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EE
Express Employment Professionals
Equipment Operator
Career Insights for Operating Engineer / Heavy Equipment Operator
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Scorecard
Based on Indiana data
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What they do
An Operating Engineer or Heavy Equipment Operator drives and operates heavy equipment used in quarries, construction sites, landfills, refuse and recycling centers, or ports. Heavy Equipment may include, but is not limited to, bulldozers, excavators, paving equipment and pile drivers.
$56,108 / year median in Indiana
+12% projected growth
Job Description
Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Equipment Operator to join our team in a fast-paced manufacturing and scrap-handling environment. This position will operate forklifts and heavy equipment, prepare metal for scrapping, load rail cars, and assist with various material-handling and production activities. The ideal candidate has strong forklift experience and a background operating heavy equipment or machinery. Experience with cranes, grinders, or scrap processing is preferred but not required for the right candidate. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Safely operate forklifts to move, load, unload, and position materials. Operate heavy equipment and machinery as assigned. Train on and operate cranes as needed. Prepare metal and other materials for scrapping. Use grinders and other equipment to process and prepare metal. Load and unload rail cars safely and efficiently. Move and stage materials throughout the facility. Inspect equipment before operation and report any safety or mechanical concerns. Follow all company safety procedures, PPE requirements, and operating guidelines. Maintain a clean and organized work area. Perform physically demanding work, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, and standing for extended periods. Perform other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Minimum 1 year of recent forklift operating experience. Must have recent work experience in a position requiring the regular lifting of 50 lbs. Experience operating heavy equipment, machinery, or industrial equipment. Ability to safely operate equipment in a fast-paced industrial environment. Strong awareness of workplace safety and ability to follow established procedures. Reliable attendance and dependable work ethic. Ability to work as part of a team and independently when necessary. Preferred Qualifications Experience operating cranes. Experience using grinders or other metal-processing equipment. Previous scrap, recycling, steel, manufacturing, or heavy industrial experience. Combination of forklift experience plus heavy equipment or machine operation experience is highly desirable. Physical Requirements Regularly lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Stand and walk for extended periods. Frequently bend, stoop, reach, climb, push, and pull. Work around heavy machinery, metal materials, and industrial equipment. Ability to work safely in a physically demanding manufacturing environment. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is an experienced equipment operator who is comfortable working around heavy machinery and materials. Candidates must have recent forklift experience and a proven history of regularly performing physical work involving 50-lb lifting. Candidates with forklift experience combined with heavy equipment or machine operation experience will be strongly considered, even if they have not previously operated cranes or grinders.