Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment OperatorWe are seeking a dependable and safety-conscious heavy equipment experience to support operations in Decatur, AL. In this role, you operate heavy machinery to grade and maintain the steel landfill area on-site, assist with related earthwork and material handling tasks, and contribute to safe and efficient facility operations. This position is primarily outdoors in a hot, dusty, and active manufacturing environment and requires strong attention to safety, reliability, and teamwork.Responsibilities:Operate equipment to level and maintain landfill areas used for steel byproducts.Drive and maneuver heavy equipment safely across uneven and unpaved terrain within the facility.Perform routine inspections of grader and other assigned equipment to identify wear, damage, or safety concerns.Complete basic maintenance tasks on the grader, such as cleaning, lubrication, and minor adjustments, and report any mechanical issues promptly.Assist with earthworks and excavation activities, including grading, leveling, and shaping surfaces as directed by site supervisors.Support general labor tasks around the landfill and steel mill area, such as material handling, cleanup, and concrete or construction-related work as needed.Operate other heavy equipment, such as excavators, dozers, track hoes, skid steers, haul trucks, and dump trucks, when required and if qualified.Work closely with site supervisors and team members to ensure grading and earthwork meet operational and safety standards.Follow all facility rules, procedures, and safety protocols, including the consistent use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).Maintain awareness of surroundings in an active manufacturing environment and respond appropriately to changing site conditions.Adhere to scheduled work hours and complete assigned tasks efficiently to support daily production and site maintenance goals.Essential Skills:Previous experience operating a grader or similar heavy equipment in an industrial, construction, or earthworks setting.Demonstrated ability to operate heavy equipment such as excavators, dozers, track hoes, skid steers, haul trucks, and dump trucks safely and effectively.Strong understanding of grading, earthworks, and equipment operation principles in outdoor and uneven terrain environments.Ability to work in hot, dusty, dirty, and physically demanding outdoor conditions for extended periods.Reliable transportation to and from the Decatur, AL work site.Consistent ability to work 40-50 hours per week, starting at 6:30 AM.Strong attention to safety, situational awareness, and adherence to PPE and safety protocols.Good communication skills to coordinate with site supervisors and team members.Ability to perform basic equipment inspections and minor maintenance tasks.Additional Skills & Qualifications:Experience working in a steel mill, landfill, construction site, or other heavy industrial environment.Familiarity with excavation, grading, and earthmoving operations.Comfort working around active manufacturing processes and heavy machinery.Ability to adapt to changing work assignments and operate different types of heavy equipment as needed.Job Type & Location:This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Decatur, AL.Pay and Benefits:The pay range for this position is $21.50/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace Type:This is a fully onsite position in Decatur, AL.Application Deadline:This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.