Heavy Equipment Operator

Aurubis - metallurgy is our passion. We are a leading global multi‑metal company and one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide. We process complex metal concentrates, scrap metals, and metal‑bearing recycling materials into metals of the highest purity. These metals serve as the basis for key megatrends such as digitalization, renewable energies, e‑mobility, and urbanization. Aurubis has about 7,000 employees, production sites in Europe and the US, and an extensive worldwide distribution system.

The Heavy Equipment Operator operates heavy mobile equipment such as forklifts, wheel loaders, and excavators to manage the movement, blending, loading, and unloading of materials. The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience operating wheel loaders, excavators or equivalent heavy equipment with a commitment to safety and quality, and must be comfortable working in a fixed shift environment.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum 3 years in logistics or material handling, with experience operating forklifts, wheel loaders, or excavators.
• Valid driver’s license for at least one heavy equipment type (forklift, wheel loader, excavator, crane).
• Strong understanding of material handling processes and workplace safety, including DOT and OSHA regulations.
• Basic computer skills (business systems, email, Microsoft Office).
• Awareness of hazardous materials and environmental protection standards.
• Willingness to work shifts.
• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to safety and defensive operation.
• Strong work ethic with solution‑focused leadership.
• Effective communication, coaching, and feedback skills.

• Must be willing and physically able to walk/work in, observe, and spend time in a smelter environment.
• Must be willing and physically able to work in intense heat situations.
• Able to sit, stand, and walk for varying periods of time in the plant.
• Must be able to perform walking, standing, climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, using hand‑to‑finger movement, balancing, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.
• May occasionally be required to reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Good physical condition with the ability to lift to 50 lbs.
• Good hand/eye coordination, motor skills, 20/20 corrected vision and hearing within the normal range.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to respond quickly and efficiently to all safety needs on the floor or in the office areas.
• Must wear all required PPE when in protected areas.
• Willing and physically able to travel domestically and/or internationally, if requested.

• Safely operate heavy mobile equipment (e.g., forklifts, wheel loaders, excavators) to load, unload, move, and store materials.
• Perform recurring logistics activities including truck loading/unloading, storage, material documentation, and equipment upkeep.
• Maintain clean, organized, and compliant warehouse and yard areas.
• Conduct product handling tasks such as weighing, tagging, scanning, wrapping, and data entry in SAP or related systems.
• Ensure accurate inventory management through cycle counts, stocktaking, and material flow registration.
• Ensure safe, efficient handling, storage, and segregation of materials to prevent contamination.
• Coordinate material movement between departments and external partners to support production schedules and customer orders.
• Promote a strong safety culture by modeling and enforcing compliance with EHS standards.
• Ensure all personnel use required PPE and follow environmental protection procedures.
• Support EHS audits, investigations, and corrective actions to maintain regulatory compliance.
• Support onboarding and training of new employees, ensuring transfer of knowledge across shifts.
• Build a culture of trust, open communication, and continuous improvement aligned with company values.
• Collaborate with internal teams (maintenance, production, customer service, purchasing, EHS) and external partners.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational goals.

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Aurubis is an employer that stands for diversity and equal opportunity. Employment decisions are made regardless of national or ethnic origin, religion and belief, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, mental and physical impairment and social origin or any other legally protected characteristics of an individual.

• Augusta (Richmond County)
• Permanent
• Full-time

Apply now