Heavy Equipment Operator

Ferrous Processing and Trading Company; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT) in Pontiac, MI is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator for the day shift. You will operate and maintain heavy equipment, load/unload materials, and sort metals while complying with safety standards and PPE requirements.

You will assist with equipment inspections, interact with drivers, and support yard operations. This role demands physical outdoor work, teamwork, and reliability in a fast-paced recycling environment.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma/GED or 1+ years heavy equipment operator experience.
• Ability 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 daily.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Work cooperatively with other employees and the public.
• Must be able to work in dusty outdoor environments.
• Pre‑Employment background, physical, and hair drug screen required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain heavy equipment including wheeled, crawler and pedestal crawlers.
• Load/unload materials from storage, docks, and containers using magnet or grapple.
• Sort recycled materials to separate high-grade metals and remove non-conforming items.
• Perform daily inspections on equipment and assist mechanics as needed.
• Interact with customers or drivers to guide or assist them.
• Position trailers and containers around the yard and manage clearances.
• Maintain plant area cleanliness and assist with housekeeping.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Read and write basic math

Independent worker

Good communication skills

Record-keeping

Outdoor work endurance

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Location

Pontiac, MI Ferrous 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 an Heavy Equipment Operator on Day Shift at the Pontiac, MI location.

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 & maintain heavy equipment including but not limited to wheeled crawler and pedestal crawlers from various manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Sennebogen and Liebherr. Operate & 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 & 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. Assists mechanics in the maintenance of equipment including plant equipment. Interacts with customers or drivers to direct or assist them. Performs 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

Company Overview

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-(312) 899‑3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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.

Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest flat‑rolled steel producer in North America. Founded in 1847 as a mine operator, Cliffs is also the largest manufacturer of iron ore pellets in North America. The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. As a team of more than 30,000 people, we proudly serve a diverse range of markets and are the largest steel supplier to the automotive industry in North America.

Built on a strong safety and environmental stewardship legacy, we operate responsibly and are committed to a sustainable future. With ongoing initiatives to reduce waste, improve water conservation, and reduce carbon emissions, we promise to become North America’s leader in steelmaking and mining sustainability.

Cleveland-Cliffs offers opportunities for high‑performing individuals in a myriad of technical and professional disciplines. Whether in the field or office, Cleveland-Cliffs fosters an environment that empowers our employees to achieve their highest potential. Employees will be presented with a challenging and rewarding environment. A competitive compensation package, opportunities for advancement, and work‑life balance all lead to a positive, passionate career at Cleveland-Cliffs.