NF Laborer

Sims Limited; Richmond, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Sims Metal is seeking a Laborer to support daily yard operations in Richmond, VA. You will sort scrap, load materials, and assist equipment operators while maintaining a clean, safe outdoor workspace.

From basic training to full participation in safety protocols, you will help ensure accurate material categorization and smooth customer flows within a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Lift heavy materials safely and repeatedly.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Follow strict safety procedures and PPE rules.
• Ability to operate with minimal supervision when needed.

Responsibilities

• Sort and separate scrap metal by type and standard.
• Load/unload materials manually or with equipment.
• Prepare materials for processing (cutting, stripping, breaking down).
• Assist equipment operators by staging materials and guiding customers.
• Identify material types to support accurate pricing.

Skills

Lift 50–75 lbs

Outdoor work

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Independent work

Basic scrap metal knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Location: Richmond, VA, US, 23234

Company: simsmetalm

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.

NF Laborer

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Why Choose A Career with Sims?

Sims is a hub of innovation, offering employees the chance to explore new ideas and technologies while providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

With a diverse workforce, Sims fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion where employees can thrive and establish lasting connections. Working at Sims offers the chance to engage with a global network, providing opportunities for travel, cross-cultural experiences, and the ability to contribute to a sustainable future. Sims is renowned as one of the world’s leading sustainable companies, empowering employees to make a difference in creating a world without waste to preserve the planet.

Sims prioritizes employee wellbeing, offering superior benefits packages, meaningful training opportunities, and a supportive atmosphere where employees feel valued and heard at all levels of the organization. Sims maintains a strong focus on safety, where individuals are encouraged to challenge themselves, contribute, and support one another, in a collaborative team environment.