Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

This role involves safely operating a material handler similar to an excavator, along with other heavy equipment such as wheel loaders and articulating dump trucks, to support loading, unloading, and sorting operations in a metal recycling facility. You will support yard organization, and ensure smooth logistics for trucks, semi-trailers, and rail cars.

Responsibilities

• Operate a material handler similar to an excavator to load and unload materials safely and efficiently.
• Operate heavy equipment including wheel loaders and articulating dump trucks within the facility and yard.
• Load and unload trucks, semi-trailers, and rail cars with various materials according to operational requirements.
• Sort and organize materials in the yard to support metal recycling operations and maintain workflow.
• Follow all safety procedures and equipment operating guidelines to protect people, equipment, and property.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating heavy equipment such as excavators, material handlers, wheel loaders, and articulating dump trucks.
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate equipment in a metal recycling or similar industrial environment.
• Capability to lift up to 50 lbs independently and over 100 lbs with assistance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in metal recycling operations or scrap yard environments.
• Familiarity with loading and unloading trucks, semi-trailers, and rail cars.
• Basic mechanical aptitude to recognize equipment issues and perform simple checks.

Why Work Here?

You will join a hands-on industrial operation where your heavy equipment skills directly support efficient recycling and material recovery. The role offers steady daytime hours, a structured schedule, and the opportunity to build experience with a variety of heavy machinery. You will work as part of a collaborative team that values safety, reliability, and practical problem-solving in a dynamic yard environment.

Work Environment

This position is based in an outdoor metal recycling facility where you will work in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow. The role follows a 1st shift schedule, typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You will regularly operate heavy equipment such as material handlers, excavators, wheel loaders, and articulating dump trucks around trucks, semi-trailers, and rail cars. The environment is industrial and physically demanding, with frequent lifting, climbing into and out of equipment, and working around moving vehicles and materials. Appropriate workwear such as durable clothing, safety footwear, and required personal protective equipment is expected to ensure safety and comfort on site.

This is a Permanent position based out of Ogallala, NE.

The pay range for this position is $43680.00 - $47840.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Medical, Dental, Vision 401K w/ employer match HSA w/ employer match Paid time off Paid holidays

This is a Permanent position based out of Ogallala, NE.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Ogallala,NE.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.