Yard Spotter​/Heavy Equipment Operator

Department:
Shop Operations

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Job Type: Regular

Work Schedule:

Variable shifts based on the needs of the business and the determination of shop operations management.

Job Status:
Full Time

Reports To:

Shop Foreman

Amount of

Travel Required:

None

Positions Supervised:
None

Steel Service Corporation is seeking a reliable, safety-conscious Yard Spotter / Heavy Equipment Operator to join our Operations team in Jackson, Mississippi. This is a critical role in the daily movement of trailers, flatbeds, and materials within our fabrication facility yard - keeping our production floor supplied, our shipping dock moving, and our erection crews never waiting on material.

• The ideal candidate is experienced behind the wheel of a yard truck (spotter) and comfortable operating Heavy Ruff Terrian forklifts and other heavy equipment in a busy, active fabrication environment.

The Yard Spotter / Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of trailers, materials, and equipment throughout the Steel Service yard and facility. This is an active, physical, outdoor role.

• Operate a yard truck (spotter truck) to move, spot, and position trailers, flatbeds, and other vehicles within the facility yard, shipping dock, and staging areas.
• Position trailers at the dock door or loading area as directed by shipping and receiving personnel.
• Coordinate with drivers on trailer pickup, drop, and positioning to ensure efficient dock and yard flow.
• Maintain a clear, organized, and safe yard at all times - trailers, materials, and equipment staged in the correct locations.
• Communicate yard and trailer status to the shipping supervisor and production team as needed.

• Operate forklifts, extendable boom forklifts (lulls), and other heavy equipment to load, unload, and move structural steel, raw materials, and finished fabricated components.
• Load outbound trucks and flatbeds - verify loads match delivery tickets and are staged in the correct erection sequence as directed by the shipping coordinator or project manager.
• Unload inbound deliveries of raw materials, vendor products, and supplies - confirm delivery tickets match received material and report any shortages, damage, or discrepancies immediately.
• Operate overhead cranes and rigging equipment for material handling as needed and as certified.
• Perform pre-operation inspection of all equipment before each use - document and report any defects, damage, or maintenance needs immediately. Do not operate unsafe equipment.

• Comply with all Steel Service Corporation safety policies, OSHA standards, and equipment operating procedures at all times.
• Wear required PPE at all times in the yard and facility - hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility vest in all designated areas.
• Maintain safe operating speeds and spotting distances when moving trailers and equipment - be aware of pedestrians, other equipment, and overhead hazards at all times.
• Report all near-misses, incidents, equipment damage, and unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.
• Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, and required training programs.

• Keep the yard, dock area, and staging zones clean, organized, and free of debris and hazards.
• Assist in marking and maintaining designated trailer spots, material staging areas, and pedestrian walkways.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance on yard equipment - fluid checks, tire inspection, light maintenance - and report any issues requiring service.
• Assist shipping and receiving staff with documentation, ticket verification, and material staging as…