaks for itself: clean piles, accurate sorting, smooth production, safe operation, and equipment that's cared for.

Deliver the Win‑Win

Every load is part of a commitment to a customer. Keeping material moving safely and efficiently helps us deliver on that commitment.

About M&M Recycling

M&M Recycling is a family‑owned metal recycling company and Industry Leader since 1986. We believe great operators are critical to a safe, productive recycling yard, and we're looking for experienced people who take pride in their equipment, their work, and their team.

If you have significant experience operating heavy equipment in scrap recycling or a similar industrial environment and want to work with a team that values safety, skill, initiative, and accountability, we want to hear from you.

Pre‑employment drug testing is conducted.