Heavy Equipment Operator

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating and maneuvering heavy-duty machinery in a demanding outdoor industrial environment. This role plays a critical part in ensuring projects are completed efficiently while maintaining strict adherence to safety and operational standards. Primary equipment includes heavy-duty diesel-powered machinery such as scrapers, bulldozers, haul trucks, excavators, and various hydraulic systems. The operator will be responsible for performing pre- and post-operation inspections, identifying potential mechanical issues, and reporting maintenance needs to ensure equipment remains operational, safe, and compliant.

Additional responsibilities may include supporting site operations, maintain work areas, and assisting with basic equipment upkeep as needed.

• Perform pre- and post-operation inspections to ensure equipment (windows, lights, mirrors, cameras, and safety features) is clean, functional, and compliant
• Safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment including loaders, excavators, grapples, and hydraulic cranes to move materials and support site operations
• Monitor equipment condition throughout shifts to ensure operational readiness and minimize downtime
• Determine and verify load weights against lifting capacities to prevent overloads and ensure safe operations
• Load and unload materials such as scrap, debris, and equipment onto trucks and/or rail cars
• Operate hydraulic grapples and magnetic cranes to sort, lift, and process materials
• Assist with yard organization and material staging to support production goals and workflow efficiency
• Perform routine equipment maintenance, including fueling, lubricating, and cleaning assigned machinery

• 5-7 years of experience operating heavy equipment such as loaders and excavators in a large scale, industrial environment
• Ability to operate a variety of heavy machinery and equipment safely and efficiently
• Experience in the operation of a Caterpillar, Sennebogen, Grapple
• Previous Hydraulic Crane experience preferred
• Ability to carry out instructions provided in written, oral, or diagrammatic form
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work well with a team

Environmental conditions – must work outside in all different weather conditions including extreme cold and extreme heat. The operator may at times be exposed to dangerous and/or toxic substances and must take necessary precautions to protect eyes, nose and skin from irritation and infection. Mental demands- conditions that may lead to mental or emotional fatigue. This position entails working independently and maintaining a schedule of work.

Any problems or inconveniences may result in increased stress to complete tasks in a limited time. Occasionally lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling 25 to 50 pounds.

As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multi-generational and multicultural workforce, Key Staffing recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability and actively foster inclusion in all forms both within our company and across interactions with clients, candidates, and partners.