NF Laborer

Sims Metal; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Sims Metal in the United States seeks a Laborer to support daily yard operations, sorting, processing, and moving scrap materials, while maintaining a clean, safe outdoor work environment. You will assist equipment operators, interact with customers, and comply with safety procedures.

The role requires physical stamina, the ability to lift heavy loads, and the willingness to work in all weather conditions. Previous experience in scrap recycling or labor roles is a plus; a high school diploma is

Qualifications

• Lift 50–75 lbs repeatedly.
• Work outdoors in heat, cold, dirt, and noise.
• Maintain strong safety awareness and practices.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic understanding of scrap metal types (training provided).

Responsibilities

• Sort and separate scrap metal (ferrous and non-ferrous) according to company standards.
• Load and unload materials manually or with equipment (training provided).
• Prepare materials for processing, including cutting, stripping, or breaking down items.
• Assist equipment operators by staging materials (forklifts, cranes, shears).
• Direct customers safely within the yard.
• Assist with unloading customer materials as needed.
• Identify material types and help ensure accurate categorization for pricing.
• Follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and company policies.
• Report any hazards, damaged equipment, or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas to reduce risks.
• Operate basic hand and power tools safely (e.g., hammers, torches, saws).
• Perform basic maintenance checks on tools and equipment.
• Assist with routine yard maintenance, including debris removal and housekeeping.

Skills

lift 50-75 lbs

outdoor work

safety awareness

teamwork

scrap metal knowledge (training)

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred

Experience in scrap recycling/ labor roles a plus

Job description

Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as at any time in our long history.

Position Title: Laborer

Department: Operations

Reports To: Yard Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Laborer is responsible for supporting daily yard operations, including sorting, processing, and moving scrap materials; maintaining a clean and safe work environment; and assisting equipment operators and customers as needed. This role requires physical stamina, attention to safety, and the ability to work in outdoor, fast-paced environments.

Key Responsibilities

Material Handling & Processing

• Sort and separate scrap metal (ferrous and non-ferrous) according to company standards.
• Load and unload materials manually or with equipment (training provided).
• Prepare materials for processing, including cutting, stripping, or breaking down items.
• Assist equipment operators (e.g., forklifts, cranes, shears) by staging materials.

Customer & Scale Support

• Direct customers safely within the yard.
• Assist with unloading customer materials as needed.
• Identify material types and help ensure accurate categorization for pricing.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and company policies.
• Report any hazards, damaged equipment, or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas to reduce risks.

Equipment & Tool Use

• Operate basic hand and power tools safely (e.g., hammers, torches, saws).
• Perform basic maintenance checks on tools and equipment.
• Assist with routine yard maintenance, including debris removal and housekeeping.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to lift 50-75 lbs repeatedly.
• Willingness to work in outdoor environments (heat, cold, dirt, noise).
• Strong awareness of safety practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic understanding of scrap metal types (preferred but not required - training provided).

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Prior experience in scrap recycling, construction, warehouse, or labor roles is a plus.

Work Environment

• Outdoor industrial environment with exposure to weather, heavy machinery, and noise.
• Requires standing, bending, lifting, and repetitive physical activity throughout the shift.

Physical Requirements

• Lift, carry, push, and pull heavy materials.
• Stand or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to climb, balance, crouch, and perform manual labor safely.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel materials and equipment. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and communicate verbally. The employee is also frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl when accessing or servicing equipment.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Specific Vision Abilities Required For This Role Include

• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus.

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

Sims is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of all of our employees and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute, advance on merit, and realize their full potential. Sims does not discriminate with regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, housing status, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to any employment decision, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. qualified applicants with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation may request such without fear of reprisal or discrimination.

To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.