Loader Operator

LKQ•Albert Lea, MN

10d

About The Position

The Loader Operator operates heavy equipment safely and responsibly to move salvage vehicles through all phases of the operation, support dismantling and yard operations, maintain facility grounds, and perform snow removal. The role uses a scan gun and tablet or phone to update vehicle locations in the inventory system, helps fulfill daily work orders, and supports compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The operator communicates with management and coworkers and performs other duties as assigned. Equipment may include a wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, backhoe, and forklift. The position is not responsible for supervising employees. Work may involve hazardous conditions and equipment, cramped spaces or working underneath vehicles, regular use of personal protective equipment, extreme temperatures, and high noise levels. Periodic travel, including overnight stays, may be required depending on position requirements.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience.
Heavy equipment operations experience and some automotive background.
Basic technology competence, including use of a scan gun and tablet or phone applications.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Ability to remain calm in a high-pressure, fast-paced work environment and work well with others.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Basic computer skills; ability to communicate basic messages orally, write brief messages, and keep simple records.
Ability to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously with moderate complexity.
Ability to lift up to 75 pounds.
Ability to work in cramped spaces or underneath vehicles, potentially in awkward positions.
Ability to perform the listed physical activities, including standing, walking, pushing, pulling, squatting, bending, reaching, climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or sitting for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED.
Previous heavy equipment operation experience.
Some computer skills.
General maintenance skills and understanding of mechanical equipment.
Understanding of automotive components and disassembly.
Experience in rigging or lifting operations.

Responsibilities

Perform pre-operational inspections to ensure equipment is safe for work.
Operate equipment safely and courteously around pedestrians and other vehicle traffic.
Check equipment fluids each day it is used, lubricate equipment at recommended intervals, and report findings and equipment hours to management.
Prioritize and plan workload to prevent operational delays.
Use long and short auto salvage forks on a wheel loader to unload car haulers and stage vehicles for inventory, dismantling, and cuts.
Use a bucket to remove snow, spread stone, and maintain access roads, water drainage, vehicle holding areas, and the salvage yard.
Assist with regulatory compliance and quality assurance for dismantled vehicles before they are unloaded from bays and placed in the salvage yard.
Load dismantling bays with unprocessed cars.
Process and crush end-of-life vehicles and load them onto scrap haulers for final disposal.
Assist with facility safety and regulatory compliance.
Maintain the location accuracy and integrity of vehicles placed in the yard.
Perform dispatch-assigned tasks, which may include location checks, part checks, and part pulls.
Communicate delays and problems promptly to management and affected coworkers.
Help fulfill daily work orders and update vehicle locations in the inventory system using a scan gun and tablet or phone.
Perform other duties as assigned.