Demo

Heavy Equipment Operator

Cleveland-Cliffs Ferrous Processing & Trade
Detroit, MI Full Time
POSTED ON 12/17/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/16/2026

Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT) is one of North America's premier processors, buyers, sellers and recyclers of scrap metals of all kinds and is a key supplier to the metals industry of North America. FPT is a wholly-owned business of Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opportunity for an Heavy Equipment Operator at the Chicago Heights, IL location. The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the processing of scrap metals using various tools and equipment, including crawlers.

Summary of Responsibilities:

  • Ensure adherence to safety standards including use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), remove hazards as identified, and maintain cleanliness of the site.
  • Operate & maintain heavy equipment including but not limited to wheeled crawler and pedestal crawlers from various manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Sennebogen and Liebherr.
  • Operate & maintain equipment movement in response to hand signals or radio commands.
  • Load and unload materials from storage, production areas, docks, delivery vehicles, staging areas, or containers using equipment including but not limited to a magnet and grapple.
  • Sort a variety of recycled materials and metals to separate out high-grade metals and removes any non-conforming metals.
  • Load metal separation system and baler using grapple or magnet.
  • Operate & maintain mobile equipment including but not limited to track mobile, forklifts, skid steers, manlifts, street sweeper, and/or water trucks.
  • Perform tasks involving physical labor using tools, including but not limited to standard hand tools, torch, bander, saw zall, and wire snips.
  • Perform daily inspections on all equipment as required.
  • Identify scrap including the grade and type of material and any undesirable elements within the material.
  • Perform cleaning duties related to plant equipment and general housekeeping
  • Assists mechanics in the maintenance of equipment including plant equipment
  • Interacts with customers or drivers to direct or assist them
  • Performs other tasks and operates & maintains other equipment as required

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • High School Diploma/GED or may consider 1 years of heavy equipment operator experience.
  • Must be able to read, write, and perform basic math.
  • Ability to work independently
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to maintain accurate records
  • Ability to follow oral and written communication
  • Ability to climb ladders or steps to reach objects
  • Ability to endure physical and outdoor work on a daily basis.
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
  • Work cooperatively with other employees and the public
  • Must be able to work in an environment where routinely exposed to dust, dirt, vibrations, extreme climate and changes in weather.
  • Pre-Employment background, physical, and hair drug screen required

Ferrous Processing and Trading is a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America.Cleveland-Cliffs is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing.We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunities, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off, and more.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail tocareers@clevelandcliffs.comor call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.

 

Salary.com Estimation for Heavy Equipment Operator in Detroit, MI
$48,006 to $64,356
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