Heavy Equipment Operator - New Castle, PA

Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Reports to: General Manager

Work Location: New Castle, PA

Fun fact: Over 164,000 Americans work directly in the recycling industry — that’s more people than it takes to fill most NFL stadiums! Ready to join a team that’s cleaning up the planet one load at a time?

CMI x Upstate Shredding: A Partnership with Purpose

At Combined Metal Industries (CMI), we’re proud to partner with Upstate Shredding to strengthen our shared mission: giving scrap metal a second life. CMI sources and processes recycled ferrous and non-ferrous metals from across North America, keeping valuable materials out of landfills and in the loop. Together, we ensure that every piece of metal that enters our yards is responsibly recycled — and transformed into something new.

Position Summary

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and compliant operation of material-handling equipment at a scrap recycling facility. This position requires a strong focus on safety, operational efficiency, and adherence to environmental and workplace regulations as outlined by OSHA and the PA Department of Labor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

- Operate loaders, excavators, forklifts, and other heavy machinery to move and process materials

- Conduct daily equipment inspections and complete pre-operation checklists

- Report and assist with maintenance and minor repairs of equipment

- Ensure safe material handling practices and maintain compliance with site-specific procedures

- Communicate with yard supervisors to coordinate material movement

- Perform site maintenance, including snow removal, cleanup, and emergency response

- Follow all company policies regarding safety, attendance, and equipment use

- Complete job duties in varying weather conditions and high-noise environments

- Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

- High school diploma or equivalent preferred

- Prior experience operating heavy equipment in an industrial, construction, or recycling setting

- Ability to pass a post-offer physical, drug screening, and background check

- Understanding of OSHA safety guidelines and lockout/tagout procedures

- Must be able to work in physically demanding environments (e.g., lifting 50 lbs, standing for extended periods)

- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends as needed

Work Environment

Outdoor yard environment exposed to weather, noise, dust, and heavy equipment.

At CMI we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, free of bias and discrimination, where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where feasible. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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