Heavy Equipment Operator

Ferrous Processing and Trading Company; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 24,796 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Education assistance

Paid time off

Competitive pay

Job summary

Ferrous Processing and Trading Company is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator for the Day Shift at our Pontiac, MI facility. The role focuses on safe operation of heavy equipment, routine inspections, and handling recycled metals.

You will load/unload materials, sort metals, and assist with equipment maintenance while ensuring adherence to safety standards in a dynamic yard environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED; 1+ year heavy equipment operator experience preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic math.
• Ability to work independently and maintain accurate records.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• 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 50 lbs.
• Pre-employment background, physical, and drug screening required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain heavy equipment, including wheeled, crawler, and pedestal crawlers from brands such as Caterpillar, Sennebogen, and Liebherr.
• Load and unload materials from storage, production areas, docks, delivery vehicles, staging areas, or containers using equipment like magnets and grapples.
• Sort recycled materials and metals, separating high-grade metals and removing non-conforming metals.
• Load baler and shredder using grapple or magnet.
• Operate and maintain forklifts, skid steers, manlifts, street sweeper, and water trucks.
• Perform daily inspections on all equipment.
• Identify scrap material by grade and type and flag undesirable elements.

Skills

Reading & writing

Basic math

Communication

Independent work

Physical endurance

Physical strength

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Caterpillar equipment

Sennebogen equipment

Liebherr equipment

Job description

Location: Pontiac, MI

Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT) is a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., one of North America’s largest steel companies. We are seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator for our Day Shift at the Pontiac, MI facility.

Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to safety standards, including the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), removal of hazards as identified, and maintenance of a clean site.
• Operate and maintain heavy equipment, including wheeled, crawler, and pedestal crawlers from 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 such as magnets and grapples.
• Sort a variety of recycled materials and metals, separating high‑grade metals and removing non‑conforming metals.
• Load baler and shredder using grapple or magnet.
• Operate and maintain mobile equipment including forklifts, skid steers, manlifts, street sweeper, and water trucks.
• Perform tasks involving physical labor using tools such as hand tools, torch, bander, saw, zall, and wire snips.
• Perform daily inspections on all equipment as required.
• Identify scrap, including grade and type of material, and any undesirable elements within the material.
• Position trailers and containers around the yard and empty 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 operate or maintain other equipment as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED (1+ years of heavy equipment operator experience is considered).
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic math.
• Ability to work independently and maintain accurate records.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• 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 50 lbs.
• Work cooperatively with other employees and the public.
• Must be able to work in an environment where dust, dirt, vibrations, and extreme climate changes are routine.
• Pre‑employment background, physical, and drug screen required.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Health insurance.
• Retirement plan.
• Education assistance.
• Paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. We are a drug‑free workplace and conduct pre‑employment screening as a condition of employment.