Sampling Operator

Aurubis AG; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Disability insurance

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

Aurubis AG is seeking a Sampling Operator to manually collect samples from incoming scrap and raw materials and prepare them for laboratory analysis. You will use hand tools and forklifts to move samples, ensuring representativeness and proper labeling in a safety-focused environment.

The role supports the Quality Department and collaborates with Sample Prep and Logistics to ensure timely sampling and accurate material assessments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in manufacturing or recycling preferred.
• Experience operating material handling equipment (forklift, pallet jack).
• Able to perform physically demanding work including shoveling and lifting materials.
• Basic understanding of workplace safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Manually collect samples of incoming scrap and metal-containing materials using shovels and other hand tools.
• Load collected samples into drums or containers for transport to the sampling or laboratory area.
• Ensure samples are taken from appropriate locations within loads to provide representative material.
• Assist with staging and organizing sampled materials for QA or laboratory personnel.
• Operate forklift as needed to move materials and samples.
• Support the Quality Technician with incoming material inspection and sampling activities.
• Maintain clean and organized sampling areas, tools, and equipment.
• Ensure proper labeling and identification of collected samples.
• Follow all PPE and safety procedures and environmental/quality standards.
• Identify and report potential safety hazards or equipment issues.
• Work with the Quality Technician, Sample Prep, and Logistics teams for timely sampling.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Physical stamina

Basic communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Pallet jack

Job description

Aurubis – metallurgy is our passion. We are a leading global multi-metal company and one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide. We process complex metal concentrates, scrap metals, and metal-bearing recycling materials into metals of the highest purity. These metals serve as the basis for key megatrends such as digitalization, renewable energies, e-mobility, and urbanization. Aurubis has about 7,000 employees, production sites in Europe and the US, and an extensive worldwide distribution system. Join our team and promote progress together with us!

The Sampling Operator is responsible for manually collecting representative samples of incoming scrap and metal-containing raw materials to support the Quality Department’s inspection and analysis processes. This role primarily involves using hand tools such as shovels to collect material samples from incoming loads and transferring them into designated containers for further processing and evaluation by the Quality Technician and laboratory team.

The position plays an important role in ensuring incoming materials are properly sampled to support accurate quality assessments, inventory control, and operational decision-making.

Sampling Operator

• Manually collect samples of incoming scrap and metal-containing raw materials using shovels and other hand tools.
• Load collected samples into designated drums or containers for transport to the sampling or laboratory area.
• Ensure samples are taken from appropriate locations within incoming loads to provide representative material samples.
• Assist with staging and organizing sampled materials for the Quality Technician or laboratory personnel.
• Operate fork lift as needed.
• Support the Quality Technician with incoming material inspection and sampling activities.
• Assist with the operation of basic sampling equipment as directed.
• Maintain clean and organized sampling areas, tools, and equipment.
• Ensure proper labeling and identification of collected samples.
• Follow all company safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Adhere to environmental, safety, and quality standards including company policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Identify and report potential safety hazards or equipment issues.
• Work closely with the Quality Technician, Sample Prep, and Logistics teams to ensure timely sampling of incoming materials
• Communicate any irregularities in incoming materials or sampling conditions to the Quality Technician or supervisor.

Your Profile

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, recycling, scrap processing, or industrial environments preferred.
• Experience operating material handling equipment (forklift, pallet jack, etc.)
• Ability to perform physically demanding work including shoveling and lifting materials.
• Basic understanding of workplace safety practices.
• Strong attention to detail when collecting and handling samples.
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team.
• Willingness to train on heavy equipment and industrial shredding operation.
• Basic communication skills.

We Offer

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Interested?

What does Aurubis stand for? Take a look here!

Aurubis is an employer that stands for diversity and equal opportunity. Employment decisions are made regardless of national or ethnic origin, religion and belief, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, mental and physical impairment and social origin or any other legally protected characteristics of an individual.