Job Summary
New Ulm Steel plays a vital role in sustainability by purchasing and processing metal that supports the circular economy and keeps valuable materials in use. We are committed to rewarding hard work, and promoting from within. Safety is our top priority—operators are expected to follow strict safety protocols, use proper PPE, and maintain a constant awareness of their surroundings.
We are seeking a Crane and Other Heavy Equipment Operator to play a critical role in supporting daily yard operations. The successful candidate will safely operate heavy equipment such as cranes, grapples, excavators, backhoes, and skid steers to move, sort, and load scrap metal. You’ll support production, maintain clean stockpiles, and load outbound trucks while protecting people and equipment. This position requires mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to teamwork and workplace safety.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment—including cranes, grapples, excavators, backhoes, and skid steers in accordance with company procedures and safety protocols. Conduct thorough daily inspections of equipment, checking mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems to ensure safe and functional operation
- Load, move, and organize various scrap metal commodities, ensuring materials are sorted properly and that heavy or oversized items do not contaminate the sheet iron pile
- Learn and identify different metal types and commodities to handle materials accurately and support the quality of outgoing product
- Maintain a clean and hazard-free work environment by removing debris, monitoring work zones, and ensuring all flammable or hazardous materials (e.g., gas tanks, propane tanks, batteries) are properly identified and stored in designated areas.
- Use two-way radio communication clearly and frequently to coordinate movement, relay safety concerns, report deductions, and promote efficient team operations.
- Support safe and accurate unloading of customer deliveries, directing them to proper drop zones while maintaining traffic flow and hazard awareness.
- Collaborate with team members and supervisors to maintain smooth operations, strong communication, and a shared commitment to safety and quality
- Report equipment concerns, material issues, or safety risks promptly to supervisors or maintenance personnel to ensure timely response and resolution
- Participate in ongoing safety training, follow all PPE and safety procedures, and promote a safety-first culture in all activities
- Perform general yard duties as needed and assist with clean-up and shutdown procedures to ensure the site is secure and ready for the next shift
- Carry out other duties as assigned, always upholding operational excellence and commitment to safety and sustainability.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and that additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
