Loader Operator - Yard

LKQ Corp.; Martinsburg (WV); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

LKQ Corporation is seeking motivated individuals to operate heavy equipment and support salvage yard operations in West Virginia. You will perform pre-operational checks, move vehicles, update inventory with a scan gun and tablet, and assist with daily work orders while following safety rules.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and accurate documentation. Candidates should have 1+ years of heavy equipment experience and basic tech aptitude for using modern tools.

Qualifications

• Must be safety-focused.
• 1+ years of heavy equipment operations experience.
• Some automotive background.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to stay calm in a high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-operational inspections to ensure equipment safety.
• Operate equipment safely around pedestrians and vehicle traffic.
• Move vehicles and assist with dismantling/yards operations.
• Update inventory using scan gun and tablet/phone.
• Communicate delays and issues to management promptly.

Skills

Heavy equipment

Automotive background

Tech aptitude

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Scan gun

Tablet/phone apps

Job description

Join the LKQ Family! We're looking for motivated individuals to join our team at LKQ Corporation. With opportunities for growth, competitive benefits, and a supportive work environment, LKQ is the place to be.

Operate equipment safely and responsibly to move salvage vehicles through all phases of the operation, maintain facility grounds and perform snow removal. Help ensure compliance with all federal, state and local regulations. Support dismantling and yard operations. Use scan gun and tablet/phone to update the inventory system on the location of vehicles. Help ensure fulfillment of daily work orders. Communicate written and verbally with management and other team members. Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Essential Job Duties

• Perform pre-operational inspections to ensure equipment is safe for work.
• Operate equipment safely and courteously in work areas with pedestrians and other vehicle traffic.
• Equipment operated may include a wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, backhoe, forklift, etc...
• The ideal candidate will have a proven history of automobile and equipment mechanical knowledge.
• Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals.
• Communicate any findings and equipment hours to management.
• Prioritize and plan workload to prevent delays to operations.
• Use long and short auto salvage forks on the wheel loader to unload car haulers and stage upcoming cars for inventory, dismantling and cuts.
• Use bucket to remove snow, spread stone and maintain grounds such as access roads, water drainage, vehicle holding areas and salvage yard.
• Assist with regulation compliance and quality assurance of dismantled vehicles before unloading from bay and placing in the salvage yard.
• Load dismantle bays with unprocessed cars.
• Process and crush vehicles that have reached their useful life and load onto scrap haulers for final disposal.
• Assist with safety and regulation compliance for the facility in general.
• Maintain location accuracy and integrity of vehicles placed in the yard.
• Perform tasks assigned by dispatch which may include: location checks, part checks, part pulls, etc.
• Communicate delays and problems promptly with management and affected coworkers.
• Assume other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Education & Experience Must be safety focused.
• Must be dependable and self-organized.
• 1+ years of experience.
• Must have heavy equipment operations experience and some automotive background.
• Must possess basic technology competence (scan gun, tablet/phone applications).
• Must have good oral and written communication skills.
• Must possess the ability to stay calm, cool and collected in a high-pressure fast-paced work environment.
• Must be a smooth operator and work well with others.

Preferred Requirements

• The ideal candidate is excellent at self-prioritizing a demanding workload and will take steps to ensure all work is completed in a logical and efficient method.
• High School Diploma/GED.
• Previous heavy equipment operation, some computer skills, general maintenance and understanding of mechanical equipment.
• understanding of automotive components and disassembly.
• Experience in rigging/lifting operations a plus.
• Experience maintaining heavy equipment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• This position demands the physical ability to safely enter and exit the Loader cab multiple times per hour as well as walk/work in uneven terrain while avoiding common slip and trip hazards present in the work environment.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Basic computer skills.
• Basic messages communicated orally.
• May write brief messages and keep simple records.
• Problems encountered are routine, somewhat repetitive and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures.
• Decisions generally affect own job or assigned functional area.
• Results are defined; sets personal own goals and determines how to achieve results with few or no guidelines to follow; supervisor/manager provides broad guidance and overall direction.
• Handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously with moderate complexity.

Essential Physical Demands/Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, push, pull, squat, bend, reach, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit for extended periods.
• The employee may be exposed to hazardous situations, conditions, and equipment.
• Must be able to work in cramped spaces or underneath vehicles that may require getting into awkward positions.
• May regularly wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
• May be exposed to extreme temperatures and high noise levels.
• Travel may be required periodically, including overnight stays (contingent on position requirements).
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds.

Join us for an exciting career journey with positive, driven individuals.

Leading With Innovation As a Fortune 500 leader (#318), LKQ is at the industry’s forefront, operating across 25 countries with over 1,600 locations.

Join us to shape the future of vehicle repair and customization, where your impact resonates globally.

Accelerate Your Career at LKQ

Join LKQ, a global force of over 51,000 strong across 1,700 locations. Here, you are a part of a community that drives our success and your career forward. Embrace the opportunity to grow, innovate, and lead the industry with us.

Connect With Your Future

Shape the Future with LKQ

Embark on a journey where your work makes a tangible impact on the industry and beyond. LKQ offers a challenging yet rewarding career path filled with opportunities to grow, innovate, and contribute to a sustainable future. At LKQ, you're not just joining a team; you're stepping into a role where you can truly thrive.

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