Demo

Equipment Operator

Sims Limited
Johnston, RI Full Time
POSTED ON 7/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/20/2026

Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as at any time in our long history.

Job Summary

The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating heavy equipment, including front-end loaders with buckets, forklifts (12,000 lb. capacity or smaller) with rotators, bobcats, and skid steers, to support daily recycling operations. The Equipment Operator must follow all company safety policies, procedures, and Golden Rules while maintaining equipment through daily inspections, routine maintenance, and housekeeping.


Essential Job Responsibilities

  • Safely operate heavy equipment under the direction of the Shift Supervisor or Production Manager.
  • Operate front-end loaders, forklifts (12,000 lb. capacity or smaller), bobcats, and skid steer equipment.
  • Load and unload trucks, rail cars, and barges, and move recyclable materials throughout the facility.
  • Complete pre-shift equipment inspections and accurately document inspection results.
  • Perform routine equipment maintenance, including lubricating, fueling, greasing, and cleaning equipment.
  • Conduct end-of-shift equipment inspections and report any maintenance or safety concerns.
  • Maintain clean equipment and work areas to ensure safe and efficient operations.
  • Sweep and shovel residual material from processing areas as needed.
  • Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and environmental regulations.
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to workplace safety and operational excellence.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) required.
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Minimum of 12 months of related equipment operating experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Ability to safely operate heavy equipment in an industrial or recycling environment.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to perform routine equipment maintenance.
  • Strong commitment to safety and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:

  • Stand, walk, and operate heavy equipment for extended periods.
  • Use hands to grasp, handle, and operate controls and tools.
  • Reach with hands and arms.
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, and balance as necessary.
  • Frequently enter and exit heavy equipment.
  • Regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.


Work Environment

The work environment is primarily an industrial recycling facility where employees are regularly exposed to moving mechanical equipment, dust, dirt, vibration, varying weather conditions, and elevated noise levels. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times in accordance with company safety policies.


A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

Sims is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of all of our employees and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute, advance on merit, and realize their full potential. Sims does not discriminate with regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, housing status, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to any employment decision, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. qualified applicants with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation may request such without fear of reprisal or discrimination.

To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe Well, Band Together, Be Accountable Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate Have Fun.

Benefits:

Health Insurance, 401K Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off

Salary.com Estimation for Equipment Operator in Johnston, RI
$58,248 to $73,976
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