Torch Operator

Established in 1978, United Scrap Metal ("USM") has grown from $200 and a rental truck into one of the largest full-service recyclers in the country. Today, the USM team continues to pioneer innovative, solutions-driven recycling programs through ethical and sustainable practices, which have earned them both acclaim and recognition amongst industry partners. With 700+ team members across 11 locations nationally, the company's commitment to excellence is reflected in its award-winning history, as well as an outstanding client retention rate across thousands of customers throughout North America. Equally as important is the expansion of the team's focus on philanthropy, sustainability, diversity and carrying out our corporate mission: making a positive impact on the lives of others. USM is proud to make a difference for its customers, partners, team members, communities and the planet as it continues to drive its expansion forward for the next forty years and beyond.

USM is looking for purpose-driven individuals who seek to utilize their unique traits and attributes to make a positive impact on the company and further our mission. Team members at United are driven to achieve results and are tenacious in the face of challenges. They are humble and intellectually curious, seeking the ability to roll up their sleeves and "get their hands dirty" to solve complex problems while maintaining the motivation to develop both personally and professionally. Lastly, collaboration is vital to our business and line of work; therefore, our team members must be able to communicate and build relationships with multiple cross functional departments across the organization.

Position Overview

The Torch Operator sorts, segregates and cuts material using company equipment to achieve company goals. He or she will primarily torch-cut material to customer specification with efficiency, while following established safety protocols. This individual directly reports to the Torch Operator Supervisor and may also receive instructions from other Operations Leaders like the Yard Supervisor, Operations Supervisor, Operations Manager or General Manager.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Demonstrates ability to manually spread out, sort and segregate material
• Demonstrates ability to safely use a gas-powered torch to cut material per customer specification
• Facilitates a safe and clean work environment
• Works quickly and efficiently to meet department and company goals while adhering to all company, safety and health policies
• Works in various environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold, dusty, dirty and/or wet conditions
• Adheres to all components of the company's lead safety program
• Performs job with integrity while upholding ethical standards and expectations of the organization
• Facilitates internal communication with his supervisor and peers
• Must demonstrate competency in all aspects of the job and company objectives
• Demonstrate understanding of company policies, rules and training
• Other duties as assigned

Required Characteristics

• Must possess basic reading and writing comprehension in English
• Ability to be trained and certified to operate either a skid steer loader or crane
• Must have the ability to perform the physical tasks of the job such as walking, standing, bending and/or sitting for extended periods of time in a confined space (equipment cabin) during the entire scheduled shift
• Must routinely bend over to move / push / lift / sort pieces of metal weighing up to 50 lbs. each, no more than 1 ft. off the ground; must engage in a "team lift" if handling pieces over 50 lbs.
• Must be able to wear protective safety equipment such as a torch uniform, face shield, respirator, safety shoes, etc. (per OSHA regulations) weighing approximately 5 lbs. while performing the job during the entire scheduled shift
• Must be able to hold the torch throughout the entire scheduled shift, which weighs approximately 5 lbs.
• Able to fulfill flexible scheduling requirements as determined by the manager and / or business needs of the operation

Minimum Safety Training Requirements

• Basic on-the-job training that satisfies the Primary Objectives of the specific position (as noted above)
• US-SOP-01 United in Safety Manual
• US-F11 QEH&S Policy
• US-SOP-03 Team Member Handbook

We strive to demonstrate our Core Values in all positions at USM:

Trust • Commitment • Loyalty • Passion • Performance • Service • Performance


USM is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. USM will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. USM is a Zero Impairment Workplace. USM provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your Talent Acquisition contact or another member of our People Development Team. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.