Heavy Equipment Operator
M&M Recycling is looking for an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team in a hands-on production role. You’ll safely and efficiently move, sort, process, and stage scrap metal in a fast-paced recycling yard. We need someone with WHEEL LOADER and SKID STEER experience who understands that a skilled operator does more than run a machine—you keep material moving, feed processing equipment, maintain an organized yard, protect the equipment, and prioritize the safety of everyone around you.
Responsibilities
- Operate a WHEEL LOADER to sort, move, and stage ferrous and non-ferrous scrap.
- Stage material so processing equipment, trucks, and other operators can access it efficiently.
- Break down oversized material for processing or shipment.
- Maintain clean, organized piles and keep the yard flowing throughout the day.
- Work closely with ground crews using clear radio communication and hand signals.
- Stop equipment immediately whenever a person, vehicle, unstable load, or other hazard enters the work area.
- Participate in daily pre-shift safety talks.
Equipment Safety & Inspections
- Complete required pre- and post-shift equipment inspections.
- Perform full walk-around inspections before operating equipment.
- Immediately report leaks, warning lights, unusual noises, damage, or other mechanical concerns.
- Record required equipment and hour-meter information.
- Keep the cab, windows, mirrors, and cameras clean for maximum visibility.
- Assist with greasing and basic operator-level equipment care.
Requirements
- 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment in a scrap yard or similar heavy-material-handling environment.
- Proven experience operating skid steers, wheel loaders, and similar equipment.
- Experience handling and sorting ferrous and/or non-ferrous material.
- Ability to safely work around ground crews using radio communication and hand signals.
- Ability to perform daily equipment inspections and identify potential mechanical problems.
- Dependable attendance and willingness to work full shifts in a fast-paced outdoor environment.
- Ability to climb on and off equipment and lift up to 50 lbs. when needed.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screening.
- Team-oriented attitude and ability to take direction from yard leadership.
What Success Looks Like
- Keeps material moving so processing equipment isn’t waiting to be fed.
- Sorts material correctly the first time.
- Keeps piles organized and properly staged.
- Anticipates what the yard needs next instead of waiting to be told.
- Completes equipment inspections every shift.
- Reports equipment problems immediately.
- Maintains constant awareness of everyone working around the machine.
- Never sacrifices safety for production speed.
Our Core Values
- Protect What Matters: The safety of the people around your machine comes first. Every swing, lift, and movement begins with knowing where your coworkers are.
- Jump In, No Matter What: See something that needs to be moved, sorted, cleared, or processed? Step up and help keep the yard moving.
- Get So Good, It’s Obvious: Your work speaks for itself: clean piles, accurate sorting, smooth production, safe operation, and equipment that’s cared for.
- Deliver the Win-Win: Every load is part of a commitment to a customer. Keeping material moving safely and efficiently helps us deliver on that commitment.
About M&M Recycling
M&M Recycling is a family-owned metal recycling company and industry leader since 1986. We believe great operators are critical to a safe, productive recycling yard, and we’re looking for experienced people who take pride in their equipment, their work, and their team.