Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator / Material Handler

This role supports a structural steel fabrication operation by safely moving, staging, and delivering heavy steel materials throughout an outside yard and fabrication shop. You will operate heavy equipment such as cranes, telehandlers, and Lull forklifts to load and unload trucks, supply production areas with the correct materials, and ensure an efficient and safe workflow across the facility.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment, including cranes, telehandlers, and Lull forklifts, to move extremely heavy steel materials throughout the shop and yard.
• Load and unload inbound and outbound shipments, ensuring all materials are handled safely, accurately, and without damage.
• Rig and position steel beams and components for welders using overhead lifting equipment and appropriate rigging techniques.
• Deliver structural steel materials to production areas such as weld stations, plasma tables, drill lines, and beam lines in a timely manner.
• Stage and organize structural steel for efficient workflow, production readiness, and minimal downtime in fabrication processes.
• Identify, sort, and verify different material types, including I-beams, W-beams, plate, and sheet metal, according to job requirements.
• Ensure the correct material size, type, and quantity are delivered to each designated work area based on production needs.
• Read and interpret a tape measure accurately, including measurements down to 1/16 of an inch, to confirm material dimensions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in the yard and shop, including proper storage of materials and equipment.
• Follow all safety procedures and best practices related to rigging, lifting, and material handling to protect people, equipment, and materials.
• Communicate effectively with welders, machine operators, and other team members to coordinate material flow and prioritize tasks.
• Inspect equipment visually before use and report any damage, defects, or safety concerns promptly.
• Assist with loading and unloading trucks and trailers, ensuring loads are properly secured for transport.
• Support general material handling tasks as needed to keep structural steel fabrication operations running efficiently.

Essential Skills

• Proven heavy equipment operation experience in an industrial, construction, or fabrication environment.
• Hands-on experience operating cranes, telehandlers, and Lull forklifts for heavy material handling.
• Demonstrated experience with heavy material handling and rigging, including safe use of rigging gear and lifting techniques.
• Knowledge of structural steel materials, including common shapes and sizes such as I-beams, W-beams, plate, and sheet metal.
• Ability to accurately read and interpret a tape measure down to 1/16 of an inch.
• Experience loading and unloading trucks and trailers with heavy steel materials.
• Ability to lift, move, and maneuver heavy materials with the assistance of equipment.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, bend, and work on your feet in an industrial environment for extended periods.
• Comfort working in a non-climate-controlled shop and outdoor yard environment.
• Commitment to following all safety procedures related to rigging, lifting, and material handling.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in the steel or structural fabrication industry.
• Familiarity with telehandlers and Lull forklifts in a production or yard setting.
• Strong organizational skills to stage and arrange materials for efficient workflow.
• Attention to detail when verifying material types, sizes, and quantities.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate material flow with production teams.

Why Work Here?

You will join a team-focused fabrication environment where your equipment skills directly support complex structural steel projects. The role offers steady daytime hours and the opportunity to build specialized experience with heavy steel, rigging, and advanced material handling. You will work in a setting that values safety, reliability, and craftsmanship, and encourages hands-on learning and growth within industrial operations.

Work Environment

This position operates in an outside yard and structural steel fabrication shop environment. You will work around heavy equipment, steel beams, and active production areas, with frequent movement between indoor shop spaces and outdoor yard areas. The facility is non-climate-controlled, so temperatures and conditions will vary with the seasons. The schedule runs Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and handling materials. You will regularly use cranes, telehandlers, Lull forklifts, and rigging equipment in a safety-focused, industrial setting where appropriate work attire and personal protective equipment are required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cocoa, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/hr. 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 Cocoa, FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.