Demo

Hydraulic Crane Operator

Sims Metal
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 11/24/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/23/2025
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.

Purpose Of Role

The Hydraulic Crane Operator is responsible for operating hydraulic cranes to handle, sort, and move material in a fast-paced yard environment

Principal Accountabilities

  • Operate "hydraulic" cranes to lift, move, and position scrap metal and other materials.
  • Load and unload trucks, railcars, and containers with material.
  • Sort and organize ferrous and non-ferrous metals according to company procedures.
  • Inspect and maintain crane equipment daily to ensure safe and efficient operation.
  • Work closely with yard workers, scale operators, and supervisors to ensure smooth workflow.
  • Follow all company and OSHA safety protocols and procedures.
  • Keep accurate records of material movement and equipment inspections.
  • Assist with general yard duties when not operating crane.
  • Assist with inspecting
  • Assist the strip line
  • Assist at the picking house
  • Other duties as assigned.

Experience/Qualifications Required

  • High School diploma or GED
  • Valid crane operator certification (NCCCO or equivalent) strongly preferred.
  • OSHA 10 or 30 certification is a plus.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience operating hydraulic and/or cable cranes in an industrial, scrap yard, or recycling environment.
  • Experience with grapple, magnet, and bucket attachments is a strong advantage.
  • Familiarity with ferrous and non-ferrous metals is highly preferred.

Skills

  • Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of heavy equipment operation.
  • Excellent hand-eye coordination and depth perception.
  • Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including exposure to weather and noise.
  • Team player with good communication skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.

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.

Salary.com Estimation for Hydraulic Crane Operator in Chicago, IL
$52,977 to $70,399
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