Yard Spotter / Heavy Equipment Operator

Description

Department: Shop Operations

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Grade/Level

Job Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Variable shifts based on the needs of the business and the determination of shop operations management.

Job Status: Full Time

Reports To: Shop Foreman

Amount of Travel Required: None

Positions Supervised: None

Position Summary

Steel Service Corporation is seeking a reliable, safety-conscious Yard Spotter / Heavy Equipment Operator to join our Operations team in Jackson, Mississippi. This is a critical role in the daily movement of trailers, flatbeds, and materials within our fabrication facility yard — keeping our production floor supplied, our shipping dock moving, and our erection crews never waiting on material.

The ideal candidate is experienced behind the wheel of a yard truck (spotter) and comfortable operating Heavy Ruff Terrian forklifts and other heavy equipment in a busy, active fabrication environment. If you show up on time, work safely, and take pride in keeping the yard running, this role is for you.

Essential Functions Statement(s)

• The ideal candidate is experienced behind the wheel of a yard truck (spotter) and comfortable operating Heavy Ruff Terrian forklifts and other heavy equipment in a busy, active fabrication environment.
  
  

The Yard Spotter / Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of trailers, materials, and equipment throughout the Steel Service yard and facility. This is an active, physical, outdoor role.

Yard Spotting & Trailer Movement

• Operate a yard truck (spotter truck) to move, spot, and position trailers, flatbeds, and other vehicles within the facility yard, shipping dock, and staging areas.
• Position trailers at the dock door or loading area as directed by shipping and receiving personnel.
• Coordinate with drivers on trailer pickup, drop, and positioning to ensure efficient dock and yard flow.
• Maintain a clear, organized, and safe yard at all times — trailers, materials, and equipment staged in the correct locations.
• Communicate yard and trailer status to the shipping supervisor and production team as needed.
  
  

Forklift & Heavy Equipment Operation

• Operate forklifts, extendable boom forklifts (lulls), and other heavy equipment to load, unload, and move structural steel, raw materials, and finished fabricated components.
• Load outbound trucks and flatbeds — verify loads match delivery tickets and are staged in the correct erection sequence as directed by the shipping coordinator or project manager.
• Unload inbound deliveries of raw materials, vendor products, and supplies — confirm delivery tickets match received material and report any shortages, damage, or discrepancies immediately.
• Operate overhead cranes and rigging equipment for material handling as needed and as certified.
• Perform pre-operation inspection of all equipment before each use — document and report any defects, damage, or maintenance needs immediately. Do not operate unsafe equipment.
  
  

Safety & Compliance

• Comply with all Steel Service Corporation safety policies, OSHA standards, and equipment operating procedures at all times.
• Wear required PPE at all times in the yard and facility — hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility vest in all designated areas.
• Maintain safe operating speeds and spotting distances when moving trailers and equipment — be aware of pedestrians, other equipment, and overhead hazards at all times.
• Report all near-misses, incidents, equipment damage, and unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.
• Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, and required training programs.
  
  

Yard Maintenance & Organization

• Keep the yard, dock area, and staging zones clean, organized, and free of debris and hazards.
• Assist in marking and maintaining designated trailer spots, material staging areas, and pedestrian walkways.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance on yard equipment — fluid checks, tire inspection, light maintenance — and report any issues requiring service.
• Assist shipping and receiving staff with documentation, ticket verification, and material staging as needed.
  
  

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience operating a yard spotter (hostler) truck in a warehouse, distribution, fabrication, or industrial environment.
• Minimum 2 years of forklift operation experience — sit-down counterbalance and/or extendable boom (lull) preferred.
• Experience loading and unloading flatbed trailers with heavy or oversized material.
• Experience in a steel fabrication, manufacturing, construction, or heavy industrial yard environment strongly preferred.
• Ability to read delivery tickets, load sheets, and basic shipping documentation.
  
  

Skills & Abilities

Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED): Required Demonstrated on the job effort and willingness to learn is a plus.

Experience: No prior experience necessary