Loader Operator at Salvage yard/vehicle crushing operations

About the Role

Operate equipment in a safe and responsible manner to move salvage vehicles through all phases of the operation, maintain facility grounds, and help ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Support dismantle and yard operations using a scan gun and tablet/phone to update the inventory system on vehicle locations. Assist in fulfilling daily work orders and communicate effectively with management and team members.

Responsibilities

• Perform preoperational inspections to ensure equipment is safe for work.
• Operate equipment (e.g., wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift) safely in areas with pedestrians and vehicle traffic.
• Check fluids daily and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals; report findings and equipment hours to management.
• Prioritize and plan workload to prevent operational delays.
• Use long and short auto salvage forks on wheel loaders to unload car haulers and stage vehicles for inventory, dismantling, and cutting.
• Use a bucket to remove snow, spread stone, and maintain grounds, including access roads, water drainage, vehicle holding areas, and the salvage yard.
• Assist with regulation compliance and quality assurance of dismantled vehicles before unloading from bays and placing them in the salvage yard.
• Load processing racks with unprocessed cars and crush vehicles that have reached their useful life; load onto scrap haulers for disposal.
• Maintain location accuracy and integrity of vehicles in the yard.
• Perform tasks assigned by dispatch, such as location checks, part checks, and part pulls.
• Communicate delays and problems promptly with management and affected coworkers.
• Assume other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 1+ years of experience.
• Heavy equipment operations experience and some automotive background.
• Basic technology competence (scan gun, tablet/phone applications).
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to stay calm and composed in a high-pressure, fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to work well with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Previous heavy equipment operating experience, computer skills, and general maintenance knowledge.
• Understanding of automotive components and disassembly.
• Experience in rigging/lifting operations.

Skills

• Ability to perform basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Basic computer skills, including sending and receiving messages and maintaining simple records.
• Ability to handle routine, somewhat repetitive problems by following clear directions and procedures.
• Capability to make decisions affecting own job or assigned functional area.
• Ability to set personal goals and determine how to achieve results with minimal guidelines; supervisor provides broad guidance.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks or projects of moderate complexity simultaneously.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Occasionally required to stand, walk, push, pull, squat, bend, reach, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit for extended periods.
• May be exposed to hazardous situations, conditions, and equipment.
• Regularly wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
• May be exposed to extreme temperatures and high noise levels.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds.