What are the responsibilities and job description for the Salvage Yard Manager position at Ewing Bros Inc.?
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and safety-driven Salvage Yard Manager to oversee our yard crew, dismantle operators, and lot personnel. This role is responsible for directing daily yard workflows, strict inventory control via Car-Part.com, material grading, and ensuring complete environmental and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate is a strong leader with comprehensive knowledge of automotive recycling, logistical mastery, and a firm commitment to operational safety.
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match.
- Paid Vacation & Holidays.
- Opportunities for Growth & Advancement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage the full lifecycle of salvage assets using Car-Part.com, including vehicle intake, accurate parts lookup/interchange entry, and digital inventory auditing.
- Supervise and direct daily yard workflows, overseeing the staging, dismantling, inventory tagging, and organized storage of end-of-life vehicles.
- Create and monitor daily production schedules for vehicle teardown and fluid extraction to meet recovery targets.
- Administer operational and safety training for yard staff under ownership direction, enforcing PPE compliance and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) standards.
- Conduct routine property safety walks and inspections to proactively mitigate hazards, prevent ground spills, and keep emergency paths unobstructed.
- Ensure accurate identification, grading, and separation of ferrous and non-ferrous metals to maximize resale margins.
- Oversee strict compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations regarding the safe containment and disposal of hazardous vehicle fluids and components.
- Assist with walk-in customers, commercial buyers, and scrap vendors, providing effective conflict resolution for pricing or grading disputes.
- Partner with HR and ownership to assist with interviewing, hiring, scheduling, coaching, and performance management for yard personnel.
- Respond to and thoroughly document any yard accidents, equipment damage, or near-miss incidents.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 3 years of proven supervisory or lead experience in an automotive salvage yard, scrap recycling facility, or heavy industrial setting.
- Extensive, verifiable proficiency utilizing Car-Part.com software for parts inventory tracking.
- High school diploma or GED required (Associate’s degree in business, supply chain, or automotive technology preferred).
- Strong foundational knowledge of environmental compliance laws and a willingness to learn OSHA and NDEP standards.
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), typing at least 40 WPM, and operating site security hardware.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Forklift certification is preferred (or ability to obtain certification).
- OSHA 10/30 General Industry or EPA Section 609 MVAC certification is a strong plus.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
Physical Requirements:
- Regular standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling to inspect vehicles and navigate rugged yard terrain.
- Routine lifting and moving of items up to 50 lbs., and occasionally up to 75 lbs.
- Ability to occasionally maneuver the body into awkward positions to safely inspect vehicle components.
Work Environment:
- Frequent exposure to all outdoor weather conditions, including extreme desert heat and high winds.
- Daily work around heavy industrial machinery, moving vehicles, sharp scrap metal, and automotive chemicals.
- Fast-paced, high-pressure yard environment with noise levels that are usually moderate but occasionally loud.
Competencies:
- Proven leadership, supervisory, and team-building capabilities.
- Advanced technical knowledge of automotive parts interchange and material weight calculations.
- Exceptional problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and decision-making skills.
- Dependability, strict punctuality, and the flexibility to work varied shifts (including weekends as needed).
- Commitment to continuous professional development and training.