Heavy Equipment Operator

Step into a role where your skill behind the controls keeps an entire operation moving. This opportunity places you at the center of a busy recycling and processing environment, where precision, safety, and steady productivity matter every single day. If you take pride in running powerful machinery with care and confidence, you will find a place to grow here.

As part of the equipment team at Shine Bros. operating out of the Spencer, IA facility, you will handle a variety of machines that support scrap metal and recycling operations. Heavy Equipment Operators in this position work closely with yard crews, drivers, and supervisors to move, sort, and load material efficiently and safely. Your work directly supports the flow of inbound and outbound materials across the site.

• Operate loaders, material handlers, excavators, forklifts, and other equipment used in scrap processing and recycling.
• Load and unload trucks, rail cars, and containers while following safe loading practices.
• Sort, stack, and move ferrous and non-ferrous materials throughout the yard.
• Perform daily pre-operation inspections and report mechanical issues promptly.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of hazards.
• Communicate clearly with ground crews using signals and radios to coordinate movement.
• Follow all safety procedures, including spotting, right-of-way, and lockout practices.

Skilled Heavy Equipment Operators understand that smooth, deliberate movements protect both people and property, and that steady habits build a reliable workflow.

We welcome candidates who bring mechanical aptitude and a strong commitment to safe work. Prior experience is valued, but a willingness to learn and improve matters just as much.

• Experience operating heavy machinery such as loaders, excavators, or material handlers.
• Comfort working outdoors in varying weather and in a fast-paced yard setting.
• Strong attention to surroundings and the ability to maintain situational awareness.
• Dependability, punctuality, and a team-first attitude.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and safety protocols.
• A valid driver's license is helpful for moving equipment across the site.

Heavy Equipment Operators who thrive here tend to be problem-solvers who stay calm under pressure and take ownership of their machines. We encourage applicants at different experience levels, because many of our most capable Heavy Equipment Operators grew their skills on the job with support from an experienced crew.

If you are ready to put your hands on capable equipment and contribute to meaningful recycling work, this role offers the chance to build a lasting trade. Heavy Equipment Operators are essential to everything we accomplish, and your effort will be seen and valued.

Shine Brothers Corporation is a long-standing scrap metal recycling company based in Spencer, Iowa. The company processes ferrous and non-ferrous materials, serving customers across the region and supporting the broader recycling supply chain. With deep roots in northwest Iowa, Shine Brothers has built a reputation for reliable service, responsible material handling, and a workforce that takes pride in keeping valuable resources in productive use.