Heavy Equipment Operator

The Heavy Equipment Operator plays a key role in supporting efficient, safe, and high-quality operations at Aurubis Richmond. This position operates heavy mobile equipment—such as forklifts, wheel loaders, and excavators—to manage the movement, blending, loading, and unloading of materials. Responsibilities include performing daily warehouse duties, labeling and inspecting goods, and ensuring accuracy and care in all material handling activities. 

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in operational logistics or warehouse management, demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, quality, and environmental standards, and is comfortable working in a fixed-shift environment. This role focuses on both execution and the continuous improvement of material handling processes, supporting recycling operations for non-ferrous raw materials while optimizing cost, quality, and efficiency. 

Safely operate heavy mobile equipment (e.g., forklifts, wheel loaders, excavators) to load, unload, move, and store materials. 

Perform recurring logistics activities including truck loading/unloading, storage, material documentation, and equipment upkeep. 

Maintain clean, organized, and compliant warehouse and yard areas. 

Conduct product handling tasks such as weighing, tagging, scanning, wrapping, and data entry in SAP or related systems. 

Ensure accurate inventory management through cycle counts, stocktaking, and material flow registration. 

Oversee Finished and Intermediate Goods, Shipping, and Rework Operations. 

Ensure safe, efficient handling, storage, and segregation of materials to prevent contamination. 

Coordinate material movement between departments and external partners to support production schedules and customer orders. 

Promote a strong safety culture by modeling and enforcing compliance with EHS standards. 

Conduct or participate in safety meetings, inspections, and audits; report and address unsafe acts or conditions. 

Ensure all personnel use required PPE and follow environmental protection procedures. 

Support EHS audits, investigations, and corrective actions to maintain regulatory compliance. 

Lead and develop team members through coaching, feedback, and regular performance discussions. 

Support onboarding and training of new employees, ensuring transfer of knowledge across shifts. 

Build a culture of trust, open communication, and continuous improvement aligned with company values. 

Ensure adequate staffing and promote adherence to site policies and performance goals. 

Monitor and improve logistics and warehouse processes for safety, quality, and efficiency. 

Define and track KPIs; identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions. 

Support Lean, Six Sigma, and SPC initiatives to optimize operations. 

Contribute to logistics projects, workflow reviews, and new equipment commissioning. 

Maintain accurate operational data and reports in MS Office and SAP systems. 

Collaborate with internal teams (maintenance, production, customer service, purchasing, EHS) and external partners. 

Assist with audits, service orders, and vendor coordination as needed. 

Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational goals. 

Minimum 3 years in logistics or material handling, with experience operating forklifts, wheel loaders, or excavators. 

Valid driver’s license for at least one heavy equipment type (forklift, wheel loader, excavator, crane). 

Strong understanding of material handling processes and workplace safety, including DOT and OSHA regulations. 

Knowledge of lean/process improvement methodologies. 

Basic computer skills (business systems, email, Microsoft Office). 

Awareness of hazardous materials and environmental protection standards. 

Willingness to work shifts.