Excavator Operator

We are seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to operate heavy machinery within a busy metal recycling plant. The role requires strong excavator operating skills, sound judgement, attention to safety, and the ability to efficiently handle, sort, move and load various types of scrap metal and recyclable materials.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safely and efficiently operate excavators to handle, move, sort and load scrap metal and recyclable materials throughout the recycling yard.
• Use excavator attachments, including grabs, buckets and other material-handling equipment, to process and position metal efficiently.
• Load and unload scrap metal and recyclable materials from trucks, containers and processing areas.
• Sort and separate different types of scrap metal and materials using the excavator, ensuring materials are placed in the appropriate designated areas.
• Feed scrap metal and recyclable materials into processing machinery, including shredders, shears or other plant equipment as required.
• Build, maintain and manage material stockpiles within the yard while ensuring safe and efficient use of available space.
• Assist with the movement and positioning of oversized, heavy or difficult-to-handle metal items using the excavator.
• Carry out daily pre-start inspections and identify any mechanical, hydraulic or operational issues with the excavator or attachments.
• Report machinery faults, damage or maintenance requirements promptly and assist with keeping equipment in safe operating condition.
• Maintain a high level of awareness around pedestrians, trucks, other mobile plant and machinery operating within the recycling yard.
• Follow all site health and safety procedures, including exclusion zones, traffic management requirements and safe material-handling practices.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working area around the excavator and recycling operations.
• Work closely with yard staff, truck drivers, supervisors and other machine operators to ensure the efficient flow of materials through the recycling plant.
• Accurately follow instructions regarding material placement, loading priorities and daily production requirements.
• Operate the excavator in a controlled and efficient manner to maximise productivity while minimising damage to machinery, equipment and materials.
• Undertake other excavator and material-handling duties as directed by management.