Heavy Equipment Operator

Nucor • Gastonia, NC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Equipment Operator II operates heavy equipment to support daily yard operations, material flow, and production goals at Metal Recycling Services LLC in Gastonia, North Carolina. This is a hands-on, safety-sensitive role in an outdoor industrial environment. The operator’s skill, focus, and commitment to safety affect productivity and earnings. Paid training is provided, and the position has a pay-for-performance culture with bonus potential. Average annual earnings are $75,000+, including base pay, weekly overtime opportunities, and production bonuses.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of heavy equipment operation experience.
• Hands-on experience with cranes, loaders, or similar heavy machinery.
• Strong knowledge of heavy equipment operating principles, hazards, and safety precautions.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to spot issues and keep equipment running properly.
• Dependability, including arriving on time and ready to work each shift.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities without constant supervision.
• Ability to stand or walk for most of a shift, up to 12 hours.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Comfort working outdoors in heat and all weather conditions.
• Flexibility to work overtime, evenings, weekends, and holidays when needed.
• Must pass a hair drug test and background check.

Nice To Haves

• Heavy equipment experience in scrap metal, construction, or manufacturing.
• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish.
• Prior scrap metal or recycling experience.
• Residence within 50 miles of the job location.

Responsibilities

• Follow company and OSHA safety procedures and participate in safety meetings.
• Initiate, lead, and uphold safety policies, practices, procedures, and housekeeping standards.
• Operate cranes, loaders, and similar heavy machinery safely and efficiently.
• Load scrap material onto shredder feed conveyors and move material throughout the yard.
• Load trucks and railcars according to production and shipping requirements.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment by removing debris and assisting with yard housekeeping.
• Operate forklifts, skid steers, and other small equipment as needed.
• Communicate with teammates by radio for traffic coordination, production updates, and safety awareness.
• Assist with general labor tasks, including sweeping, shoveling, and cleanup.
• Cross-train in other positions and support teammates as needed.

Benefits

• Paid weekly.
• Production bonuses and profit sharing.
• Paid training.
• Three weeks of paid vacation after one year.
• Ten paid holidays per year plus one personal day.
• Parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year.
• Scholarship program for children of teammates.
• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance after 30 days.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Company matching 401(k).
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Career pathways and advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed